Description
This Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Bread Bowl is a delightful combination of succulent shrimp cooked in a creamy, cheesy garlic sauce, served in a hollowed-out artisan sourdough bread loaf. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, it features melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses blended into a rich sauce, accented with garlic and spices, then baked until bubbly and golden. Serve it with crusty bread cubes for dipping to impress guests at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread Bowl and Dipping Bread
- 1 large round sourdough or artisan bread loaf
- Cut-out bread from loaf, cut into bite-sized cubes for dipping
Shrimp Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread Bowl: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Slice the top off the bread loaf carefully, then hollow out the center leaving about a 1-inch thick shell to form a sturdy bowl. Reserve the removed bread and cut it into bite-sized cubes to use later for dipping.
- Sauté the Garlic and Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn just pink. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for one minute to form a roux. Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens smoothly, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan into the thickened sauce until fully melted and smooth. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently mix them into the cheesy sauce. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using for a bit of heat.
- Fill and Bake the Bread Bowl: Spoon the cheesy shrimp mixture into the prepared bread bowl, filling it evenly. Place the stuffed bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the top is bubbly, golden, and slightly crusty.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bread bowl from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately with the reserved bread cubes or crackers on the side for dipping into the cheesy shrimp filling.
Notes
- To prepare ahead, make the shrimp filling and store it separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the bread bowl just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
- For party servings or smaller portions, use mini bread rolls to create individual-sized cheesy shrimp bread bowls.
- If you like, add extra spice or herbs such as paprika or thyme to customize the flavor.
