Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe

Name: Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 large sourdough bread bowl; 1/2 lb cooked shrimp, chopped; 1/2 lb lump crab meat; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tbsp lemon juice

The moment you place a stuffed seafood bread bowl in the center of your dinner table, something magical happens. Conversation stops, eyes widen, and everyone leans in for a closer look. I discovered this show-stopping dish during a coastal vacation years ago, and trust me, I’ve been perfecting my version ever since. There’s something irresistible about tearing into a crusty sourdough bowl filled with creamy seafood goodness each bite delivering that perfect combination of soft bread soaked with savory sauce and tender morsels of seafood. It’s comfort food elevated to impressive heights that’s actually easier to make than it looks!

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl

Impressive Presentation – Serves as both a delicious meal and stunning centerpiece for any gathering
Customizable Filling – Works beautifully with whatever seafood you have available or is freshest at your market
Reduced Cleanup – The edible bowl means one less dish to wash, and everyone loves eating the sauce-soaked bread
Perfect for Sharing – Creates a natural communal dining experience that brings people together

Contents

Ingredients for Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl

Sourdough bread boule – The sturdy vessel for our seafood filling (choose a medium-large size with a good crust)
Shrimp – Provides sweet, tender texture (medium to large size works best, peeled and deveined)
Scallops – Adds a buttery richness (bay scallops are perfect, or chopped sea scallops)
Crabmeat – Brings delicate sweetness (lump crab is ideal, but claw meat works well too)
Butter – Creates the base of our sauce (use unsalted to control the seasoning)
Garlic – Provides aromatic foundation (fresh cloves, minced)
Shallots – Offers subtle onion flavor that doesn’t overpower the seafood
White wine – Deglazes the pan and adds depth (something dry that you’d drink)
Heavy cream – Creates luxurious sauce texture
Cream cheese – Adds body and tanginess to the sauce
Parmesan cheese – Provides savory depth and helps thicken the filling
Fresh herbs – Brightens the rich filling (dill, parsley, and chives work beautifully)
Lemon zest and juice – Balances the richness with brightness
Old Bay seasoning – The classic seafood seasoning that brings everything together

How to Make Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Bowl

Use a serrated knife to cut a circular opening in the top of a sourdough boule, leaving about a 1-inch border. Hollow out the inside, creating a bowl shape with ¾-inch thick walls. Tear the removed bread into chunks, place on a baking sheet with the “lid,” drizzle with olive oil, and toast at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Seafood

Pat ½ pound each of shrimp and scallops dry and season with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Quickly sear the seafood (about 1 minute per side) until just barely cooked. Remove to a plate.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon butter, 2 minced shallots, and 4 cloves minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant. Add ½ cup white wine, scraping up browned bits, and reduce by half. Lower heat and add 1 cup heavy cream and 4 ounces cream cheese. Stir until smooth, then add ½ cup parmesan, 1 tablespoon Old Bay, lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.

Preparing creamy seafood filling for Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe

Step 4: Combine the Seafood Filling

Gently fold the seared seafood and ½ pound lump crabmeat into the sauce. Add 2 tablespoons each of chopped dill and parsley, plus 1 tablespoon snipped chives. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Brush the bread bowl with olive oil and bake at 350°F for 5 minutes to crisp. Fill with the hot seafood mixture, sprinkle with ¼ cup parmesan, and bake 10-15 minutes until bubbling and golden.

Step 6: Serve

Let rest 5 minutes, then bring to the table whole. Serve with the toasted bread pieces for dipping into the creamy seafood filling.

For a complete seafood feast experience, you might want to check out my Seafood Bake guide with tips on creating multiple seafood dishes that complement this bread bowl perfectly.

Pro Tips for Perfect Seafood Bread Bowl

Bread Selection Matters – Choose a dense, crusty sourdough that will hold up to the filling without getting soggy too quickly
Seafood Freshness – This dish really shines with the freshest seafood available, but good-quality frozen shrimp and scallops that have been properly thawed work well too
Don’t Overcook – Seafood continues cooking in the hot sauce, so it’s better to slightly undercook initially
Make-Ahead Strategy – Prepare the filling and bread bowl separately up to a day ahead, then assemble and bake just before serving

Variations to Try

Mediterranean Style – Add chopped artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, and substitute feta for the parmesan
Spicy Cajun – Add andouille sausage, increase the Old Bay, and include some cayenne pepper for heat
New England – Add corn kernels and diced potatoes for a chowder-inspired version
Italian Twist – For fans of fried seafood, incorporate elements from my popular Fried Calamari Recipe by adding crispy calamari as a topping just before serving

How to Serve Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl

This dish is perfect as a shared appetizer for 6-8 people or as a main course for 3-4. Serve it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. A cold bottle of Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the creamy seafood flavors.

For casual gatherings, place the bread bowl in the center of the table with small plates, forks, and plenty of napkins. The interactive nature of tearing off bread and scooping out filling creates a fun, communal dining experience.

Storage and Reheating

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, leftovers can be stored separately. Transfer any remaining filling to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Store any bread pieces in a paper bag at room temperature.

To reheat, warm the seafood filling in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore the creamy consistency. Toast the bread pieces separately. I don’t recommend microwaving as it can make the seafood tough.

FAQs About Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl

Can I use other types of bread besides sourdough?

Yes! While sourdough provides excellent structure and flavor, you can also use a round country loaf, boule, or even a large round rye bread. The key is choosing bread with a sturdy crust and dense crumb that can hold up to the filling without becoming soggy.

What if I can’t find fresh seafood?

Quality frozen seafood works wonderfully in this recipe. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight, then pat it thoroughly dry before searing. For crabmeat, pasteurized refrigerated crab is a good alternative to fresh when needed.

Can I make this ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! Prepare the seafood filling up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. The bread bowl can be hollowed out earlier in the day. When ready to serve, reheat the filling on the stovetop until hot, then proceed with assembly and final baking. This makes entertaining much less stressful.

How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

You can make economical substitutions while keeping the luxury feel. Use all shrimp instead of the shrimp-scallop-crab combination, or replace some of the seafood with chunks of firm white fish. Imitation crab can also work in a pinch, though the flavor won’t be quite as rich.

Final Thoughts

A stuffed seafood bread bowl combines impressive presentation with surprising simplicity giving you maximum impact for your effort. What I love most about this dish is how it transforms a casual get-together into a memorable dining experience. There’s something about gathering around a beautiful bread bowl filled with seafood treasures that encourages sharing, conversation, and the pure joy of good food.

Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply wanting to elevate a weeknight dinner, this seafood bread bowl delivers both comfort and elegance in every bite. The combination of crusty bread soaking up creamy, herb-flecked sauce with tender morsels of seafood creates a harmony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible.