Loaded Cajun Seafood Potatoes
Fluffy baked potatoes stuffed with a creamy Cajun-spiced shrimp and crab mixture, topped with melted cheese for a flavorful Southern-inspired comfort dish perfect for dinner or special occasions.
Equipment
- 1 oven preheated to 400°F
- 1 skillet for cooking seafood filling
- 1 baking sheet for final baking
- 1 mixing bowl to mash and mix potato filling
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 oz shrimp peeled, deveined, chopped
- 6 oz lump crab meat picked clean
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup cream cheese softened
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- Extra chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dry potatoes, then rub with olive oil and salt.
- Place potatoes directly on oven rack and bake 50–60 minutes until fork-tender. Remove and let cool slightly.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes until shrimp turns pink.
- Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and cream cheese until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted.
- Gently fold in crab meat and green onions, then remove from heat.
- Slice the top of each potato lengthwise and scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a sturdy shell.
- Mash the scooped potato lightly and stir into the seafood mixture.
- Spoon filling back into potato shells and top with extra shredded cheese.
- Place stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Add extra Cajun seasoning or hot sauce for more heat.
- Swap shrimp or crab with crawfish or lobster for variety.
- Prepare filling ahead and stuff potatoes before baking.
- Serve with salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread.