This stuffed seafood bread bowl is a fun and tasty treat! Picture fresh bread filled with creamy seafood, being the star of any gathering. It’s warm, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious!
I love serving it at parties; it’s always a crowd-pleaser! Plus, you can scoop up everything with the bread, making it a tasty experience. Who can resist a little dipping fun? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Bread: A round sourdough loaf is perfect as it’s sturdy and offers a tangy flavor. If sourdough isn’t available, you could use a crusty artisan bread or even a focaccia for a different twist.
Shrimp and Scallops: These seafood options are sweet and tender, but feel free to swap them out for other seafood like crab meat, lobster, or a mix of your favorites. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly!
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds richness. For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. Both provide creaminess and a touch of tang without the heaviness.
Old Bay Seasoning: This classic blend is a must for seafood dishes, giving it that unique flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use any seafood seasoning or even a mix of paprika, celery salt, and black pepper.
How Can I Get the Perfect Consistency When Mixing Ingredients?
Getting the right mix is essential for this recipe. When blending the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise, make sure they’re well-softened. This helps create a smooth and creamy base without lumps.
- Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend the cream cheese until it’s very smooth before adding the other ingredients.
- Mix in dry ingredients like Old Bay seasoning and spices thoroughly to ensure even flavor distribution.
- When folding in seafood, do it gently to avoid breaking the shrimp and scallops. You want to keep their texture!
How to Make a Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread Bowl:
- 1 large round sourdough bread loaf (about 1-2 lbs)
For the Seafood Filling:
- 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup sea scallops, chopped (or any seafood mix)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or seafood seasoning)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Paprika, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and about 25-30 minutes for baking. In total, you can enjoy your Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl in around 45 minutes! It’s a quick and delightful dish perfect for any gathering.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows the oven to reach the right temperature while you prepare the stuffing, ensuring a nice bake.
2. Prepare the Bread Bowl:
Take your large sourdough bread loaf and cut off the top carefully. Scoop out the insides, creating a hollow bowl. Don’t throw away the bread pieces you scoop out; you can use them for dipping or later in the recipe!
3. Mix the Creamy Filling:
In a big bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and grated Parmesan cheese. Use a spatula or a hand mixer to mix these together until everything is smooth and creamy. This will be the base of your delicious filling!
4. Add the Flavorings:
Now, add the minced garlic, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy), and season with salt and black pepper. Mix well until everything is blended perfectly. This is where the flavors come together!
5. Fold in the Seafood:
Gently fold in the shrimp and chopped scallops (or your seafood mix) into the creamy mixture. Make sure all the seafood is coated evenly with the delicious filling.
6. Fill the Bread Bowl:
Spoon the seafood mixture into your hollowed-out bread bowl, spreading it evenly so every bite is flavorful!
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place the stuffed bread bowl on a baking sheet. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and the top is bubbly and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing during this time!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once your Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a minute. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color. Serve it warm alongside the reserved bread pieces for dipping. Enjoy your flavorful creation!
Enjoy your delicious Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl!
Can I Substitute the Seafood in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use any seafood mix you prefer, such as crab, lobster, or even canned tuna. Just make sure to adjust the quantities to maintain the texture and flavor balance. If you’re using canned seafood, drain it well to avoid excess moisture in your filling.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffed seafood mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the bread bowl fresh, it’s best to keep the filling separate until you’re ready to reheat. When reheating, you can place the stuffing in any oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the seafood mixture a day in advance. Just keep it stored in the fridge, and then stuff the bread bowl and bake it just before serving. This will save you time and let the flavors marinate beautifully!
What Can I Serve with This Bread Bowl?
This stuffed seafood bread bowl pairs great with a crisp salad or some simple vegetable sides like roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli. The contrasting flavors make for a delightful and complete meal!
