Seafood Cob Dip

Looking to serve something irresistibly indulgent at your next gathering? This Seafood Cob Dip is the ultimate Australian crowd-pleaser a golden cob loaf filled with creamy, cheesy, seafood-studded goodness that disappears in minutes.

Combining the rich smoothness of cream cheese and sour cream with melty mozzarella and tasty cheese, this dip brings together juicy prawns, sweet crab meat, red capsicum, and fresh spring onion in every scoop. Baked right inside a crusty cob loaf and served warm with toasted bread chunks, it’s the kind of appetiser that gets people gathering around the table and coming back for seconds (and thirds).

Perfect for barbecues, game nights, holidays, seafood dinners, or any celebration where you want something easy yet luxurious, this recipe makes entertaining feel effortless.

Ingredients (Serves 8–10)

For the cob:

• 1 large round cob loaf (unsliced)

For the seafood dip filling:

• 250 g cream cheese, softened
• 300 mL sour cream
• 1 cup (100 g) grated mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) grated tasty cheese
• 200 g cooked prawns, peeled and chopped
• 150 g crab meat (fresh or canned, drained well)
• 1 small red capsicum, finely diced
• 2 spring onions, finely sliced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1 tsp chilli flakes for a bit of heat

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the cob loaf

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced).

Using a serrated knife, cut a circular “lid” off the top of the cob loaf and set it aside. Carefully scoop out the soft bread from the inside, leaving a 2–3 cm thick wall around the edges and bottom to form a sturdy bread bowl.

Tear the removed bread into bite-sized chunks and place both the hollowed-out cob and the chunks onto a baking tray lined with baking paper.

Step 2: Make the seafood filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream, mixing until smooth and well blended. Add the grated mozzarella and tasty cheese, stirring to combine.

Fold in the chopped prawns, crab meat, red capsicum, and spring onions. Stir through the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and chilli flakes if using. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.

The mixture should be creamy but scoopable, with plenty of texture and visible pieces of seafood and veg.

Step 3: Fill the cob

Spoon the seafood mixture into the hollowed-out cob loaf, pressing gently to remove any air pockets and spreading the filling evenly. Replace the cob lid loosely on top.

Step 4: Bake

Place the filled cob (with lid and bread chunks beside it) into the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the filling is bubbling and golden and the bread chunks are crisp and toasty.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Remove from the oven and carefully transfer the cob loaf to a large serving platter. Surround with the toasted bread chunks and other dippers if desired (crackers, veggie sticks, etc.).

Garnish with a sprinkle of spring onion, lemon zest, or a few whole prawns for a beautiful presentation.

Serve hot and let everyone dig in while it’s creamy, gooey, and warm.

Variation

• Deluxe Seafood: Add 100 g hot-smoked salmon or cooked scallops for an elevated flavour.
• Cold Option: Skip the baking and serve the mixture chilled as a dip with crackers.
• Extra Cheesy: Top the filling with a layer of shredded cheese before the final bake.
• Herb Twist: Add chopped dill or parsley for a fresh herbaceous note.
• Garlic Butter Bread: Brush the cob loaf and bread chunks with garlic butter before baking for added richness.

Cooking Note

Be sure your seafood is pre-cooked and well-drained before adding it to the mixture. Excess liquid can make the filling runny.

For best results, chop the seafood finely so it incorporates evenly and ensures every scoop gets a bit of everything.

Don’t overbake the cob once the filling is hot and the cheese is melted, it’s ready. Overcooking may dry out the bread.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a centrepiece appetiser at a dinner party, especially for seafood lovers.
• Add crackers, grissini, or sliced sourdough to expand your dipper options.
• Include vegetable sticks like cucumber, carrot, and capsicum for a fresh crunch.
• Pair with a cold crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
• Serve with lemon wedges for a citrusy burst with each bite.

Tips

• To soften cream cheese quickly, microwave it in short bursts until pliable.
• You can prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance just refrigerate and bake when ready.
• For entertaining, place the baked cob on a warming tray to keep it gooey longer.
• Leftovers can be scooped into ramekins and reheated individually.
• To avoid soggy bread, make sure your seafood and capsicum are well-drained before mixing.

Time Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving, based on 10 servings):

• Calories: 390 kcal
• Protein: 17 g
• Sodium: 570 mg

Note: Values may vary depending on exact ingredients and seafood type used.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this cob dip ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the filling and hollow out the cob a day ahead. Store both in the fridge separately, then assemble and bake before serving.

Q: What seafood can I use instead of prawns and crab?

Try smoked salmon, white fish, or even canned tuna as a budget-friendly alternative. Just ensure they’re cooked and well-drained.

Q: Can I freeze the dip?

It’s not ideal to freeze the assembled cob, but you can freeze the filling in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Q: Can I serve it cold instead of baking?

Absolutely. The filling makes a delicious cold seafood dip. Serve in a bowl with crackers or veggie sticks.

Q: How long will it keep after baking?

Best served immediately, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven at 160°C.

Conclusion

This Seafood Cob Dip is the ultimate party showstopper rich, creamy, and full of ocean-fresh flavour. With prawns, crab meat, melty cheese, and fresh vegetables all baked into a golden cob loaf, it’s a rustic yet elegant way to feed and impress a crowd.

Whether you’re serving it at a summer seafood night or a festive gathering, this cob dip delivers comfort, luxury, and irresistible flavour in every warm, cheesy scoop. Gather your friends, tear up that crusty bread, and dive into this unforgettable Australian classic.

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