Herb-Buttered Crab-Stuffed Bread

Introduction: This Herb-Buttered Crab-Stuffed Bread is a savory and hearty dish, perfect for seafood lovers. The combination of flaky crab meat, seasoned stuffing, and a crispy bread crust soaked in herbed butter makes it an indulgent yet comforting meal. Whether you’re serving it as a centerpiece for dinner or as a fancy appetizer, this dish is sure to impress.

Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of round sourdough or crusty bread (top hollowed out)
• 1 lb fresh or canned crab meat
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons butter (melted)
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crab Stuffing:
   • Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onions and celery and sauté until soft and translucent.
   • Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley. Add the breadcrumbs and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring until well mixed.
   • Remove from heat, and fold in the crab meat gently, being careful not to break up the meat too much. Drizzle with lemon juice, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
2. Hollow the Bread:
   • Slice off the top of the bread loaf and hollow out the inside to make room for the stuffing. Be sure to leave enough bread around the edges to keep its shape.
3. Stuff the Bread:
   • Fill the hollowed bread with the crab mixture, pressing it down lightly to ensure it’s evenly packed.
4. Herb-Butter Coating:
   • In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with dried parsley and a pinch of salt. Brush the top and sides of the stuffed bread with the herb butter mixture.
5. Bake the Bread:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed bread on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy. For extra flavor, you can sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese before baking.
6. Serve:
   • Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with extra melted butter if desired.

Serving Suggestions: Pair this stuffed bread with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It can also be served as an appetizer at parties, with each slice offering a delightful bite of buttery crab goodness.

Enjoy this decadent dish with friends or family for a delicious and impressive seafood feast!

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