Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about the combination of seafood, cream, and cheese, and when served inside a warm bread bowl, it’s simply irresistible. The shrimp and crab meat blend perfectly with the rich, creamy sauce, and the mozzarella topping adds an extra layer of indulgence. The bread bowl itself soaks up all the delicious flavors, making each bite a treat. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
- 4 large bread bowls (sourdough or your choice)
- ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ lb crab meat
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the crab meat and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream, then add the grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Cut the tops off the bread bowls and hollow out the insides, leaving a thick shell.
- Spoon the seafood mixture into each hollowed-out bread bowl. Top each with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Place the stuffed bread bowls on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Add veggies: Incorporate spinach or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
- Different seafood: If you prefer, you can substitute the crab meat with lobster or scallops for a fancier twist.
- Cheese options: Try using different cheeses like cheddar or Gruyère to switch up the flavor profile.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftover stuffed bread bowls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the seafood mixture is heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but the bread bowl may lose its crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of bread bowl, but sourdough is ideal for its sturdy texture and slightly tangy flavor.
Can I make the seafood mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the seafood mixture a day ahead, then refrigerate it. Just stuff the bread bowls and bake them when you're ready to serve.
Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen seafood and drain any excess moisture before using it in the recipe.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?
If you're looking for a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. Keep in mind that the sauce may not be as thick or creamy.
Can I make this recipe without the bread bowls?
Yes, if you prefer, you can serve the seafood mixture over a bed of rice or pasta instead of in bread bowls.
Can I add more seafood to the recipe?
Feel free to increase the amount of shrimp or crab meat. You can also add lobster, scallops, or mussels for an even more decadent dish.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the seafood with sautéed mushrooms or a mix of other vegetables like zucchini and spinach.
Can I freeze this dish?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the seafood mixture separately in an airtight container for up to 3 months. However, the bread bowls may become soggy after freezing.
How do I know when the seafood is fully cooked?
Shrimp should turn pink and opaque when fully cooked, and crab meat should be heated through. The seafood mixture should be slightly thickened and bubbly when done.
Can I adjust the seasoning to my taste?
Absolutely! Feel free to tweak the salt, pepper, or paprika to suit your personal taste. Add more or less seasoning as desired.
Conclusion
Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowls are a decadent and comforting dish that brings together seafood, cheese, and creamy goodness in an irresistible way. Whether you're serving them for a special occasion or a casual dinner, these bread bowls are sure to impress. With easy-to-follow directions and plenty of room for customization, this recipe is a must-try for seafood enthusiasts.
Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowls
These Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowls are a delicious and indulgent dish featuring creamy shrimp and crab meat stuffed into warm bread bowls. Topped with mozzarella cheese, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for seafood lovers and makes an impressive dish for any occasion. A satisfying blend of flavors with rich, cheesy seafood, this meal is sure to please.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 large bread bowls (sourdough or your choice)
- ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ lb crab meat
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add shrimp, cooking until pink and opaque, around 3-4 minutes. Stir in crab meat and cook for 2 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and add Parmesan cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Cut off the tops of the bread bowls and hollow out the insides, leaving a thick shell.
- Spoon the seafood mixture into each bread bowl. Top with shredded mozzarella.
- Place bread bowls on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Add spinach, bell peppers, or other vegetables for extra flavor.
- You can swap crab meat for lobster or scallops.
- To make it spicier, try cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
