Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you are a seafood lover looking for a comforting, hearty dish, this stuffed seafood soup bread bowl is the perfect recipe for you. It combines the rich, briny flavors of fresh seafood with a creamy, flavorful broth served in a crispy, hollowed-out bread bowl. Not only is this dish visually impressive, but it also offers an incredible balance of textures—crunchy, soft, and creamy all in one bite. Whether for a cozy dinner at home or an elegant presentation for guests, this seafood soup is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Fresh shrimp
Scallops
Clams
White fish (such as cod or halibut)
Butter
Olive oil
Garlic
Onion
Celery
Carrots
Potatoes
All-purpose flour
Seafood stock
Heavy cream
White wine
Fresh parsley
Thyme
Bay leaves
Salt
Black pepper
Paprika
Cayenne pepper (optional)
Sourdough bread bowls

Directions

Prepare the Bread Bowls: Cut off the top of each sourdough loaf and carefully hollow out the center, leaving about an inch of bread along the edges to maintain structure. Set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add diced onions, garlic, celery, and carrots, cooking until softened and fragrant.
Make the Base: Stir in the flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly add white wine, stirring continuously, followed by the seafood stock. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Add the Seafood and Vegetables: Toss in diced potatoes, thyme, bay leaves, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne if using. Simmer until the potatoes are tender.
Cook the Seafood: Add clams first, allowing them to open, then add shrimp, scallops, and white fish. Cook until all seafood is opaque and fully cooked.
Finish the Soup: Stir in heavy cream and fresh parsley, adjusting seasoning as needed. Let simmer for a few more minutes.
Assemble and Serve: Ladle the hot seafood soup into the prepared bread bowls. Garnish with extra parsley and serve immediately.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add extra cayenne or chopped jalapeños for a spicier version.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour with cornstarch for thickening and use a gluten-free bread bowl.
Lighter Version: Use a tomato-based broth instead of a creamy one for a healthier twist.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Avoid freezing creamy soups as they can separate. If necessary, freeze the broth and add fresh cream when reheating.
Reheating: Warm the soup in a pot over low heat, stirring frequently. If thickened, add a splash of stock or cream to loosen it up.

FAQs

How can I make the soup thicker?

You can add an extra tablespoon of flour when making the roux or let the soup simmer longer to reduce and concentrate flavors.

Can I use frozen seafood?

Yes, but ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking to prevent excess water from diluting the broth.

What type of bread works best for this recipe?

Sourdough is ideal due to its sturdy crust, but you can also use ciabatta or French bread.

How do I prevent the bread bowl from getting soggy?

Toast the inside of the bread bowl before adding the soup to create a barrier against the liquid.

Can I use a different protein instead of seafood?

Yes! Chicken or sausage can be great alternatives for a different flavor profile.

Is this soup spicy?

The base recipe is mild, but you can adjust the heat level by adding cayenne or hot sauce.

Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, prepare the soup in advance and store it separately from the bread bowls. Reheat before serving.

What can I serve with this dish?

A light side salad or roasted vegetables pair well to balance the richness of the soup.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of seafood stock?

Yes, but the seafood flavor may be milder. Consider adding extra seasonings to enhance the taste.

How do I know when the seafood is fully cooked?

Shrimp should be pink and opaque, fish should flake easily, and clams should open fully. If any clams remain closed, discard them.

Conclusion

The stuffed seafood soup bread bowl is a delightful dish that brings together the best of creamy, savory seafood flavors with the comforting warmth of fresh bread. This recipe is perfect for cozy nights, special occasions, or impressing guests. Try it today and enjoy a delicious seafood feast in every bite!

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