Ready to bring bold Cajun flavor to your kitchen in just 30 minutes? This Louisiana Seafood Bread is your new go-to for crowd-pleasing comfort. Crispy French bread is generously topped with creamy crawfish and shrimp, savory spices, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s hot, golden, and everything you want in a Southern-style party appetizer—or indulgent weeknight dinner.
Whether you’re serving it alongside Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo or pairing it with a cool Blueberry Lemonade, this seafood bread brings that Louisiana flair to every bite.
Why I Love This Recipe
This dish is all about layers of flavor and texture: crispy bread, creamy seafood spread, melty cheese, and just the right Cajun kick. It’s quick to prep, bakes in under 20 minutes, and disappears even faster. The blend of shrimp and crawfish gives it a classic bayou taste, and the cream cheese-mayo combo makes it rich and spreadable—perfect for piling high on fresh French bread.
Whether served as a starter, a main, or a game-day centerpiece, this is the kind of recipe that keeps people coming back for more.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread, sliced lengthwise
- ½ lb crawfish tails, drained
- ½ lb shrimp, peeled and chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup diced bell pepper
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter (for sautéing)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Swaps and Notes
- Seafood options: Can’t find crawfish? Substitute with extra shrimp or even lump crab meat.
- Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully, but feel free to add cheddar or pepper jack for a bolder flavor.
- Make it spicy: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños for heat.
- French bread: Use a soft loaf for a chewier texture or a crusty baguette for a crunchier bite.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat and Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with foil and set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté the Seafood Mix
- In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté until softened (about 3 minutes).
- Add chopped shrimp and crawfish, cooking until pink and cooked through (about 2 more minutes).
- Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
3️⃣ Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, mix together:
- Softened cream cheese
- Mayonnaise
- Parmesan cheese
- Cooked seafood mixture
- Half of the mozzarella cheese
- Stir until well combined.
4️⃣ Assemble and Bake
- Spread the seafood mixture evenly onto each half of French bread.
- Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
5️⃣ Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley, if using.
- Slice and serve hot.
🔥 Tips for Success
- Drain seafood well before mixing to avoid soggy bread.
- Toast the bread lightly before adding the filling for extra crunch.
- Watch the broil: Want extra browning? Broil for the last 1–2 minutes—just keep an eye on it!
- Use a serrated knife for clean slices after baking.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This indulgent bread is perfect as a shareable starter, a hearty side, or a full meal when served with a salad or veggie-based dish. Try it with:
- Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo – A hearty, spicy companion
- Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage – Great flavor balance and Southern flair
- Easy Turkey Wings – For a complete soul food feast
- Blueberry Lemonade – Crisp and refreshing contrast
- Big Family Banana Pudding – The perfect Southern dessert finish
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or in the air fryer for crisp edges.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the seafood and cream cheese may affect texture after thawing.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo
- Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage
- Easy Turkey Wings
- Blueberry Lemonade
- Big Family Banana Pudding
Final Thoughts
This Louisiana Seafood Bread is pure Cajun comfort—crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy inside, and bursting with bold shrimp and crawfish flavor. Whether you’re serving it as a game day snack, party appetizer, or indulgent dinner, it delivers big on taste and easy Southern charm.
Tried it? Tag @ChefManiac and let us see your seafood masterpiece. And don’t forget to subscribe for more flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing recipes from Jason Griffith’s kitchen.
🦐🧄🧀 Here’s to cheesy, seafood-loaded satisfaction—Louisiana style!
Leave a Reply