Loaves And Fishes
A creamy seafood-filled bread dish featuring crab, green chili salsa, and mushrooms, baked to perfection. Perfect for sharing at family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the cream of mushroom soup and cream cheese and stir gently over low heat until the cream cheese softens.
- Add Ortega green chili salsa and cook for another 10 minutes.
- Hollow out the round loaf of bread.
- Add the crab meat and sliced mushrooms into the hollowed bread.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the crab and mushrooms inside the bread.
- Replace the top of the bread and place in a preheated 350°F oven.
- Bake for 35 minutes until heated through and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother sauce, blend the cream cheese with the soup before heating. If crab is unavailable, imitation crab or cooked shrimp can be used as substitutes. To add more flavor, consider incorporating fresh herbs like dill or parsley. This dish also works well with other seafood recipes, such as Hot Seafood Salad Casserole, for a delightful twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish as a standout centerpiece for gatherings. Pair it with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A crisp white wine complements the flavors beautifully, making it perfect for entertaining. Additionally, this dish can be enjoyed alongside other American recipes for a diverse spread.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the bread in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Loaves And Fishes contains roughly 563 calories, with 21g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (118% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (51% of the Daily Value), and protein (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 693mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this dish?
It is not recommended to freeze the whole bread loaf filled with the mixture, as the texture may change upon reheating. However, you can freeze the filling separately and assemble it fresh when ready to bake.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).