Loaded Cajun Seafood Stuffed Potatoes (Print Version)

Baked potatoes filled with zesty shrimp, crab, Cajun spices, and melty cheese for bold southern flavor.

# Ingredients:

→ Potatoes

01 - 4 large russet potatoes

→ Seafood Mixture

02 - 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
03 - 1 cup cooked crab meat or seafood blend, chopped

→ Dairy and Cheese

04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
06 - 1/2 cup sour cream
07 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

→ Seasonings

08 - 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
09 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
11 - Salt, to taste
12 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnishes

13 - Sliced green onions or chopped parsley, optional

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Wash potatoes thoroughly and pierce each several times with a fork.
02 - Place potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until fork-tender. Set aside to cool slightly.
03 - In a medium bowl, combine chopped shrimp, crab meat, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Stir in sour cream and 1/3 cup shredded cheese until well mixed.
04 - Slice baked potatoes lengthwise. Carefully scoop most of the flesh into a large bowl, leaving a 1/4-inch shell.
05 - Add butter and milk or cream to the potato flesh. Mash until smooth. Gently fold in the seafood mixture and half of the remaining cheese.
06 - Fill each potato shell generously with the seafood potato mixture. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top.
07 - Reduce oven temperature to 375°F. Arrange stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and tops are golden.
08 - Remove from oven and garnish with green onions or parsley as desired. Serve immediately while hot.

# Notes:

01 - Substitute seafood blend with all shrimp or all crab if preferred. Increase Cajun seasoning for a spicier profile.