If you’ve ever visited Storming Crab, you know their seafood bread is one of the most crave-worthy items on the menu. Imagine a crusty loaf piled high with creamy, cheesy seafood topping, baked until bubbly and golden.
This homemade version brings that same indulgent flavor to your kitchen, perfect for serving as an appetizer, party dish, or a show-stopping side.
With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a restaurant-quality treat right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This seafood bread combines the comfort of warm, cheesy bread with the elegance of fresh seafood. Every bite delivers creamy richness, a hint of spice, and satisfying texture from the crab and shrimp.
It’s also incredibly versatile—you can customize the seafood blend, adjust the spice level, or make it ahead for stress-free entertaining.
What You’ll Need
- 1 large French bread loaf
- 8 ounces lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)
- 8 ounces cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Pro Tips
- Use fresh seafood for the best flavor, but frozen works if thawed and well-drained.
- Toast the bread lightly before adding the topping to prevent sogginess.
- Soften the cream cheese fully for easier mixing and a smoother spread.
- If you like extra spice, add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
- Bake until the cheese is fully melted and the topping is slightly browned for the perfect finish.
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Substitutions & Variations
- Seafood: Swap crab and shrimp for lobster, scallops, or even a seafood medley.
- Cheese: Try Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a spicier kick.
- Seasoning: Replace Old Bay with Cajun seasoning for a different flavor profile.
- Bread: Use ciabatta or sourdough for a different texture.
- Topping: Add a sprinkle of Parmesan before baking for extra richness.
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare the seafood mixture up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container. When ready to serve, spread onto the bread and bake as directed.
You can also preassemble the bread, wrap it tightly in foil, and store in the fridge for up to 8 hours before baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Bread
Slice the French loaf in half lengthwise and place both halves cut-side up on the baking sheet. Lightly toast in the oven for 5 minutes.
3. Mix the Seafood Topping
In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, lemon juice, and green onions. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the Seafood and Cheese
Fold in the crab meat, chopped shrimp, mozzarella, and cheddar until evenly distributed.
5. Spread the Mixture
Using a spatula, spread the seafood mixture evenly over the toasted bread halves.
6. Bake
Place the bread in the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Broil for a Golden Top (Optional)
For extra color, broil on high for 1–2 minutes—watch carefully to prevent burning.
8. Garnish and Serve
Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and slice into portions. Serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
This bread pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or a bowl of seafood chowder. It’s also great as part of a party platter with shrimp cocktail and crab cakes.
For a casual meal, serve it alongside coleslaw and roasted potatoes. It’s rich enough to be the star of the plate.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes to crisp the bread and melt the cheese again.
Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread soggy.
Nutrition & Benefits
Seafood is an excellent source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health. Using a mix of crab and shrimp offers different textures and flavors while keeping the dish light.
By making it at home, you can adjust the seasoning, cheese, and portion size to fit your preferences.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use imitation crab?
Yes, but the flavor will be milder compared to real crab.
2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free loaf of bread and check all seasoning labels.
3. Is this dish freezer-friendly?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the assembled bread before baking and cook from frozen, adding extra time.
4. Can I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the seafood mix.
5. What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?
Use a mix of paprika, celery salt, and a pinch of cayenne as a substitute.
A Crowd-Pleasing Seafood Treat
Storming Crab’s seafood bread is the kind of dish that brings people together. It’s rich, cheesy, and packed with the irresistible flavors of the sea, all piled on warm, crusty bread.
Once you make it at home, you’ll realize how easy it is to recreate that restaurant magic—and it might just become your new go-to for gatherings.
