This Cheesy Garlic Seafood Bread is the ultimate indulgent appetizer or light meal. Loaded with tender prawns, sweet crabmeat, and a rich creamy garlic cheese topping, it bakes onto crispy French bread for a flavor-packed treat. It’s quick to make, satisfying, and absolutely irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with bold seafood and garlic flavor that keeps readers coming back.
- Requires simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Uses soft cream cheese and melty mozzarella for a rich, creamy texture.
- Perfect for parties, brunch, game nights, or a comforting seafood dinner.
- Crispy bread base contrasts beautifully with the creamy seafood topping.
- Easy to customize with extra spices, lemon zest, or different cheeses.
- Works as both a main dish or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Bakes in under 15 minutes once assembled.
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 1 loaf French bread, sliced lengthwise
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp parsley, chopped
For the Seafood Topping
- 250g prawns, peeled and deveined
- 250g crabmeat
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
For the Cheesy Sauce
- 120g cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare and Toast the Bread
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Place the French bread halves on a baking sheet. Brush them evenly with the melted butter, then sprinkle with garlic powder and chopped parsley. Bake for 5–7 minutes, or until the surface feels slightly crisp and golden around the edges. This pre-toasting step helps prevent soggy bread later.
Step 2: Cook the Seafood
Heat a pan over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Add the prawns, crabmeat, Cajun seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and chili flakes. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the prawns turn pink and the mixture is heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheesy Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, and hot sauce (if using). Mix until smooth and fully combined. The mixture should be thick and spreadable.
Step 4: Assemble the Seafood Bread
Spread a generous layer of the cheesy sauce over the toasted bread. Spoon the cooked seafood mixture evenly over the top, pressing lightly so it adheres to the sauce. Add a light sprinkle of extra mozzarella if desired for more browning.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Return the assembled bread to the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Tips for Best Results
- Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest melt and best flavor.
- Make sure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Do not skip pre-toasting the bread; it ensures a crisp base.
- If using frozen seafood, thaw completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture.
- A baking sheet lined with parchment paper prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup.
- Add a squeeze of lemon over the cooked seafood for extra brightness.
- For extra crispiness, broil the top for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking.
Variations & Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Swap the French bread for your favorite gluten-free loaf.
- Spicy Version: Add extra hot sauce, chili flakes, or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a smoked cheese.
- Seafood Alternatives: Use chopped lobster, scallops, or imitation crab if preferred.
- Lighter Version: Replace half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
- Herb Variations: Add fresh dill, chives, or basil into the cheese mixture.
Serving Suggestions
- Slice into small pieces for a party appetizer or serve as hearty lunch portions.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness.
- Serve with lemon wedges to brighten the seafood flavors.
- Works perfectly with soups like tomato bisque, chowder, or creamy mushroom.
- Enjoy as part of a seafood-themed dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezer: Assemble the bread but do not bake it; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before baking.
- Reheating: Warm in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 8–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (based on 1 slice, approx. 120g):
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 22g
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
- Sodium: 580mg
- Potassium: 210mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Vitamin A: 320 IU
- Vitamin C: 1.5mg
- Calcium: 180mg
- Iron: 1.2mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on the ingredients used.
FAQ
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. You can toast the bread, cook the seafood, and prepare the cheese mixture ahead. Assemble just before baking.
Can I use frozen seafood?
Absolutely—just make sure it’s fully thawed and well-drained to avoid watery topping.
How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
Pre-toasting the bread is key. It creates a protective layer that stays crisp even after adding the toppings.
Can I omit the hot sauce?
Yes, the hot sauce is optional. The recipe tastes great without it, or you can replace it with mild chili paste.
What type of bread works best?
French bread or a sturdy baguette is ideal. Avoid overly soft loaves, which can become soggy quickly.
Can I make this without mayonnaise?
You can replace the mayonnaise with cream cheese or Greek yogurt, though the flavor and texture will change slightly.