A Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is the ultimate indulgence, featuring a savory, creamy seafood filling served in a warm, hollowed-out bread bowl. This dish is a perfect centerpiece for a special occasion, casual gathering, or cozy dinner. The rich seafood mixture is packed with shrimp, crab, and other seafood, seasoned perfectly, and baked inside a soft, crusty bread bowl for a deliciously unique presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is a showstopper with its irresistible blend of creamy seafood and the rich flavor of freshly baked bread. It’s an elegant yet easy-to-make dish that combines comfort food with sophistication. Plus, the bread bowl absorbs all the delicious filling, making every bite even more flavorful. It’s perfect for seafood lovers and great for sharing!
Ingredients
For the Seafood Filling:
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1/2 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
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1/2 lb crab meat (fresh, canned, or imitation)
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1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
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1/4 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon onion powder
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1/4 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for added texture)
For the Bread Bowl:
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1 large round sourdough or artisan bread loaf
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1-2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
Directions
Make the Seafood Filling:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, parsley, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
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Gently fold in the chopped shrimp and crab meat. If you like a bit of texture, leave some larger pieces of seafood, or you can finely chop them for a smoother filling.
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If you prefer a slightly firmer filling, fold in the breadcrumbs to give it a little more structure. Set the mixture aside.
Prepare the Bread Bowl:
5. Cut off the top of the bread loaf, creating a lid. Hollow out the inside of the loaf, being careful not to tear the sides of the bread. Leave about a 1-inch border around the edges. Set the bread pieces aside to dip or serve alongside the bowl.
6. Lightly brush the inside of the hollowed-out bread bowl with olive oil, then place it on a baking sheet.
Stuff the Bread Bowl:
7. Spoon the prepared seafood mixture into the hollowed-out bread bowl, packing it in gently to ensure it fits tightly.
8. Place the filled bread bowl in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the seafood mixture is hot, bubbly, and golden on top. If you’d like an extra crispy top, broil the bread bowl for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Serve and Enjoy:
9. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with the bread lid and extra bread pieces for dipping.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 4-6 servings. Prep time is about 15 minutes, and bake time is 25-30 minutes, so total time is around 45 minutes.
Variations
I like to:
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Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the seafood filling for extra flavor and texture.
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Use a combination of other seafood, like lobster, scallops, or clams, to make the filling even more decadent.
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Swap the Parmesan and mozzarella for Gruyère or a sharp cheddar for a different cheese flavor.
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Add a splash of white wine or a dash of hot sauce to the seafood mixture for a little extra depth of flavor.
Storage/Reheating
If you have leftovers, store the seafood filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The bread bowl is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftover filling separately and reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or in the microwave until heated through.
FAQs
Can I make the seafood filling ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the seafood mixture a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and then stuff it into the bread bowl before baking. This makes the recipe even easier to prepare when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, you can use any hearty round bread for this recipe, such as a boule, French bread, or even a rustic multigrain loaf. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free bread loaf and substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or omit them entirely for a gluten-free version.
Conclusion
Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is a show-stopping dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich, creamy seafood filling and warm, crusty bread, it’s both a satisfying and impressive meal. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish for a dinner party or a fun appetizer for a crowd, it’s sure to delight seafood lovers and guests alike. Enjoy every cheesy, seafood-filled bite!

Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Description
A Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is the ultimate indulgence, featuring a savory, creamy seafood filling served in a warm, hollowed-out bread bowl. This dish is a perfect centerpiece for a special occasion, casual gathering, or cozy dinner. The rich seafood mixture is packed with shrimp, crab, and other seafood, seasoned perfectly, and baked inside a soft, crusty bread bowl for a deliciously unique presentation.
Ingredients
For the Seafood Filling:
1/2 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
1/2 lb crab meat (fresh, canned, or imitation)
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for added texture)
For the Bread Bowl:
1 large round sourdough or artisan bread loaf
1–2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
Instructions
- Make the Seafood Filling: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, parsley, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in the chopped shrimp and crab meat. If you like a bit of texture, leave some larger pieces of seafood, or you can finely chop them for a smoother filling.
- If you prefer a slightly firmer filling, fold in the breadcrumbs to give it a little more structure. Set the mixture aside.
- Prepare the Bread Bowl: Cut off the top of the bread loaf, creating a lid. Hollow out the inside of the loaf, being careful not to tear the sides of the bread. Leave about a 1-inch border around the edges. Set the bread pieces aside to dip or serve alongside the bowl.
- Lightly brush the inside of the hollowed-out bread bowl with olive oil, then place it on a baking sheet.
- Stuff the Bread Bowl: Spoon the prepared seafood mixture into the hollowed-out bread bowl, packing it in gently to ensure it fits tightly.
- Place the filled bread bowl in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the seafood mixture is hot, bubbly, and golden on top. If you’d like an extra crispy top, broil the bread bowl for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with the bread lid and extra bread pieces for dipping.
Notes
Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the seafood filling for extra flavor and texture.
Use a combination of other seafood, like lobster, scallops, or clams, to make the filling even more decadent.
Swap the Parmesan and mozzarella for Gruyère or a sharp cheddar for a different cheese flavor.
Add a splash of white wine or a dash of hot sauce to the seafood mixture for a little extra depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Appetizer
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: Varies depending on ingredients used
- Sugar: Varies
- Sodium: Varies
- Fat: Varies depending on cream cheese and seafood used
- Saturated Fat: Varies
- Unsaturated Fat: Varies
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Varies
- Fiber: Varies
- Protein: Varies
- Cholesterol: Varies depending on seafood and cheese used