🦐 Creamy Garlic Shrimp Bread Bowl

Servings: 2–3
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes

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🧺 Ingredients

For the bread bowl

• 1 large round sourdough bread loaf

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter (melted)

For the shrimp

• 300 g (10–12 oz) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the creamy filling

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup whole milk

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon white or black pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, finely chopped

• Extra black pepper

• Lemon wedges (optional)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the bread bowl

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F.

2. Cut off the top of the bread loaf and hollow out the center, leaving about 2–2.5 cm (1 inch) thick walls.

3. Brush the inside lightly with olive oil and melted butter.

4. Place the bread bowl and its lid on a baking tray and bake for 8–10 minutes until slightly crispy.

5. Set aside.

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2. Cook the shrimp

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add garlic and sauté for 15–20 seconds until fragrant (do not burn).

3. Add shrimp, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.

4. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and slightly golden.

5. Drizzle with lemon juice, toss gently, remove from heat, and set aside.

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3. Make the creamy sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Add flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a smooth roux.

3. Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

4. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

5. Cook for 3–4 minutes until thick and creamy.

6. Lower heat and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until fully melted and smooth.

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4. Assemble

1. Spoon the creamy cheese sauce into the toasted bread bowl.

2. Arrange the cooked shrimp evenly on top.

3. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra black pepper.

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5. Final bake (optional but recommended 🔥)

• Place the filled bread bowl back into the oven for 5–7 minutes until the top is bubbly and slightly golden.

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🍽️ Serving Tips

• Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

• Tear pieces from the bread bowl and dip directly into the filling.

• Best paired with a fresh salad or a glass of white wine.

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💡 Pro Tips

• Swap shrimp with scallops or crab meat for a luxe version.

• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra depth.

• For extra garlic flavor, rub raw garlic on the bread interior before baking.