Cheesy Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl

If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer or cozy party snack, this Stuffed Seafood Bread Bowl is it! 🦀🦐
It’s warm, creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender shrimp and sweet crab meat—all baked inside a crusty sourdough bread bowl. Perfect for sharing, dipping, and impressing your guests.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crowd-Pleasing & Comforting: The combination of creamy cheese and savory seafood is irresistible.
• No-Fuss Party Food: Everything bakes in one bread bowl for easy serving and cleanup.
• Versatile: Serve it as a game day snack, holiday appetizer, or even a cozy weekend treat.

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Ingredients (and Why They Work)

• 1 large sourdough bread bowl – Acts as an edible serving dish and adds a rustic crunch.
• ½ lb cooked shrimp, chopped – Adds tender, juicy bites of seafood flavor.
• ½ lb lump crab meat – Brings a sweet, delicate flavor that pairs perfectly with creamy cheese.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully for that gooey, cheesy pull.
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened – Gives the filling its rich, creamy base.
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise – Adds smoothness and depth to the filling.
• ¼ cup green onions, finely chopped – Brightens up the rich seafood mix.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced – Enhances the savory, aromatic flavor.
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning – Classic seafood seasoning with a perfect blend of spices.
• ½ tsp smoked paprika – Adds subtle smokiness to complement the seafood.
• 1 tbsp lemon juice – Cuts through the richness and keeps the flavor fresh.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Bread Bowl (What & Why):
   Hollow out the sourdough bread bowl, leaving a sturdy shell to hold the filling.
   This creates an edible baking dish and the removed bread doubles as dippers later!
2. Mix the Filling (What & Why):
   In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, mozzarella, green onions, garlic, Old Bay, smoked paprika, and lemon juice.
   Fold in the shrimp and crab gently.
   The creamy base binds everything together while the seasoning and lemon enhance the seafood’s natural flavor.
3. Fill & Bake (What & Why):
   Spoon the seafood mixture into the bread bowl, pressing it down evenly.
   Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
   Baking warms the seafood, melts the cheese, and crisps the bread edges for a perfect contrast of textures.
4. Serve & Enjoy:
   Garnish with extra green onions and serve warm with the bread chunks or crackers for dipping.
   The hot, cheesy filling is perfect for scooping and sharing!