If you love bold flavors and comforting textures, this Loaded Cajun Seafood Stuffed Potatoes Recipe is an absolute must-try in your kitchen. Imagine fluffy, buttery potatoes loaded with a creamy, spicy blend of shrimp and crab meat, seasoned perfectly with Cajun spices that bring a lively kick to each bite. This dish is a beautiful marriage of hearty Southern comfort and luxurious seafood indulgence, perfect for family dinners or impressing friends with a dish that looks as amazing as it tastes. Get ready to dive into a recipe that’s bursting with flavor and easy enough to make any night of the week!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in this Loaded Cajun Seafood Stuffed Potatoes Recipe. From the creamy richness of butter and sour cream to the smoky warmth of paprika and garlic powder, each component complements the fresh, tender seafood and hearty potatoes beautifully.
- 4 large russet potatoes: These starchy potatoes bake up fluffy inside, making them ideal for stuffing.
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped: Adds a tender seafood sweetness perfectly enhanced by Cajun spices.
- 1 cup cooked crab meat or seafood blend, chopped: Provides a lovely texture contrast and rich ocean flavor.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Brings a silky, creamy element to the potato filling.
- 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream: Ensures the mashed potato mixture is decadently smooth.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess that brighten the seafood filling.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Melts beautifully for gooey, cheesy tops and mixed-in flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning: Infuses each bite with classic, spicy Southern charm.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a subtle savory undertone without overpowering the seafood.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Contributes smoky warmth and a vibrant reddish hue.
- Salt, to taste: Balances and enhances all the individual ingredients.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Adds a gentle kick that complements the Cajun spices.
- Sliced green onions or chopped parsley, optional: For a fresh, colorful garnish that adds a mild bite.
How to Make Loaded Cajun Seafood Stuffed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Give those russet potatoes a good wash to remove any dirt, then pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. This step ensures the potatoes cook evenly and develop a beautifully tender interior perfect for stuffing.
Step 2: Bake the Potatoes
Place the pierced potatoes directly on the oven rack, so heat circulates evenly around them. Let them bake for 45 to 60 minutes until you can easily pierce them with a fork. This slow baking is what creates that dreamy fluffy texture inside. Once done, set them aside to cool just enough so you can handle them safely.
Step 3: Combine the Seafood Mixture
While the potatoes are cooling, grab a medium bowl and toss together the chopped shrimp, crab meat, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in the sour cream and about one-third of your shredded cheddar cheese until everything is nicely blended. This mixture will bring a punch of Cajun flavor paired with creamy richness.
Step 4: Scoop Out the Potato Flesh
Slice each baked potato lengthwise right down the center. Carefully scoop out the fluffy potato flesh into a large bowl, leaving about a quarter-inch shell intact to hold the stuffing. This step creates the perfect vessel for combining all the deliciousness without the potatoes falling apart.
Step 5: Mash and Mix
Add the butter and milk or heavy cream to the scooped potato flesh and mash until smooth and creamy. Gently fold the prepared seafood mixture and half of the remaining shredded cheese into the mashed potatoes, creating a filling that’s rich, flavorful, and spreadable.
Step 6: Stuff the Potatoes
Fill each potato shell generously with your luscious seafood-potato mixture. Don’t be shy here — these stuffed potatoes are meant to be indulgent and overflowing with goodness. Top each one with the rest of the shredded cheddar cheese to melt beautifully on top.
Step 7: Bake to Melt and Brown
Lower your oven temperature to 375°F and place the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt fully and develop golden, bubbly peaks. This final bake is where the dish comes together with irresistible appealing looks and textures.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove the potatoes from the oven and add a sprinkle of sliced green onions or chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh bite. Serve these Loaded Cajun Seafood Stuffed Potatoes Recipe creations immediately, while they’re steaming hot and oozing cheesy, spicy seafood goodness.
How to Serve Loaded Cajun Seafood Stuffed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Bright garnishes like sliced green onions or fresh parsley add a nice crispness and vibrant color contrast that enhances the overall presentation. You might also consider a light drizzle of hot sauce for friends who love an extra kick or a dollop of extra sour cream to cool things down if the Cajun seasoning feels bold.
Side Dishes
Because these potatoes are so rich and filling, pairing them with light, refreshing sides works perfectly. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables balances the Cajun spice and creamy textures. Alternatively, corn on the cob or a simple coleslaw makes for classic Southern comfort food pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow guests, serve these stuffed potatoes halved and arranged on a platter with assorted dipping sauces like garlic aioli or spicy remoulade. For a fun twist, you can also scoop the filling into individual ramekins alongside the potato skins, letting everyone build their own loaded bites. Presentation can be casual or elegant depending on the occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to let them cool completely before sealing to maintain best texture and flavor.
Freezing
This Loaded Cajun Seafood Stuffed Potatoes Recipe can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly after thawing due to the creamy seafood filling. Wrap each potato tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible to retain the best texture; slow oven warming keeps that perfect balance of fluffy potato and creamy filling.
FAQs
Can I use other types of seafood for this recipe?
Absolutely! While shrimp and crab are classic, you can experiment with lobster, scallops, or a seafood blend to customize the flavors and textures to your liking.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The Cajun seasoning adds a moderate kick, but it’s finely balanced with sour cream and cheese to keep it creamy and approachable. You can adjust the amount of seasoning to suit your spice preference.
Can I prepare the stuffed potatoes ahead of time before baking?
Yes! You can prepare steps 1 through 6 in advance and refrigerate the stuffed, unbaked potatoes. When ready, just bake as directed in step 7 and 8 before serving.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, mix together paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme to create your own blend that will still pack plenty of flavor.
Are russet potatoes the best choice?
Russet potatoes are ideal because of their fluffy interior and sturdy skin, but you could use Yukon Golds if you prefer a slightly creamier texture and less starchy flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Loaded Cajun Seafood Stuffed Potatoes Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels like a treat every time but is so easy to make you’ll want to turn to it often. The combination of creamy potatoes, succulent seafood, and zesty Cajun spices creates something truly special and satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try it and share this cozy, flavorful meal with your loved ones – it’s a guaranteed winner around any table!
Print
Loaded Cajun Seafood Stuffed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
Loaded Cajun Seafood Stuffed Potatoes are a flavorful and hearty dish featuring baked russet potatoes filled with a creamy mixture of seasoned shrimp, crab meat, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfectly spiced with Cajun seasoning and garlic, these stuffed potatoes make for an impressive appetizer or satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes
Seafood Mixture
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup cooked crab meat or seafood blend, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Potato Filling
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- Remaining shredded cheddar cheese (approximately 2/3 cup)
Garnish (Optional)
- Sliced green onions or chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Potatoes: Preheat oven to 400°F. Wash the potatoes thoroughly and poke several holes in each with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake Potatoes: Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 45 to 60 minutes until they are fork-tender. Remove and allow them to cool slightly so you can handle them comfortably.
- Prepare Seafood Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, crab meat, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the sour cream and one-third cup of shredded cheddar cheese until evenly mixed.
- Scoop Out Potatoes: Slice the baked potatoes lengthwise. Carefully scoop out most of the potato flesh into a large bowl, leaving about a 1/4-inch thick shell to hold the filling.
- Mash Potato Flesh: Add the butter and milk or heavy cream to the scooped potato flesh. Mash until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the seafood mixture and half of the remaining shredded cheese.
- Stuff Potatoes: Spoon the creamy seafood and potato mixture back into the potato shells, filling them generously. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top.
- Bake Stuffed Potatoes: Lower the oven temperature to 375°F. Place the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the tops turn golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with sliced green onions or chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor.
Notes
- Russet potatoes are preferred for their fluffy texture when baked.
- Use cooked seafood to prevent overcooking during the final bake.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your desired spice level.
- For a creamier filling, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- Make sure to leave enough potato flesh to form a sturdy shell for stuffing.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to maintain texture.
