Seafood Stuffing Recipe with Crab and Shrimp

Seafood Stuffing Recipe lovers, this one’s for you! If you’re looking for a side dish that feels a little more special than the usual bread stuffing, this recipe might be exactly what your table needs. Imagine the rich, buttery flavor of crab and shrimp folded into seasoned bread cubes, baked until golden and crisp on top. It’s comforting, indulgent, and versatile enough to enjoy for gatherings or whenever you want a flavorful twist on a classic.

Have you ever wanted to bring a coastal touch to traditional stuffing? This seafood stuffing recipe does just that — combining familiar flavors with fresh seafood for a dish that’s both approachable and impressive. Whether you’re a long-time seafood fan or just curious about trying something new, this recipe delivers a savory experience that’s sure to stand out.

If you enjoy coastal flavors, you might also love my fish and chips recipe, a crispy golden favorite that’s easy to make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and savory flavor – The blend of crab, shrimp, and buttery bread cubes creates a seafood stuffing recipe that’s hearty, satisfying, and full of coastal character.
• Simple ingredients, big results – You don’t need anything fancy; just everyday seafood, fresh vegetables, and pantry staples come together for a dish that feels restaurant-quality.
• Versatile for any occasion – This seafood stuffing recipe isn’t just for special dinners — it’s equally at home on a weeknight table when you want something different and impressive.
• Easy to customize – Add scallops, swap in your favorite herbs, or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. It’s a flexible recipe that adapts to what you have on hand.
• Crowd-pleasing dish – Whether served as a side or the star of the table, this stuffing always draws compliments and second helpings.

This recipe takes a classic comfort dish and gives it a fresh, flavorful twist. If you love seafood, or simply want to surprise your guests with something unique, this stuffing will quickly become a favorite.

Ingredients Explained

Crab Meat

Fresh lump crab meat adds a naturally sweet, delicate flavor that sets this seafood stuffing apart. If fresh isn’t available, high-quality canned crab works well — just make sure to drain it thoroughly to avoid extra moisture.

Shrimp

Chopped shrimp brings a tender, juicy bite that balances the richness of the crab. Medium shrimp are ideal, but you can use whatever size you have on hand. For convenience, buy peeled and deveined shrimp to cut down on prep time.

Bread Cubes

The backbone of any stuffing recipe. Day-old bread cubes absorb flavor better and create that perfect mix of crispy top and soft interior. A sturdy white or sourdough loaf works best, though cornbread can be used for a slightly sweeter twist.These cubes form the base of this Seafood Stuffing Recipe, soaking up all the buttery flavors from the broth, seafood, and herbs.

Vegetables (Onion, Celery, Garlic)

These aromatic vegetables are sautéed in butter to form a flavorful base. They add texture and depth, ensuring every bite has a balance of seafood and savory goodness.

Butter

Melted butter ties everything together, lending richness and keeping the stuffing moist without being soggy.

Broth

A splash of seafood stock or chicken broth keeps the mixture tender as it bakes. Use just enough to moisten the bread cubes — the stuffing should hold together but not feel mushy.

Herbs and Seasonings

Fresh parsley, thyme, and a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning enhance the seafood flavors beautifully. Salt and pepper are essential, but feel free to adjust to your taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions with Tips

1. Prepare the Bread Base

Cut day-old bread into cubes and spread them on a baking sheet. Toast in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–15 minutes, or until slightly crisp.
💡 Tip: Using slightly stale or toasted bread prevents the stuffing from turning mushy.

2. Cook the Seafood

In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook until just pink, about 2–3 minutes. Remove and set aside. Gently fold in the crab meat without over-stirring so it stays in chunks.
💡 Tip: Don’t fully cook the shrimp — they’ll finish in the oven, keeping them tender.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add more butter if needed, then sauté onion, celery, and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
💡 Tip: Cooking the vegetables in the same pan layers in the seafood flavor.

4. Combine the Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, shrimp, and crab. Sprinkle in parsley, thyme, Old Bay, salt, and pepper. Pour in broth gradually, stirring gently until the bread is moistened but not soggy.
💡 Tip: Add broth slowly — you want the stuffing to hold together but still feel light and fluffy.

5. Transfer and Bake

Grease a baking dish and spread the mixture evenly. Dot the top with a little butter for extra golden crispness. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the Seafood Stuffing Recipe is heated through
💡 Tip: For an extra crispy finish, broil the top for 2–3 minutes at the end — but keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn.

serving Suggestions & Variations

Serving Suggestions

• As a side dish – This seafood stuffing shines alongside roasted chicken, baked salmon, or even grilled steak. Its rich, buttery flavor balances well with simple main courses.
• With a fresh salad – Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to lighten up the richness.
• In seafood feasts – Serve it next to crab legs, shrimp boils, or grilled fish for a coastal-inspired spread.
• Individual portions – Bake the stuffing in muffin tins for perfectly crisp single servings, ideal for parties or buffet-style dinners.

Variations

• Cornbread seafood stuffing – Swap half or all of the bread cubes with cornbread for a slightly sweet, Southern-style version.
• Add scallops or clams – For even more depth, fold in chopped scallops or clams with the shrimp and crab.
• Spicy kick – Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños if you like a bit of heat.
• Cheesy twist – Mix in grated parmesan or sharp cheddar before baking for a richer, creamier flavor.
• Make-ahead option – Assemble the stuffing up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

This recipe is flexible enough to adapt to your taste, making it easy to create a version that fits your table perfectly.

Seafood stuffing pairs beautifully with other favorites like my seafood casserole recipe, which adds even more rich and savory flavor to the table

For more inspiration beyond this spicy favorite, visit our Seafood Recipes: Your Complete Guide to Cooking Fish, Shrimp & More — your ultimate resource for mastering every type of seafood dish with ease and flavor.
For more techniques on making meats tender and flavorful, read our complete guide: The Ultimate Meat Recipes Guide.

FAQs

This seafood stuffing recipe takes a familiar comfort food and gives it a flavorful coastal twist that’s both rich and satisfying. With tender crab, juicy shrimp, and buttery bread cubes baked to golden perfection, it’s a dish that always feels special.

Now it’s your turn to bring this recipe to life in your kitchen. Did you try it with crab and shrimp, or did you add your own twist like cornbread or scallops? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!

👉 Leave a comment below to share your experience, rate the recipe, or tell me what variation you tried. And if you enjoyed it, don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family — good food is always better when shared.

Easy Seafood Stuffing Recipe

jenna Morel

Make this easy seafood stuffing with crab, shrimp, and savory herbs. A buttery, flavorful side dish perfect for holidays, family dinners, or special occasions

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American / Coastal

Servings 6

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup lump crab meat fresh or canned, drained
• 1 cup shrimp peeled, deveined, chopped
• 6 cups day-old bread cubes white or sourdough
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 celery stalks diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• ½ cup unsalted butter divided
• 1 ½ cups seafood stock or chicken broth
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
• 1 tsp fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning or paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

Prepare the Bread Base

• Cut bread into cubes and toast at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes until slightly crisp.

Cook the Shrimp

• In a skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter. Sauté shrimp until just pink, about 2–3 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Add the Crab

• Gently fold crab meat into the shrimp. Keep chunks intact for best texture.

Sauté the Vegetables

• In the same skillet, melt more butter if needed. Add onion, celery, and garlic; cook until tender and fragrant.

Combine Mixture

• In a large bowl, mix bread cubes, vegetables, shrimp, crab, parsley, thyme, and Old Bay. Gradually add broth until the bread is moistened but not soggy. Season with salt and pepper.

Bake the Stuffing

• Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Dot the top with butter. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown. For extra crispness, broil 2–3 minutes at the end.

Serve & Enjoy

• Serve warm as a flavorful side dish or centerpiece for your meal.

Keyword seafood stuffing, crab stuffing, shrimp stuffing, holiday side dish