This decadent seafood soup served in toasted sourdough bread bowls is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions. The creamy base, loaded with shrimp, crab, and optional clams, is spiced with Old Bay and finished with fresh parsley and lemon juice. The toasted bread bowl not only serves as a unique presentation but also adds a delicious crunch to every bite.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced 🧅
- 2 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups seafood or chicken broth 🥣
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined 🦐
- 1/2 lb lump crab meat 🦀
- 1/2 lb clams, cooked and shelled (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice 🍋
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
For the Bread Bowls:
- 4 large sourdough bread bowls
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Bowls
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Hollow Out the Bread
Slice the top off each sourdough loaf and hollow out the inside to create a bowl. Leave about a 1-inch thick border for sturdiness. Reserve the removed bread for dipping later. - Toast the Bread Bowls
Lightly brush the inside and edges of the bread bowls with olive oil. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, or until slightly crispy and golden. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Soup Base
- Heat the Fat
In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted and bubbly. - Sauté the Onion
Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until soft and translucent. - Add the Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant. - Make the Roux
Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes to cook out the raw taste. This forms a roux, which will help thicken the soup.
Step 3: Build the Soup
- Incorporate the Broth
Gradually whisk in the seafood or chicken broth, ensuring no lumps remain. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. - Add Cream and Seasonings
Stir in the heavy cream, Old Bay seasoning, and cayenne pepper (if using). Let the soup simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Cook the Seafood
- Add the Shrimp
Gently stir in the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. - Add the Crab and Clams
Stir in the crab meat and optional clams. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, just until heated through. - Finish the Soup
Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
- Fill the Bread Bowls
Ladle the hot soup into the toasted sourdough bread bowls. - Garnish
Sprinkle additional parsley or a pinch of Old Bay seasoning over the top for garnish. - Serve Immediately
Serve the bread bowls with the reserved bread pieces for dipping. Enjoy the rich, creamy soup paired with the crunchy, toasted bread.
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Bread
Use sturdy sourdough loaves to avoid sogginess. If sourdough isn’t available, ciabatta or artisan rolls work well too. - Don’t Overcook the Seafood
Shrimp and crab cook quickly, so add them towards the end to ensure they remain tender and juicy. - Broth Choice Matters
High-quality seafood or chicken broth adds depth to the soup. For an even richer flavor, make homemade seafood stock using shrimp shells or fish bones. - Make Ahead
Prepare the soup base a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently, then add the seafood just before serving.
Optional Add-ons
- Vegetables: Add diced carrots, celery, or corn for extra texture and flavor.
- Cheese: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan or Gruyère over the soup before serving for a cheesy twist.
- Heat: Add a splash of hot sauce or extra cayenne for a spicier kick.
This Stuffed Seafood Soup Bread Bowl is a crowd-pleaser that combines the richness of a creamy soup with the rustic charm of toasted sourdough. Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or a hearty weeknight meal!