Loaded Cajun Seafood Stuffed Potatoes combine the hearty comfort of baked potatoes with the vibrant flavors of Louisiana seafood boil. The first time I made these for a family gathering, my kitchen filled with that unmistakable aroma of Cajun spices that instantly transports you to New Orleans. There’s something magical about cutting into a perfectly baked potato and discovering a treasure trove of succulent shrimp, sweet crab meat, and tender crawfish all swimming in a spicy, buttery sauce. If you love the bold flavors of creamy garlic shrimp over mashed potatoes, you’ll adore this elevated seafood-stuffed version.
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Loaded Cajun Seafood Stuffed Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
These Loaded Cajun Seafood Stuffed Potatoes are a flavor-packed Southern comfort bomb! Tender baked potatoes are loaded with a rich, creamy Cajun seafood filling—stuffed with shrimp, crab, and cheese—then baked until golden and bubbly. It’s spicy, indulgent, and totally unforgettable!
Ingredients
🟡 For the Potatoes:
4 large russet potatoes
Olive oil, salt, and pepper
🟡 For the Cajun Seafood Filling:
1 tbsp butter
1/2 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
1/2 cup lump crab meat
1/4 cup diced onion
1/4 cup diced bell pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup sour cream
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella
Salt & pepper to taste
🟡 Toppings (Optional):
Chopped green onions
Extra cheese
Cajun seasoning for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Wash and scrub potatoes. Prick with a fork, rub with olive oil, and season with salt.
2. Bake potatoes directly on oven rack for 50–60 minutes until tender.
3. While potatoes bake, melt butter in skillet. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté 3–4 minutes.
4. Add shrimp and crab. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until shrimp are opaque.
5. Remove from heat. Stir in cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, and mozzarella until creamy and combined.
6. Once potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice open and scoop out some of the flesh into a bowl.
7. Mix potato flesh into the seafood mixture. Adjust seasoning.
8. Spoon mixture back into the potato shells and top with extra cheese if desired.
9. Return to oven and bake 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
10. Top with green onions and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning. Serve hot!
Notes
Make it extra spicy by adding diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
Swap crab for crawfish or scallops for a twist.
You can prep everything in advance and bake just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Cajun Seafood Stuffed Potatoes
Perfect Balance of Flavors and Textures
The beauty of these stuffed potatoes lies in their perfect contrast of textures—crispy potato skins giving way to fluffy interiors topped with succulent seafood. Each bite delivers a symphony of flavors: the earthy potato, sweet crab, plump shrimp, and that signature Cajun kick. I’ve carefully balanced the spice level to provide warmth without overwhelming the delicate seafood. The melted butter sauce infused with garlic, paprika, and cayenne creates a luxurious coating that seeps into the potato, transforming an ordinary spud into something truly extraordinary that’ll have everyone at the table reaching for seconds.
Impressive Yet Approachable
Don’t let the fancy appearance fool you—these loaded potatoes are surprisingly simple to prepare! Even when I’m short on time but craving something special, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results without the fuss. The components can be prepped ahead, making it perfect for entertaining or weeknight dinners when you want to elevate your meal. I love watching guests’ faces light up when these arrive at the table—they never believe how straightforward they were to make. The combination of everyday ingredients with special seafood creates a dish that feels indulgent yet completely doable for home cooks of any skill level.
Essential Tips & Tricks
Selecting and Preparing the Perfect Potatoes
Start with russet potatoes for their fluffy texture and sturdy skins that crisp up beautifully. I like to rub them with olive oil and a sprinkle of coarse salt before baking—this simple step creates that irresistible crispy exterior. For truly exceptional results, bake potatoes directly on the oven rack rather than on a baking sheet. This allows heat to circulate evenly, resulting in perfectly cooked potatoes every time. The fork test is your best friend here—when a fork slides easily into the center, they’re done. Allow them to cool slightly before handling to prevent burning your fingers while scooping out the centers.
Seafood Selection and Seasoning Secrets
The seafood trinity of shrimp, crab, and crawfish creates the most authentic Cajun experience, but don’t stress if you can’t find all three. Even using just shrimp delivers delicious results! When selecting seafood, fresh is ideal, but high-quality frozen works wonderfully too—just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking. The key to flavor lies in my special Cajun butter sauce: melted butter infused with garlic, paprika, cayenne, thyme, and a splash of lemon juice. For an extra dimension of flavor, try adding a tablespoon of authentic Cajun crawfish etouffee sauce to your seafood mixture—it’s a game-changer!
Serving Ideas & Creative Variations
Perfect Pairings and Presentation
These loaded potatoes make a stunning centerpiece for any meal. I love serving them with a crisp side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. For presentation, sprinkle with fresh chives, parsley, or green onions for a pop of color against the golden potatoes and pink seafood. A dollop of sour cream on top adds a cool contrast to the spicy filling. For a complete feast, pair with crusty bread for soaking up any extra sauce and a light vegetable side like crispy garlic air fryer broccoli for textural contrast that complements without competing with your showstopping potatoes.
Creative Twists on the Classic
While the traditional version is divine, don’t be afraid to put your own spin on these stuffed potatoes. For a lighter option, substitute sweet potatoes for russets—their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the seafood. Experiment with different cheese toppings: pepper jack adds heat, while smoked gouda brings a wonderful depth. For a deconstructed approach, try making twice-baked potato skins and topping them with the seafood mixture for perfect party appetizers. You can even transform leftovers into an incredible breakfast by topping with a fried egg—the runny yolk creates a luscious sauce that takes this dish to new heights.
Storage & Troubleshooting Guide
Proper Storage and Reheating Methods
These seafood potatoes are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored properly for the next day. Place cooled potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When reheating, avoid the microwave which can make the potatoes gummy and the seafood rubbery. Instead, place them in a 325°F oven, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes until heated through. The gentle heat preserves the texture of both potato and seafood. For meal prep, you can bake and hollow out the potatoes ahead of time, storing them separately from the prepared seafood mixture, then assemble and heat just before serving.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your potatoes aren’t crisping up properly, the culprit is often excess moisture. Be sure to thoroughly pat dry the potatoes before oiling and baking. For potatoes that crack too much during baking, try pricking them with a fork before cooking to allow steam to escape evenly. If your seafood filling turns out watery, the seafood likely wasn’t dried well enough after thawing. Always pat seafood completely dry and consider sautéing briefly to remove excess moisture before mixing with other ingredients. For spice balance, remember you can always add more heat with hot sauce at the table, but you can’t take it away—start conservatively with the cayenne if you’re unsure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Loaded Cajun Seafood Stuffed Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! Bake and hollow out potatoes up to 2 days ahead. Prepare seafood filling the day of serving. Store separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake for 15-20 minutes before serving.
What’s the best potato variety to use?
Russet potatoes are ideal due to their starchy, fluffy texture and sturdy skins that crisp beautifully. Their neutral flavor also perfectly complements the bold Cajun seafood filling.
Can I substitute other seafood in this recipe?
Absolutely! While shrimp, crab, and crawfish create authentic Cajun flavor, you can use any combination or single seafood. Lobster makes a luxurious substitution, and white fish works well too.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe provides moderate heat that most people enjoy. Adjust cayenne pepper to taste—start with less if you’re sensitive to spice or add more for true Cajun fire.
Can I freeze leftover stuffed potatoes?
I don’t recommend freezing the assembled potatoes as the texture suffers significantly. However, you can freeze the seafood filling separately for up to one month in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
These Loaded Cajun Seafood Stuffed Potatoes represent the perfect marriage of comfort food and culinary adventure. They’ve become my go-to when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of crispy potato, fluffy interior, and that rich, spicy seafood filling creates a memorable dish that bridges everyday cooking with special occasion worthy results. I hope they bring the same joy to your table as they have to mine! For more delicious seafood inspirations, check out my Pinterest collection where I’m always adding new flavor combinations and cooking techniques.