Rich and creamy seafood filling served in crispy, golden bread bowls is the ultimate indulgence for any seafood lover. This dish combines a comforting creamy texture with the savory flavors of shrimp, crab, and scallops, making it perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elegant Presentation: Served in bread bowls, this dish is as beautiful as it is delicious.
• Rich and Flavorful: The seafood filling is creamy, cheesy, and seasoned to perfection.
• Versatile: Customize the seafood mix or adjust the spices to suit your taste.
• Comfort Food Classic: Combines the best of creamy soups and crusty bread for a hearty meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Seafood Filling

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup carrots, finely chopped (optional)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups seafood stock (or chicken stock)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 pound crab meat (lump or imitation)
• 1/2 pound scallops, chopped (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or your favorite seafood seasoning)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Bread Bowls

• 4 small sourdough or crusty bread bowls
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Bowls

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice off the tops of the bread bowls and hollow out the centers, leaving enough bread around the edges to hold the filling.
3. Brush the inside and outside with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder.
4. Place the bread bowls on a baking sheet and bake for 10–15 minutes, until slightly crispy.

Step 2: Make the Seafood Filling

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
2. Sauté the onion, garlic, celery, and carrots for 5–7 minutes, until softened.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw taste.
4. Gradually whisk in the seafood stock, ensuring no lumps form. Bring to a simmer.
5. Stir in the heavy cream, then add the shrimp, crab meat, and scallops. Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the seafood is fully cooked.
6. Season with Old Bay, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and parsley.

Step 3: Assemble the Bread Bowls

1. Remove the bread bowls from the oven and ladle the seafood filling into each one.
2. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top, if desired.

Step 4: Serve

1. Garnish with additional parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for color.
2. Serve hot with the bread tops on the side for dipping.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 4

Variations

• Seafood Swap: Replace scallops with clams or mussels, or use lobster for a luxurious touch.
• Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable stock and replace seafood with a medley of mushrooms and spinach.
• Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
• Cheese Lovers: Mix in Gruyère or mozzarella for an extra cheesy filling.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the filling on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Toast fresh bread bowls for serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked seafood?

Yes, but reduce the cooking time to avoid overcooking. Add pre-cooked seafood during the last 2–3 minutes.

2. What type of bread works best?

Sourdough or crusty bread with a firm structure is ideal for holding the filling.

3. Can I freeze the seafood filling?

Yes, cool the filling completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

4. Can I make the bread bowls ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and bake the bread bowls up to a day in advance. Store in an airtight container and reheat before serving.

5. Can I thicken the filling more?

For a thicker filling, add an extra tablespoon of flour or simmer longer to reduce the liquid.

6. Is seafood stock necessary?

Seafood stock enhances the flavor, but chicken stock is a suitable substitute.

7. Can I add wine to the filling?

Yes, deglaze the pan with 1/4 cup of white wine after sautéing the vegetables for added depth.

8. How do I prevent soggy bread bowls?

Bake the bread bowls until crispy and serve immediately to avoid sogginess.

9. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free flour and bread bowls for a gluten-free version.

10. What side dishes pair well with this?

A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables complement this dish beautifully.

Conclusion

Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowls are the ultimate comfort food, combining rich, creamy seafood filling with crispy bread. Perfect for a special dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is as satisfying as it is impressive. Serve it with the bread tops for dipping and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal!

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