Forget boring baked potatoes! These beauties are bursting with bold Cajun vibes. Imagine tender fluffy interiors cradling succulent shrimp simmered in a vibrant sauce, all showered with a symphony of four Mexican cheeses. Each bite is a delightful dance of textures and flavors that’ll leave you wanting more. Let’s cook up some magic!
Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Loaded Baked Potato Recipe
Ingredients
- Two russet potatoes
- Oil and salt
- 1 lb. shrimp
- 1/2 cup bell peppers
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 16 oz. four Mexican cheeses (divided)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons butter
Directions
Preparing the Potatoes
- Clean the russet potatoes thoroughly, removing any dirt, and pat them dry.
- Use a fork to prick some holes in the potatoes to facilitate even cooking.
- Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes and rub it in, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Sprinkle salt over the potatoes, using sea salt if desired.
- Wrap the seasoned potatoes tightly in foil and bake them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Creating the Potato Filling
- After baking, remove the potatoes from the oven and carefully cut off a small portion from the top of each potato.
- Scoop out the potato flesh and place it in a bowl.
- Melt four tablespoons of butter and add one teaspoon of lemon pepper seasoning to it, creating a flavorful mixture.
- Pour the seasoned butter over the potato flesh and mash them together using the back of a fork.
- Add a portion of the Mexican cheese and some heavy cream into the potato mixture, combining everything thoroughly.
Cooking the Cajun Shrimp
- Drizzle olive oil over the cleaned and deveined shrimp.
- Season the shrimp with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper flakes, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- In a skillet heated over medium-high heat, add olive oil and cook the seasoned shrimp for approximately 1-2 minutes per side until they turn golden brown.
- Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
Preparing the Creamy Sauce
- Using the same skillet, melt two tablespoons of unsalted butter.
- Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the melted butter, sautéing until they become soft and translucent.
- Pour in the heavy cream and add a teaspoon of Creole seasoning, adjusting the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- Stir the ingredients together, allowing them to combine and create a rich and savory sauce.
Assembling and Baking the Loaded Potatoes
- Take the baked potato shells and fill them with the mashed potato mixture.
- Top the filled potatoes with a generous amount of creamy sauce, sprinkling additional Mexican cheese over the top.
- Place the Cajun shrimp on each potato, adding more cheese and sauce to enhance the flavors.
- Bake the loaded potatoes for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld together.
Conclusion:
Congratulations! You’ve successfully created the delectable Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Loaded Baked Potatoes. These potatoes are a perfect blend of flavors and textures, with the crispy potato skin, fluffy mashed potato interior, succulent Cajun shrimp, and creamy sauce complemented by melted Mexican cheese. Each bite is a burst of taste that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re indulging in this dish for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to culinary bliss, these loaded baked potatoes are sure to satisfy your cravings. Don’t forget to customize the recipe to your liking and share your experience in the comments below. Happy cooking and bon appétit!