Description
This Crab Alfredo-Stuffed Garlic Bread Boats recipe combines crispy, buttery garlic bread with a rich and creamy crab Alfredo filling. Perfect as an indulgent appetizer or a satisfying meal, it features tender lump crab meat simmered in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, all nestled inside a golden French bread boat.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Garlic Bread Boats:
- 1 loaf of French bread (or baguette)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
For the Crab Alfredo Filling:
- 1 lb lump crab meat, drained and picked over for shells
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Bread Boats: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the loaf of French bread in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out some of the interior, creating a hollow ‘boat’ for the filling.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried parsley. Spread the garlic butter evenly on the cut sides of the bread halves, then place them cut side up on a baking sheet.
- Bake the Bread: Bake the garlic bread for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Prepare the Crab Alfredo Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Cream: Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream slightly thickens.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon zest, and cayenne pepper. Continue cooking and stirring for 2–3 minutes until sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate Crab Meat: Gently fold in the lump crab meat and cook for 1–2 more minutes until warmed through. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Boats: Spoon the crab Alfredo mixture generously into the hollowed-out garlic bread boats.
- Bake Stuffed Bread: Return stuffed bread boats to the oven and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes, until the filling is hot and bubbling.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. Slice and serve immediately, enjoying the creamy, savory flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh lump crab meat for best flavor and texture.
- You can substitute Parmesan cheese with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- Adjust cayenne pepper or omit it for milder taste.
- French bread can be replaced with a sturdy baguette or Italian bread as preferred.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to maintain bread crispness.
