If you’re searching for a show-stopping, utterly indulgent appetizer or main that’s sure to dazzle, look no further than these Crab Alfredo-Stuffed Garlic Bread Boats. Imagine the ultimate marriage of creamy seafood Alfredo and cheesy garlic bread—each bite a celebration of golden, melty mozzarella, luscious crab, and garlicky, buttery crunch. Whether you’re entertaining friends or just craving a cozy, luxurious treat, this recipe layers vibrant flavors with effortless, familiar comfort. Once you try it, you’ll understand why Crab Alfredo-Stuffed Garlic Bread Boats are always the star of the table!

Crab Alfredo-Stuffed Garlic Bread Boats Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Crab Alfredo-Stuffed Garlic Bread Boats is how a handful of accessible ingredients can create something so decadent. Each one brings color, flavor, and texture, making every element truly count. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a single thing!

French or Italian bread: This is your tasty vessel—choose a sturdy, crusty loaf so it holds all that creamy filling.
Butter: Melted butter transforms the bread from simple to sublime, helping it toast up crisp and golden.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the bread punchy aroma and real depth, essential for that classic garlic bread flavor.
Lump crab meat: Sweet, tender morsels of crab are the heart of this dish—fresh or good-quality canned both work beautifully.
Olive oil: Adds richness to the Alfredo base and helps the roux come together perfectly.
All-purpose flour: A spoonful is all you need to create a silky-smooth sauce that holds everything together.
Heavy cream: The secret to a truly decadent Alfredo—don’t skimp here!
Parmesan cheese: Nutty, salty richness that’s the backbone of any great Alfredo sauce.
Garlic powder: Just a pinch intensifies the garlic essence without overpowering the crab.
Old Bay seasoning (optional): For a hint of classic seafood flavor; totally optional, but adds a special touch.
Salt and black pepper: Season exactly to taste—remember, Parmesan adds saltiness too.
Mozzarella cheese: Stringy, melty goodness for that irresistible cheesy pull in every slice.
Fresh parsley: A sprinkle brings color and freshness right before serving.

How to Make Crab Alfredo-Stuffed Garlic Bread Boats

Step 1: Toast the Garlic Bread

Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and get ready for your kitchen to smell incredible. Slice your bread loaf in half lengthwise and mix the melted butter with minced garlic. Generously brush this mixture over the bread’s cut sides, then lay both halves, cut side up, on a foil-lined baking sheet. Just five to seven minutes in the oven will transform your bread into the perfect garlicky canvas—crisp edges with a soft, warm center.

Step 2: Make the Crab Alfredo Filling

While your bread is getting golden, start your Alfredo. Warm olive oil over medium heat in a skillet, then whisk in the flour to make a quick roux—this little step ensures your sauce will be luxuriously thick. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and let it bubble for a minute or two. Now the magic happens: stir in Parmesan, garlic powder, Old Bay (if you’re using), a pinch of salt, and a crank of black pepper. Fold in the crab meat until everything’s coated and just heated through, letting those flavors mingle.

Step 3: Assemble the Boats

Now for the best part—building your boats! Spoon the warm, creamy crab Alfredo mixture over the toasted bread halves, spreading it out so every bite gets some of that decadent filling. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella all over the top (don’t be shy, you want every inch covered!) and prepare yourself for serious cheese pull rewards.

Step 4: Bake and Broil

Slide those loaded bread halves back into the oven and bake them for eight to ten minutes. When the cheese is bubbling and the tops start to turn temptingly golden, give them a quick broil for one or two minutes to finish. Just watch closely—this is where the glorious, gooey crust forms!

Step 5: Slice and Garnish

Let your Crab Alfredo-Stuffed Garlic Bread Boats cool just a minute or two so the cheese sets up, then slice into pieces. Scatter fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of green and a hint of herbal brightness. There’s nothing left now but to dig in and enjoy!

How to Serve Crab Alfredo-Stuffed Garlic Bread Boats

Garnishes

A finishing shower of fresh parsley not only looks gorgeous against the molten cheese, but also lifts the richness with a tiny burst of freshness. For a little zing, a sprinkle of lemon zest is magical, and if you want to lean into that seafood vibe, a tiny pinch of extra Old Bay can be delightful right before serving.

Side Dishes

Crab Alfredo-Stuffed Garlic Bread Boats are surprisingly versatile: as an appetizer, they’re showy and fun. For a meal, serve them with a crisp green salad—arugula or mixed lettuce with a lemony vinaigrette balances their richness. Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli also pair beautifully, and for true indulgence, a bowl of tomato soup will turn this into the ultimate bistro comfort food feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, slice the boats into smaller, two-bite pieces and serve them on a big wooden board as finger food. Want to go big for dinner? Serve each toasted boat half whole, family-style, and let everyone pull apart their share. You can even hollow out mini baguettes or individual dinner rolls and fill them with the crab Alfredo for adorable, single-serve starters—guaranteed to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), wrap the sliced Crab Alfredo-Stuffed Garlic Bread Boats tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to two days; the flavors meld together even more as they rest, making for a fantastic next-day treat.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze leftover pieces individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil. They’ll keep well for up to one month. To serve, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best texture before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. For smaller portions, a quick zap in the microwave will also work, though the bread may be a bit softer.

FAQs

Can I use imitation crab instead of real crab?

Absolutely! Imitation crab is a budget-friendly option that still tastes great in Crab Alfredo-Stuffed Garlic Bread Boats. Just chop it a bit and fold it into the filling as you would with lump crab.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

For a lighter version, try half-and-half or whole milk, but the Alfredo won’t be quite as thick or rich. You can also use a plant-based cream if you prefer a dairy-free twist.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the crab Alfredo mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat slightly and assemble the bread before baking as usual.

What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?

No worries—Old Bay is optional but does add a classic seafood touch. You can leave it out or substitute with a blend of paprika, celery salt, and a hint of cayenne for a similar vibe.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Go for it! Mozzarella gives that beloved melty stretch, but provolone or gouda would work well too. If you love things extra savory, try adding a little Gruyere or fontina for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Crab Alfredo-Stuffed Garlic Bread Boats have a way of turning an ordinary meal into something unforgettable. Every bite is creamy, cheesy, and full of tender crab, all wrapped up in garlicky, crisp bread. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try the next time you want to treat yourself or share a little wow factor with friends. Get ready to pass this one around—it might just become your new signature dish!

Crab Alfredo-Stuffed Garlic Bread Boats Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these delicious Crab Alfredo-Stuffed Garlic Bread Boats for a decadent meal or impressive appetizer. A flavorful blend of lump crab meat in a creamy Alfredo sauce, topped with gooey mozzarella, all nestled in toasty garlic bread.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bread:

1 large loaf French or Italian bread, cut in half lengthwise
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Filling:

1 cup lump crab meat, drained and picked over
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
¾ cup heavy cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.
Prepare Bread: Brush the cut sides of the bread with a mixture of melted butter and minced garlic. Toast in the oven for 5–7 minutes.
Make Filling: In a skillet, make a roux with olive oil and flour. Add cream, Parmesan, seasonings, and crab meat. Heat through.
Assemble and Bake: Spread the crab Alfredo mixture on the bread, top with mozzarella, and bake for 8–10 minutes. Broil for a golden finish.
Serve: Let cool slightly, slice, and garnish with parsley before serving.