Savory Shrimp & Cheese Bread Bake
This delightful Savory Shrimp & Cheese Bread Bake is a perfect appetizer that will wow your guests and leave them craving more. The combination of succulent shrimp, rich cheeses, and aromatic garlic spread on a hearty loaf of Italian or French bread creates an irresistible flavor profile. You can easily customize the recipe by adding artichoke hearts or substituting crab for shrimp, making it versatile for any occasion. Whether served warm for a cozy gathering or as a show-stopping starter at a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress with its creamy, cheesy goodness. Enjoy the deliciousness of this dish as you dip, scoop, and savor every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1/4 cup (melted)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced well (or roasted garlic))
Frozen cooked shrimp
12 ounces (thawed)
Parmesan cheese
1 cup (grated)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup (divided)
Sour cream
8 ounces (plain)
Italian bread or French bread
1 loaf (cut in half lengthwise)
Shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until bubbly.
3
Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and soft, about 2 minutes.
4
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the thawed shrimp, 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and sour cream until well combined.
5
Slice the bread in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out some of the inner bread to create a well.
6
Crumble some of the scooped bread and mix it into the shrimp mixture for added texture.
7
Fill the hollowed-out bread halves generously with the shrimp and cheese mixture.
8
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and the cheddar cheese on top of the filled bread loaf.
9
Wrap the filled bread with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
10
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
11
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Shrimp & Cheese Bread Bake?
It is a savory appetizer featuring shrimp, multiple cheeses, and garlic baked inside a hollowed-out loaf of Italian or French bread.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
A hearty loaf of Italian bread or French bread is recommended.
Do I need to use cooked or raw shrimp?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of frozen cooked shrimp that has been thawed.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How much garlic is needed for the recipe?
You need 2 garlic cloves, minced well.
Can I use roasted garlic instead of fresh?
Yes, roasted garlic is a great alternative to minced fresh garlic for this dish.
What kind of cheeses are required?
The recipe uses a combination of Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, and shredded cheddar cheese.
How much sour cream is used in the filling?
You will need 8 ounces of plain sour cream.
What is the first step in preparing the filling?
Melt 1/4 cup of butter in a large skillet over medium heat until bubbly.
How long should I sauté the garlic?
Sauté the minced garlic for about 2 minutes until it is fragrant and soft.
How do I prepare the bread for filling?
Slice the bread in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out some of the inner bread to create a well.
What should I do with the bread I scoop out?
Crumble some of the scooped bread and mix it into the shrimp mixture for added texture.
Do I mix all the cheese into the filling?
No, you mix 3/4 cup of mozzarella and the Parmesan into the filling, saving the rest for the topping.
Which cheese is used specifically for the topping?
A 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the remaining mozzarella are used for the topping.
How long does the bread bake in total?
The bread bakes for a total of 30 minutes: 25 minutes wrapped in foil and 5 minutes uncovered.
Why do I need to wrap the bread in aluminum foil?
Wrapping it in foil ensures the cheese melts and the filling heats through without burning the bread.
Why is the foil removed for the last 5 minutes?
Removing the foil allows the top cheese layer to become golden brown and bubbling.
Can I substitute the shrimp with another seafood?
Yes, you can easily substitute crab for the shrimp in this recipe.
What other ingredients can I add to customize this bake?
Adding artichoke hearts is a recommended way to customize the flavor profile.
Should the dish be served hot or cold?
It is best served warm to enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, it is described as a show-stopping starter that is perfect for guests.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of butter.
Can I use different types of bread?
While Italian or French bread is standard, any hearty loaf that can be hollowed out will work.
How much Parmesan cheese is used?
You will need 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
How much total mozzarella cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, divided.
Does the shrimp need to be thawed?
Yes, ensure the frozen cooked shrimp is fully thawed before stirring it into the mixture.
Is the garlic sautéed with the shrimp?
No, the garlic is sautéed in butter first, then the skillet is removed from heat before adding the shrimp.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling and hollow the bread in advance, then assemble and bake just before serving.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The bake is ready when the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
What is the overall flavor profile of this dish?
It is a savory, creamy, and cheesy dish with strong aromatic garlic and succulent seafood notes.