Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl

This Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is an indulgent, savory dish that combines a creamy seafood filling with the deliciousness of a warm, freshly-baked bread bowl. It’s perfect for a party appetizer or a unique main dish. The flavors of shrimp, crab, and a rich cheesy sauce make this an unforgettable dish!

Ingredients:

For the Seafood Filling:

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined, chopped
1 cup crab meat (lump or imitation)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (optional, for extra seafood flavor)
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

For the Bread Bowl:

1 large round loaf of bread (such as sourdough or French bread)
Olive oil (for brushing the bread bowl)
1 clove garlic, cut in half (for rubbing the bread)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bread Bowl:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut off the top of the bread loaf and carefully hollow out the inside, leaving about a 1-inch border of bread. Set aside the bread scraps for serving (you can tear them into pieces for dipping).
Rub the inside and outside of the hollowed-out bread with the cut garlic cloves, then lightly brush with olive oil.
Place the bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bread is lightly toasted.

2. Cook the Seafood Filling:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the chopped shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until they turn pink and opaque. Add the crab meat and stir to combine.
Pour in the heavy cream, cream cheese, and Dijon mustard. Stir to combine and let the mixture cook for 3-4 minutes, until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce thickens.
Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is thick and creamy.
Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Assemble the Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl:

Carefully spoon the seafood mixture into the toasted bread bowl, packing it gently to ensure it’s filled well.
Return the stuffed bread bowl to the oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and slightly golden on top.

4. Serve:

Remove the stuffed bread bowl from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Serve the stuffed bread bowl with the reserved bread scraps, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Tips:

For Extra Flavor: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the seafood filling if you like a bit of spice.
Make it Ahead: You can prepare the seafood filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, just assemble and bake.
For a Creamier Filling: If you prefer a richer filling, you can add a little more cream cheese or heavy cream to the mixture.

This Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is a decadent and delicious dish that’s sure to impress your guests. Enjoy the creamy seafood filling with the warm, crusty bread for a truly delightful treat!