Introduction
Imagine dipping into a warm, golden bread bowl filled with rich, garlicky cheese sauce and tender, juicy shrimp. This Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Bread Bowl is the ultimate comfort dish—perfect for cozy nights, game-day gatherings, or an indulgent appetizer to share. Inspired by the flavors of creamy garlic shrimp pasta but served in a crispy, crusty bread bowl, this dish is an absolute must-try!
Ingredients:
For the Bread Bowl & Shrimp:
- 1 large bread boule (round loaf)
- 8–10 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
For the Cheesy Garlic Sauce:
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bread Bowl:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice off the top of the bread boule and carefully hollow out the center, leaving about a 1-inch border to hold the filling.
- Brush the inside with olive oil or melted butter and place it on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 10 minutes until slightly crisp.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toss in the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Cheesy Garlic Sauce:
- In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Gradually add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
4. Assemble the Bread Bowl:
- Pour the creamy garlic cheese sauce into the toasted bread bowl.
- Add the cooked shrimp on top, gently stirring to coat them in the sauce.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley for garnish.
5. Bake and Serve:
- Place the filled bread bowl back into the oven and bake for another 5–7 minutes until everything is heated through and slightly golden on top.
- Serve immediately with extra toasted bread chunks or crusty baguette slices for dipping.
Tips for Success:
- Extra Cheesy? Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top before the final bake for a golden, bubbly finish.
- More Flavor? Drizzle a little lemon juice over the shrimp before serving for a bright, zesty kick.
- Make It Spicier! Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Why You’ll Love It:
This Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Bread Bowl is pure indulgence. The combination of crispy bread, rich cheese sauce, and succulent shrimp creates a dish that’s both impressive and comforting. Whether served as an appetizer or a meal, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!