Description
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender seafood, this Cheesy Seafood Soup Bread Bowl is the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights or cozy weekends. Served in a crusty bread bowl, this dish combines the richness of melted cheese with a savory seafood medley for a meal that’s both hearty and indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just craving something warm and satisfying, this soup is sure to impress.
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Ingredients
For the Seafood Soup:
2 tbsp butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 cups seafood or vegetable broth
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Salt and black pepper to taste
½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ lb white fish (like cod or tilapia), cut into bite-sized pieces
½ cup cooked crab meat or imitation crab, shredded
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
For the Bread Bowls:
4 small round bread loaves (sourdough or crusty rolls work well)
Olive oil (optional for brushing the inside)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Bread Bowls
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
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Slice off the top of each bread loaf and hollow out the inside, leaving about ½ inch of bread on the sides and bottom
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Optionally, brush the inside with olive oil and bake the bowls for 10 minutes to make them slightly crispy and prevent sogginess
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
4. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat
5. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes
6. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant
Step 3: Make the Soup Base
7. Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste
8. Slowly whisk in the seafood broth, making sure to smooth out any lumps
9. Add milk and heavy cream, stirring to combine
10. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly, about 5 minutes
Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasonings
11. Reduce the heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth
12. Add paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper to taste
13. Stir well to combine and let the soup gently simmer
Step 5: Add the Seafood
14. Add shrimp and fish pieces to the soup
15. Cook for 4–5 minutes or until the seafood is opaque and cooked through
16. Gently fold in the crab meat and let it warm through for another 1–2 minutes
Step 6: Serve in Bread Bowls
17. Ladle the hot cheesy seafood soup into the prepared bread bowls
18. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with the tops of the bread loaves on the side for dipping
Notes
Use Fresh or Frozen Seafood – Just be sure it’s fully thawed before adding to the soup
Don’t Overcook the Seafood – It only takes a few minutes, so add it at the end to keep it tender
Make Bread Bowls Ahead – Prep and bake the bread bowls earlier in the day for easy serving
Customize Your Cheese – Try mixing in mozzarella, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles
Add Vegetables – Diced carrots, celery, or corn make great additions if you want extra texture
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American