If you’re a fan of creamy seafood chowders and cheesy, indulgent comfort food, this Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is your dream come true. Picture a golden sourdough bowl loaded with a decadent mix of shrimp, crab, and creamy cheese sauce, baked until bubbling and crisp on top. It's the perfect centerpiece for a cozy dinner, special weekend treat, or show-stopping appetizer.

This recipe is rich, flavorful, and easy to customize — whether you want to spice it up, lighten it with veggies, or go full luxury with lobster. Think of it as seafood chowder meets cheesy dip in an edible bowl.

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🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Bread Bowls:

• 4 small round sourdough bread boules
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)

For the Seafood Filling:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ red bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup celery, finely chopped
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup seafood stock or chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 oz cooked shrimp, chopped
• 6 oz lump crab meat (or imitation crab, flaked)
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (plus extra for garnish)
• Juice of ½ lemon

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread Bowls

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Slice the tops off the sourdough boules and hollow out the centers (leave about ½ inch of bread inside).
• Brush inside and outside with olive oil or melted butter.
• Place on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden and crisp. Remove and set aside.

2. Make the Seafood Filling

• In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil.
• Sauté onion, garlic, bell pepper, and celery until soft, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the flour to form a roux. Cook 1–2 minutes until slightly golden.
• Slowly whisk in milk, cream, and seafood stock until smooth.
• Stir in Old Bay, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Simmer on low until thickened, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the Seafood and Cheese

• Gently fold in shrimp, crab, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
• Stir until cheese is melted and the mixture is thick and creamy.
• Finish with lemon juice and chopped parsley.

4. Assemble and Bake

• Spoon the hot seafood mixture into each toasted bread bowl.
• Optional: Sprinkle extra cheese on top.
• Bake again at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until the tops are bubbly and golden.

5. Serve

• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
• Serve with the bread tops or scooped-out centers for dipping!

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🧂 Optional Add-Ins

• Lobster for a luxe upgrade
• Cayenne pepper or hot sauce for heat
• Spinach, corn, or mushrooms for added texture
• White wine (add ¼ cup while sautéing the veggies)

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📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	540 kcal
Protein	32g
Carbohydrates	32g
Fat	34g
Saturated Fat	15g
Sodium	880mg
Fiber	2g

Values may vary depending on bread and seafood type.

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💡 Tips & Tricks

• Prep ahead: Make the seafood filling up to a day in advance and reheat gently before filling the bowls.
• Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and skip the second layer of cheese.
• Don’t skip toasting the bread bowls — it keeps them from getting soggy!
• Use fresh herbs like thyme or dill for extra aromatic depth.

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✨ From My Kitchen

This recipe has become one of my favorite ways to indulge in seafood without spending hours in the kitchen. It feels restaurant-fancy but comes together with pantry staples and frozen shrimp. When guests see these bubbling, golden bread bowls hit the table, jaws drop — and so does the bread into the creamy center!

Whether you're planning a cozy date night or a fun dinner party, this dish never fails to impress.