Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe

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As a baker, I’ve always been fascinated by dishes that combine hearty bread with flavorful fillings, and the Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is one of my all-time favorites. I first tried creating this recipe on a rainy weekend when I wanted something comforting yet impressive enough to serve to friends. The combination of tender seafood, creamy sauce, and a crusty bread bowl instantly won over everyone at the table. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a recipe I keep coming back to, whether for family dinners or casual gatherings.

You will love this recipe because it brings the elegance of a seafood dish together with the rustic charm of fresh bread. It is indulgent but approachable, sophisticated yet simple to prepare. The beauty of the stuffed bread bowl is how versatile it can be: you can serve it as an appetizer for a dinner party, a main course for a cozy weekend meal, or even portion it out as individual servings for a fun lunch idea.

Not only is this recipe versatile, but it is also affordable. Using everyday ingredients like fresh seafood, chicken ham, turkey bacon, and a homemade cream sauce, it creates a restaurant-quality dish without breaking the bank. You can adapt it to what’s available at your local market, making it a practical choice for home cooks who want to impress without overspending.

Ingredients for the Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl:

  • 1 large round bread loaf (sourdough or country-style)

  • 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped

  • 1 cup cooked crab meat

  • 1/2 cup cooked scallops, chopped

  • 1/2 cup chicken ham, diced

  • 1/4 cup turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 1 1/2 cups milk (or dairy-free alternative)

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

This recipe perfectly balances indulgence, flavor, and practicality. It transforms a simple loaf of bread into a centerpiece that everyone will admire and enjoy. From its crispy, golden exterior to the creamy seafood filling inside, the Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is a dish that makes every meal feel special and memorable.

How to Prepare

Preparing the Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl may seem impressive, but it is actually quick and easy when you follow the steps carefully. The process can be broken down into preparing the bread, cooking the seafood filling, assembling, and baking. Each step ensures that the flavors meld perfectly while maintaining the bread’s crisp exterior and soft interior.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your bread bowl will bake evenly and the filling will be heated through without drying out.

  2. Prepare the bread bowl: Using a sharp knife, cut off the top of the bread loaf. Carefully hollow out the inside, leaving about 1-inch thickness of bread around the edges. Set aside the removed bread chunks—they can be toasted for croutons later.

  3. Cook the aromatics: In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, making sure it does not burn.

  4. Make the cream sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the butter and onion mixture, stirring continuously for about 1–2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the milk to prevent lumps, and continue stirring until the mixture thickens into a smooth, creamy sauce.

  5. Add the cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheese until fully melted. The sauce should be smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.

  6. Prepare the seafood filling: Gently fold in the chopped shrimp, crab meat, scallops, diced chicken ham, and crumbled turkey bacon. Ensure the seafood is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

  7. Assemble the bread bowl: Spoon the seafood mixture into the hollowed-out bread loaf, packing it gently but firmly so the filling is evenly distributed. Top with a little extra cheese if desired.

  8. Bake: Place the stuffed bread loaf on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes. The top should turn golden brown, and the filling should be bubbling slightly.

  9. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. Slice into portions and serve immediately.

Quick and Easy Tips:

  • You can prepare the seafood and sauce in advance, then assemble just before baking.

  • Swap in seasonal seafood or leftover cooked protein for a customizable twist.

  • This recipe is popular at gatherings because it combines eye-catching presentation with rich, comforting flavors.

By following these steps, you’ll achieve a dish that is both visually stunning and delightfully satisfying. Each bite offers a creamy, savory filling inside a perfectly baked bread bowl, making it a favorite for both family meals and entertaining guests.

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Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe

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The Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is a comforting, elegant dish that combines a golden, crusty bread loaf with a creamy, savory seafood filling. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or special occasions, this recipe is both visually impressive and delicious.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large round bread loaf (sourdough or country-style)
  • 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
  • 1 cup cooked crab meat
  • 1/2 cup cooked scallops, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chicken ham, diced
  • 1/4 cup turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups milk (or dairy-free alternative)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut off the top of the bread loaf and hollow out the inside, leaving a 1-inch thick shell. Reserve removed bread for croutons if desired.
  3. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk until thickened into a smooth sauce.
  5. Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheese until melted. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
  6. Fold in shrimp, crab meat, scallops, chicken ham, and turkey bacon, coating evenly with the sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Spoon the seafood mixture into the hollowed bread bowl. Top with extra cheese if desired.
  8. Place stuffed loaf on a baking sheet and bake 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
  9. Let cool 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

You can prepare the filling in advance and assemble just before baking.

Use bread with a firm crust to prevent sogginess.

Optional: Toast reserved bread pieces for croutons.

  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 25

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FAQs

1. Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
Yes, frozen seafood works well. Make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the seafood filling and hollow out the bread bowl a few hours in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before baking for the best texture.

3. Can I use different types of bread?
Yes, sourdough or a sturdy country-style loaf works best, but you can experiment with other round loaves. Just ensure the bread is firm enough to hold the filling without collapsing.

4. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Replace the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free cheese. The texture will remain creamy while keeping it dairy-free.

5. Can I freeze the stuffed bread bowl?
It is not recommended to freeze the fully assembled dish because the bread may become soggy. However, you can freeze the seafood filling separately and bake in a fresh bread bowl when ready.

6. Can I adjust the spiciness?
Yes, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped chili to the sauce if you prefer a little heat.

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