Advertisements
A golden bread bowl brims with shrimp, crab, and scallops in a creamy, garlicky sauce, layered under mozzarella and Parmesan. The seafood is sautéed quickly with aromatics, then folded into rich cream and cheese before filling the toasted bread. After baking, the top emerges bubbly and golden, finished with fresh herbs for freshness. This dish is a showstopper at gatherings and a comforting treat for cozy evenings, balancing seafood sweetness, creamy texture, and crusty bread. Easily swapped with favorite seafood or cheese, it’s a rich, satisfying centerpiece for seafood lovers.
Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl fills your kitchen with the aroma of melting cheese and garlic and makes you feel like you are celebrating something special even on a regular night. Creamy shrimp, scallops, and sweet crab soak into a toasty bread bowl, bubbling under a cheesy crust. Every bite mixes rich flavors and soft and crusty textures—pure comfort with just enough wow factor for guests.
I first tried this for a New Year’s Eve get-together and was surprised at how easily it came together. Now when my family smells garlic and toasting bread they know what’s coming and everyone hurries to the table.
Advertisements
Ingredients
Large crusty bread bowl: using fresh sourdough or artisan bread gives you the perfect crunchy outside and soft inside for soaking up the sauceShrimp: peeled and deveined for sweet tenderness look for wild or sustainably raised if possibleCrab meat: adds a sweet and briny touch use lump meat for the best textureScallops: bring a mild richness choose small bay scallops for easier spoonfulsButter: gives the sauce depth and richness real butter is bestGarlic: minced to give a savory foundation pick fresh firm clovesShallot: adds gentle sweetness and complexity look for shiny tight bulbsHeavy cream: makes the sauce lush creamy texture opt for high-quality cream for best flavorCream cheese: brings tang and helps the sauce stay thick smooth out lumps before addingParmesan cheese: for nutty and salty flavor always grate fresh for best meltingMozzarella cheese: melts bubbling for that irresistible cheesy top whole milk mozzarella will brown nicestLemon juice: brightens the dish and balances the richness squeeze fresh for best zingFresh parsley: adds color and a pop of freshness chop just before usingSalt and pepper: to highlight all the flavors use good sea salt and fresh ground pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep the Bread Bowl: Slice the top off the bread and gently hollow out the soft center leaving about an inch around the edges so it holds its shape. Place the bread bowl on a baking sheet and toast in a 375-degree oven for eight to ten minutes until the crust gets crisp and the inside is lightly dried. This step keeps the bread from getting soggy once filled.
Make the Seafood Filling: Melt butter in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped shallots cooking gently for about three minutes until the shallots are translucent and the garlic is fragrant but not browned. This slow start unlocks a deep savory base.
Cook the Seafood: Add shrimp and scallops to the skillet. Spread them out so they cook evenly and let them turn just opaque about three minutes for medium-sized pieces. Stir in crab meat and warm through letting the flavors mingle without overcooking the delicate crab.
Creamy Sauce Build: Lower the heat and pour in heavy cream. Add cream cheese cubed for easy melting then lemon juice salt and pepper. Stir slowly until the cream cheese is fully melted and everything forms a thick velvety sauce. Do not let it boil so the sauce stays silky.
Add Cheese and Combine: Sprinkle in half of your mozzarella and Parmesan stirring until melted. The cheese brings everything together in a creamy savory mix that clings beautifully to the seafood.
Fill and Top the Bread Bowl: Spoon the seafood mixture into the toasted bread bowl filling all the way to the top. Pile on the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese making an even layer for a bubbling golden crust.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the filled bread bowl to the oven and bake for twelve to fifteen minutes until the cheese is browned and bubbling and the sauce is heated through.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve right away while it is molten and the bread is still crisp.
Advertisements
