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A sumptuous mix of juicy shrimp and delicate crab meat wrapped in a rich, cheesy sauce, all tucked inside a crispy sourdough loaf. This crowd-favorite starter turns basic components into something fancy enough for special occasions while being surprisingly quick to throw together.
I whipped this up for a party on New Year's Eve, and the completely empty bread at night's end said it all. It's now my go-to appetizer, with pals always asking for "that awesome seafood dip" whenever we hang out.
Key Ingredients
- Sourdough Bowl: Pick a solid, fresh loaf that won't fall apart
- Lump Crab: Worth paying more for the good stuff - you'll taste why
- Shrimp: Works with fresh or thawed frozen when prepped right
- Cream Cheese: Needs to be totally soft for easy blending
- Old Bay Seasoning: Gives that real seafood taste we all love
- Green Onions: Brings brightness and a pop of color
Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1:
- Pick your bread bowl wisely - should be day-fresh but firm.
- Step 2:
- Make a neat cut across the top for a pretty look.
- Step 3:
- Scoop out the inside bread without poking through the crust.
- Step 4:
- Make sure all seafood is completely dabbed dry.
- Step 5:
- Let cream cheese sit out until completely soft.
- Step 6:
- Blend the base ingredients until they're totally smooth.
- Step 7:
- Mix in seafood with a light touch to keep chunks intact.
- Step 8:
- Fill the bowl fully but don't smash it down.
- Step 9:
- Keep an eye on it while baking until it's perfectly gold.
- Step 10:
- Cool for a few minutes before digging in.
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Being raised near the shoreline, my grandma always said the best seafood needs very little fuss. This dish proves that point - simple, top-notch ingredients come together for something truly memorable.
Serving With Style
- Keep everything warm using candles underneath
- Set bread chunks in a circle around the bowl
- Give folks different things to dip
- Set out small dishes and plenty of napkins
- Have extra filling warming for seconds
I picked up all my serving tricks from my husband's mom, who always said "food needs to look good first." The way she paid attention to how things looked made every family dinner feel extra nice.
Getting The Heat Just Right
- The top should turn golden brown
- Watch for little bubbles around the edges
- Find ways to keep it warm throughout your party
- Don't get it too hot or the cheese gets oily
- Have more ready to go in the kitchen
Do-Ahead Tips
- Mix up the filling the night before
- Get your bread bowl ready early
- Keep filling and bread apart until cooking time
- Put it all together right before baking
- Cut extra bread for hungry guests
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What To Serve Alongside
- Fresh cut veggies
- Crunchy toasted bread slices
- Flavorful crackers
- Sprigs of herbs on top
- Fresh lemon pieces
This seafood-filled bread has become the dish everyone asks me to bring, showing up at so many celebrations over the years. It shows how sometimes the easiest combinations make the most unforgettable food, bringing friends together over warm, gooey comfort food that feels both casual and fancy at the same time.