Description
This Creamy Shrimp Seafood Bread Bowl is a decadent, cheesy meal that blends tender shrimp, lump crab, and sautéed veggies into a rich, savory filling baked right into a golden bread loaf. With cream cheese, mozzarella, and Old Bay seasoning, it’s the ultimate comfort dish for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer at parties.
The hollowed-out bread soaks in all the seafood goodness while maintaining a crisp edge, and the result is a creamy, bubbling masterpiece you’ll want to dig into with a spoon—or your favorite bread dippers. Inspired by the best of comfort food dinners, this dish captures the magic of seafood and cheese in one unforgettable bowl.
Ingredients
- 1 large round bread loaf (sourdough or Italian), hollowed out
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chopped celery
- ½ cup chopped red bell pepper
- ½ lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- ½ lb lump crab meat (or imitation crab, shredded)
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil.
Cut the top off the bread loaf and hollow out the center, leaving about a 1-inch shell. Set aside the removed bread for dipping or another use.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in crab meat, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes, then remove from heat.
In a bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Mix until smooth.
Stir in the cooked seafood mixture, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese.
Spoon the mixture into the hollowed-out bread bowl and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until hot and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm with the reserved bread pieces or crackers.
Notes
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Use fresh seafood for the best texture, or ensure frozen varieties are fully thawed and dry.
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Toast the bread bowl lightly before filling to prevent sogginess.
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Customize with other proteins like lobster or scallops, or make it vegetarian with mushrooms and spinach.
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Serve immediately after baking for the best texture and presentation.
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Perfect for dinner, potlucks, or holiday gatherings—just scale up and serve in multiple mini bread bowls.