Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the sourdough loaves and hollow out the centers, leaving about 3/4 inch of bread as a shell. Place the hollowed loaves on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add chopped shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3 minutes. Stir in the crab meat and cook for another minute.
  4. Sprinkle the flour over the seafood and stir well to coat. Slowly pour in the cream while stirring constantly, letting the mixture thicken slightly.
  5. Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika, if using. Remove from heat.
  6. Spoon the hot seafood filling into each toasted bread bowl until full. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.
  7. Return the filled bread bowls to the oven and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, or until the tops are golden and bubbling.
  8. Serve each bread bowl on a plate with the toasted tops on the side for dipping.

Variations :

  • Spicy Cajun Style: Add a dash of Cajun seasoning or a few drops of hot sauce for extra heat.
  • Lobster Upgrade: Substitute lobster for crab for an upscale version.
  • Vegetable Boost: Stir in chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted red peppers.
  • Cheese Swap: Use Gruyère or fontina instead of mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
  • Mini Appetizers: Use dinner roll-sized sourdoughs for party-friendly, individual portions.

Tips :

  • Toasting the bread bowls before filling helps prevent sogginess and adds crunch.
  • Use high-quality lump crab meat for the best texture and flavor.
  • Keep the filling thick enough to hold its shape—don’t over-thin with too much cream.
  • For a bubbly, golden top, broil the filled bowls for the last 2 minutes—but watch closely to avoid burning.
  • Leftover filling? Serve it over pasta or rice the next day.