Stuffed Seafood Soup in a Bread Bowl is the ultimate comfort food. Combining the creamy richness of a seafood chowder with the satisfying crusty bread bowl, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. Here’s how to create this indulgent and hearty meal at home.
Ingredients
For the Seafood Soup:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups seafood stock or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, clams, and/or crab meat)
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Bread Bowls:
- 4 large sourdough or crusty bread rolls
- Olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
Optional Garnishes:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped chives
- Extra parsley
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Bowls
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice off the tops of the bread rolls and hollow out the inside, leaving about ½ inch of bread as a shell. Save the removed bread for dipping or another use.
- Brush the inside and outside of the bread bowls with olive oil or melted butter.
- Place the bread bowls on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until slightly crisp. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion, garlic, celery, and carrot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Create the Soup Base
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually add the seafood stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the heavy cream and white wine (if using). Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Add the Seafood
- Add the mixed seafood to the pot and season with Old Bay, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and tender. Be careful not to overcook.
- Stir in fresh parsley.
Step 5: Assemble the Bread Bowls
- Ladle the hot seafood soup into the prepared bread bowls.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, chopped chives, or additional parsley, if desired.
- Serve immediately with the bread tops on the side.
Tips for the Best Seafood Soup Bread Bowl
- Fresh Seafood: Use the freshest seafood you can find for the best flavor and texture.
- Thicker Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the soup during Step 4.
- Customizable Seafood: Choose your favorite seafood combination based on availability or personal preference.
- Bread Options: If sourdough isn’t available, try other crusty bread varieties like French bread or ciabatta.
- Make Ahead: The soup can be made a day in advance and reheated before serving. Bake the bread bowls fresh for the best texture.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (1 bread bowl with soup):
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Indulgent Comfort Food: The creamy seafood soup paired with the warm, crusty bread bowl is a match made in heaven.
- Customizable: You can adjust the seafood and seasoning to your liking.
- Impressive Presentation: Perfect for entertaining guests or elevating a family dinner.
- One-Dish Meal: No need for extra sides—the bread bowl is part of the meal!
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce for heat.
- Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and serve the soup in regular bowls with bread on the side.
- Vegetable Additions: Add diced potatoes, corn, or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Serve the soup in a gluten-free bread bowl or regular bowl to accommodate dietary restrictions.