I made this Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl for a family game night last month, and let me just say—it vanished in minutes.

There’s something magical about a warm, creamy seafood filling tucked inside a toasty sourdough bowl. It’s cheesy, a little zesty, and packed with tender shrimp and crab. The kind of appetizer that makes people gather around, dipping bread chunks and asking for the recipe before dinner’s even served.

Best part? It’s simple enough to whip up even on a weeknight. And it feels fancy without being fussy.

I’ve since made it for brunches, birthdays, and even a cozy Sunday dinner when I just wanted something indulgent and comforting. Every single time, it’s the first dish gone.

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl Recipe

If you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and seafood-forward, this dish is calling your name.

Here’s why it’s a repeat favorite in my house:

• Packed with flavor: Shrimp, crab, cheese, spices—it’s a flavor bomb
• Fast and easy: Less than 40 minutes start to finish
• Fun to eat: Pull-apart bread bowl pieces make this interactive
• Great for sharing: Perfect for parties, holidays, or movie night
• Customizable: Add veggies, spice, or different seafood
• Kid-approved: Even picky eaters devour this without question
• Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for prepping the night before a busy event

It’s everything you want in an appetizer: rich, creamy, slightly crispy, and totally addictive.

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make a Seafood Bread Bowl

The ingredient list is short and simple, with plenty of room for creative swaps.

• 1 large sourdough bread bowl (or round loaf of crusty bread)
• 1/2 lb cooked shrimp, chopped
• 1/2 lb lump crab meat
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional but delicious add-ins:

• A pinch of cayenne or a few drops of hot sauce for heat
• Parmesan cheese for topping
• A handful of fresh spinach, chopped and sautéed

How to Make a Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl

This recipe is super straightforward. Here’s how I do it:

1. Preheat your oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). You want a nice hot oven to get the bread toasty and the filling bubbly.

2. Prep the bread bowl

Slice off the top of your bread loaf and hollow it out, leaving about 1/2 inch of bread around the sides and bottom.

Set the bread chunks aside for dipping later. I like to toast these separately with a little olive oil.

3. Make the filling

In a large bowl, stir together:

• Cream cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Shredded mozzarella
• Green onions
• Garlic
• Old Bay seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Lemon juice

Mix until smooth and creamy. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Fold in the seafood

Gently fold in the shrimp and crab. Try not to overmix—just enough to distribute everything evenly.

If you’re using other ingredients like spinach or red bell pepper, fold them in now.

5. Fill and bake

Spoon the mixture into your prepared bread bowl.

Top with a sprinkle of extra cheese if you’re feeling indulgent.

Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is hot and bubbly.

You can also toast the bread chunks in the oven during the last 10 minutes.

6. Garnish and serve

Sprinkle a few green onions on top.

Serve warm with the reserved bread pieces, crackers, or sliced veggies like carrots, celery, or bell peppers.

My Tips for the Best Seafood Bread Bowl

This recipe’s pretty foolproof, but here are a few little tricks I’ve learned:

• Use fresh seafood if possible—it makes a big difference in flavor and texture
• Don’t overfill the bowl or it may leak while baking
• Soften your cream cheese fully before mixing to avoid lumps
• Make it spicy with cayenne, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños
• Prep ahead by assembling the filling and bread up to a day in advance, then bake when ready
• Toast your bread pieces—adds an amazing crunch for dipping

How to Serve This Seafood Bread Bowl

This dish is so versatile. Here are a few ways to make it shine:

For appetizers:

• Slice baguette rounds for dipping
• Offer crackers, pita chips, or tortilla scoops
• Use veggie sticks like celery, cucumber, or bell pepper

As a main dish:

• Pair with a fresh green salad and lemon vinaigrette
• Serve alongside roasted vegetables or soup
• Add a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon

For special occasions:

• Dress it up with a sprinkle of Parmesan or fresh herbs
• Add a drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon before serving
• Use mini bread bowls for individual servings

Fun Variations to Try

I love changing this up depending on what’s in my fridge or who I’m feeding.

Swap the seafood:

• Use canned crab if you’re in a pinch
• Try chopped cooked lobster or scallops
• Make it vegetarian with sautéed mushrooms and spinach
• Swap in shredded chicken for a family-friendly alternative

Add-ins and extras:

• Stir in diced red bell peppers for sweetness and color
• Add cooked bacon bits or pancetta for a salty kick
• Use sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or Gouda instead of mozzarella
• Try sun-dried tomatoes or caramelized onions for depth

Spice it up:

• Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
• Mix in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard
• Try chipotle powder or Cajun seasoning for a smoky edge
• Add a touch of horseradish or wasabi for a unique twist

FAQs About Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowls

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake when you’re ready. Let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Not really. The creamy filling doesn’t freeze well. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for a couple of days.

What kind of bread works best?

Sourdough is my go-to because it holds up well and has great flavor. But any hearty round loaf will work. Just avoid anything too soft.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Just use a gluten-free bread loaf and double-check your other ingredients for hidden gluten.

What if I don’t like crab?

No problem. Replace it with more shrimp, lobster, or even chicken for a twist. You can also go full vegetarian.

How do I store leftovers?

Scoop leftover filling into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven for best texture.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. Just use two bread bowls or one large one and adjust the bake time slightly.

What else can I dip in it?

Try pretzel bites, breadsticks, or garlic knots for an extra treat.

Final Thoughts on This Cheesy Seafood Bread Bowl

There’s something about this stuffed seafood bread bowl that always makes people pause mid-bite and go “Wow, what is this?”

It’s warm. creamy. It’s full of flavor and perfect for dipping. And it’s incredibly easy.

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering—or just something a little special for the weekend—this recipe is it.

It’s comforting but elevated. Easy but elegant. And always, always delicious.

Try it once and I promise, you’ll keep coming back to it.

More Recipes to Try

Here are more delightful treats to explore:

• Chocolate Banana Oat Muffins – Moist and healthy muffins combining ripe bananas, oats, and rich chocolate chips, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
• Honey Banana Oat Cake – A naturally sweetened cake blending ripe bananas, fiber-rich oats, and the natural goodness of honey for a wholesome dessert.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle – A decadent fusion of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and sweet bananas, layered with whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
• Coconut Pineapple Banana Bread – A tropical twist on classic banana bread, incorporating juicy pineapple and shredded coconut for extra flavor and moisture.
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread – A moist and spiced bread studded with rich chocolate chips, offering a delightful flavor perfect for fall mornings or dessert.

If you’re looking for even more delicious and creative recipe ideas, be sure to check out this great resource for inspiration: Easy Bagel with Lox Recipe

Love This Recipe? Save and Share!

If you’re drooling just thinking about this dish, don’t forget to pin it to your Pinterest board so you have it handy next time you’re hosting!

And if you make it, I’d love to hear—did you stick with shrimp and crab, or put your own twist on it? Let me know in the comments!

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