Football Crawfish Bread
Football season is here, and what better way to celebrate than with Football Crawfish Bread? This Louisiana-inspired appetizer combines creamy, cheesy crawfish filling wrapped in pizza dough shaped like a football. Whether you’re hosting a game-day party or just looking for a unique dish, this recipe will have everyone cheering. It’s packed with flavor and just the right amount of Cajun spice to keep your guests coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love Football Crawfish Bread
- Game-Day Ready: Shaped like a football, it’s the ultimate tailgate or party snack.
- Bursting with Flavor: Crawfish tails, creamy cheeses, and Cajun spices bring authentic Louisiana flavor to the table.
- Show-Stopping Presentation: Twists and cheese stitching make this a feast for the eyes and the stomach.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps with ready-made pizza dough keep things stress-free.
What You Need to Make Football Crawfish Bread
This recipe calls for fresh ingredients and some pantry staples to create the perfect crawfish filling and golden-brown crust. Check the recipe card for precise measurements. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Crawfish Tails: Fresh or packaged, Louisiana crawfish is the star ingredient.
- Cheeses: Cream cheese, pepper jack, and Parmesan for a rich, melty filling.
- Pizza Dough: Thin crust pizza dough forms the football-shaped shell.
- Cajun Spices: Cajun seasoning and granulated garlic pack a flavorful punch.
- Veggies: Onion, celery, green onions, and garlic add depth to the filling.
- Egg Wash & Butter Glaze: For that irresistible golden crust and finishing touch.
How to Make Football Crawfish Bread
1
Prepare the Filling: Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté the diced onion, celery, green onions, and minced garlic until softened and fragrant. Add the crawfish tails along with any juices, cream cheese, pepper jack cheese, Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, and granulated garlic. Cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheeses melt into a creamy filling. Set aside to cool slightly.
2
Roll and Cut the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on parchment paper dusted with flour to thin it out slightly. Use a football template or freehand with a pizza cutter to cut out two football shapes.
3
Assemble the Football: Spread the crawfish mixture evenly over one of the football-shaped dough pieces, leaving a border around the edges. Place the second dough football on top and press the edges together to seal.
4
Create the Twists: Use a pizza cutter to make slits along both sides of the football, leaving the center intact. Twist each strip of dough to expose the filling and create a decorative design. Brush the entire football with egg wash to help it bake to a golden brown.
5
Bake the Bread: Transfer the assembled bread onto a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crisp.
6
Add the Finishing Touches: Once baked, cut string cheese into thin strips and arrange them on the football to form the laces. Brush the bread with melted butter mixed with Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
7
Serve and Enjoy: Slice the football crawfish bread into pieces and serve warm. It’s a guaranteed game-day hit!
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use shrimp instead of crawfish?
Yes! Shrimp or even crab make excellent substitutes if crawfish is unavailable.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the filling and assemble the bread, then cover and refrigerate. Bake fresh when ready to serve.
What can I serve with Football Crawfish Bread?
Pair it with a zesty dipping sauce like remoulade or a simple green salad for balance.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Of course! Use more or less Cajun seasoning, or add a touch of hot sauce for extra heat.
Football Crawfish Bread
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp Butter
- 1 small onion diced small
- 2 stalks celery diced small
- 1/2 bunch green onions diced small
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 lb peeled crawfish tails fresh or packaged form the grocery (LOUISIANA preferred)
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 3/4 cup Pepper Jack Cheese shredded from the block (melts better)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp granulated garlic
- 2 tubes of thin crust pizza dough
- 1 egg white egg wash
- 1 tbsp butter and 1tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400
- In a skillet add your butter, onions, celery, green onions, and minced garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Add in your crawfish tails, and juice, cream cheese, pepper jack cheese, Parmesan, and seasonings. Cook on medium heat for 8-10 minutes until all the cheese is melted.
MAKING THE FOOTBALL:
- Either using a printed out football template or free hand
- Roll out your pizza dough on parchment paper sprinkled with flour. Roll it to thin it out a little. Cut 2 football shapes with a pizza cutter
- Add your crawfish mix on on dough, and fold over the second half on top and peel off the parchment paper.
- With your pizza cutter, leave a space on both ends and cut slits down the middle on both sides, leaving the middle intact
- Take each section and twist. Brush the top with your egg wash
- Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown
- Cut your string cheese into lengthwise strips to make the sticking on top.
- Brush with your butter mixture and serve!
