Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this stuffed seafood bread bowl! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, filled with a delicious, savory mixture of shrimp and crab that just dances on your taste buds. I stumbled upon this recipe during a cozy gathering with friends, and it quickly became a go-to for any occasion. The blend of cream cheese, Parmesan, and spices creates a creamy filling that perfectly complements the crusty bread bowl. Trust me, there’s nothing like scooping out that hearty seafood filling with pieces of the bread—you’ll want to savor every bite! It’s become a favorite in my home, whether I’m serving it as a fancy appetizer or just a comforting weeknight dinner. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll fall in love just like I did!
Ingredients List
- 1 large bread bowl
- 1 cup shrimp, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup crab meat
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key to getting that perfect golden brown on your stuffed seafood bread bowl!
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, crab meat, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until everything is well blended and creamy—this is where the magic happens!
- Now, take your large bread bowl and carefully hollow it out. Save that inner bread—you’ll want it for dipping later! Just scoop it out, leaving enough bread on the sides to hold all that delicious filling.
- Next, fill the hollowed bread bowl with your seafood mixture, packing it in gently but firmly. You want every bite to be bursting with flavor!
- Pop the filled bread bowl into the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the top is slightly golden. Your kitchen is going to smell incredible!
- Once it’s ready, take it out and let it cool for just a minute. Then, serve warm with those lovely bread pieces for dipping. Enjoy every savory bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
- Flavor-packed filling that combines the delightful tastes of shrimp and crab with creamy cheese.
- Versatile dish that works great as an appetizer for parties or as a comforting main course.
- Everyone loves a fun, interactive meal—scooping out the filling with the bread is such a hit!
- Customizable! You can easily substitute different seafood or adjust the spices to suit your taste.
- Looks impressive on the table but is so simple to make—it’s a win-win!
Tips for Success
Getting that stuffed seafood bread bowl just right is all about a few key tricks! Here are my top tips to ensure your dish is a hit:
- Use Fresh Seafood: Whenever possible, opt for fresh shrimp and crab meat. It makes a world of difference in flavor! Frozen seafood can work too, just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry to avoid excess moisture.
- Adjust the Spices: Don’t be afraid to play around with the spices! If you love a bit of heat, add some cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. For a more aromatic flavor, toss in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
- Experiment with Cheese: While cream cheese and Parmesan are delicious, feel free to swap in other cheeses like gouda or cheddar for a different flavor profile. Just make sure they melt well!
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the seafood filling a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Just fill the bread bowl and bake when you’re ready to serve. It’s a great time-saver!
- Don’t Skip the Dipping: Save that inner bread for dipping! It adds a wonderful texture and is perfect for getting every last bit of that creamy filling. You can even toast the bread pieces for some extra crunch!
Variations
One of the best things about the stuffed seafood bread bowl is how versatile it is! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up and make this dish your own:
- Different Seafood: Swap out shrimp and crab for other seafood like scallops, lobster, or even a mix of your favorites. Each type brings its unique flavor to the dish!
- Add Vegetables: Mix in some sautéed spinach, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers for an extra burst of flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to chop them finely so they blend well with the seafood.
- Spice It Up: If you love a kick, try adding some diced jalapeños or a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the filling. It’ll bring a whole new level of excitement to your bread bowl!
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs can elevate this dish! Consider adding chopped dill, chives, or parsley to the mixture for a fresh, aromatic touch.
- Cheesy Goodness: Experiment with different cheeses! Feta or goat cheese can add a tangy flavor, while mozzarella provides a delightful gooeyness that everyone will love.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover stuffed seafood bread bowl can be just as delicious the next day, so don’t let it go to waste! To store, simply wrap any uneaten portions tightly in plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. This will help keep the flavors fresh and prevent the bread from becoming stale. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the bread bowl on a baking sheet. Cover it loosely with foil to prevent the bread from getting too hard, and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions if you’re in a hurry, but be careful not to overdo it, as the bread can get chewy. Just heat for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking frequently. Enjoy that warm, savory goodness all over again!
Nutritional Information
It’s important to note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this information an estimate. Each serving of this stuffed seafood bread bowl is packed with flavor and a decent balance of nutrients to keep you satisfied. Here’s a general breakdown:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 15g
Whether you’re enjoying it as an appetizer or a main course, this dish is a delightful way to indulge while still getting some essential nutrients. Enjoy!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen seafood for the stuffed seafood bread bowl?
Absolutely! Frozen seafood works perfectly; just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before mixing. This helps prevent excess moisture, so your filling stays creamy and delicious!
How long can I store leftovers?
You can store any leftover stuffed seafood bread bowl in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to wrap it tightly or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the seafood filling a few hours in advance! Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to fill the bread bowl and bake it. It’s a great way to save time when entertaining!
What other types of bread can I use?
If you don’t have a bread bowl, you can use any crusty bread like a sourdough loaf or even mini baguettes. Just hollow them out in the same way, and you’ll have a fantastic way to enjoy that savory seafood filling!
Is the stuffed seafood bread bowl spicy?
The recipe as written isn’t spicy, but feel free to add a kick! You can mix in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the seafood filling if you like it hot. Customize it to your taste!
For more delicious seafood recipes, check out Food Network’s seafood recipes or explore AllRecipes for seafood dishes.
Z nadrukami
Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl: 5 Irresistibly Creamy Delights
- Całkowity Czas: 45 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Seafood
Opis
A delicious stuffed seafood bread bowl filled with a savory mixture of seafood and spices.
Składniki
- 1 large bread bowl
- 1 cup shrimp, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup crab meat
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix shrimp, crab meat, cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Hollow out the bread bowl, saving the inner bread for later use.
- Fill the bread bowl with the seafood mixture.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.
- Serve warm, using the saved bread for dipping.
Uwagi
- Adjust spices according to your taste.
- Use any seafood of your choice.
- Can be served as an appetizer or main dish.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Appetizer
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 bowl
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 20g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 10g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 30g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Słowa kluczowe: stuffed seafood bread bowl, seafood, appetizer, baked bread bowl