Loaded Cajun Seafood Stuffed Potatoes

By Tyla | Last modified on Jan 10, 2026

Featured in: Seafood

Imagine tender, fluffy russet potatoes baked to perfection then stuffed with a savory blend of fresh shrimp and crab, richly seasoned with Cajun spices. Each bite melts creamy cheddar cheese and sour cream with a hint of smoky paprika, delivering a warming and indulgent flavor experience.

This dish brings the best of coastal seafood flavors right to your dinner table, complemented by the comforting texture of baked potatoes. Whether for a casual family dinner or a special occasion, these loaded Cajun seafood stuffed potatoes are sure to impress with their vibrant taste and satisfying heartiness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and spicy seafood flavors stuffed inside fluffy potatoes.
Gluten-free and easy to customize with your favorite seafood options.
Ideal for cozy dinners that feel both luxurious and home-cooked.

Ingredients

Russet Potatoes: Four large potatoes provide a starchy, fluffy base perfect for stuffing and mashing.
Cooked Shrimp: One cup of chopped shrimp adds sweet, tender seafood flavor and protein.
Cooked Crab Meat or Seafood Blend: One cup of crab meat delivers delicate, slightly sweet taste complementing the shrimp.
Unsalted Butter: Two tablespoons enrich the potato mixture with creamy, smooth texture.
Whole Milk or Heavy Cream: Half a cup for mashing, adding extra creaminess to the potato flesh.
Sour Cream: Half a cup introduces tangy richness, balancing the spices and seafood.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: One cup total, split for mixing inside and topping for a melty, savory finish.
Cajun Seasoning: One teaspoon blends aromatic spices for bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor.
Garlic Powder: Half teaspoon adds depth and subtle pungent sweetness.
Paprika: Half teaspoon offers smoky undertones enhancing Cajun seasoning.
Salt: To taste, seasoning to bring out all ingredient flavors perfectly.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste, for bright heat and balance.
Sliced Green Onions or Chopped Parsley: Optional fresh garnish adding color and mild zestiness.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Potatoes: Heat your oven to 400°F and wash the russet potatoes well, poking them several times with a fork. This step allows steam to escape and ensures even cooking, resulting in fluffy interiors.
Bake Potatoes Until Tender: Place each potato directly on the oven rack and bake for 45 to 60 minutes until soft when pierced with a fork. Slightly cooling them will make handling easier while preserving warmth.
Mix Seafood Filling: In a medium bowl, combine chopped shrimp, crab meat, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in sour cream and one-third cup of shredded cheddar cheese to bind and enrich the seafood mixture with creamy, cheesy flavor.
Scoop Potato Flesh: Slice each baked potato lengthwise and carefully scoop out the soft potato flesh into a bowl. Leaving a 1/4-inch thick shell prevents breakage and holds the filling securely.
Mash Potato Flesh with Dairy: Add butter and milk or cream to the potato flesh and mash until smooth and creamy. This acts as the base for the filling, adding richness and softness to contrast with the seafood.
Combine Potato and Seafood Mixture: Gently fold the seafood filling and half of the remaining cheese into the mashed potato. This ensures each bite has a harmonious balance of creamy potato and flavorful seafood.
Stuff Potato Shells: Fill each potato shell generously with the combined mixture, then sprinkle the tops with the remaining cheddar cheese. This step prepares the dish for a final melt and golden finish.
Bake Stuffed Potatoes: Lower the oven temperature to 375°F and place the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until cheese melts and the tops develop a golden-brown color, signaling a perfect texture contrast.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with sliced green onions or parsley if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the dish warm with all flavors at their peak.

You Must Know

Adjust Cajun seasoning to fit your preferred spice level, from mild to bold.
Different seafood varieties like scallops or lobster can be used for a unique twist.
Avoid overbaking potatoes as it can dry the flesh, diminishing the creamy texture.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover stuffed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain texture and avoid drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these stuffed potatoes alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A cold glass of white wine complements the seafood’s richness beautifully.

Professional Tips

For fluffier potato flesh, use a potato ricer instead of mashing by hand.
Chill the seafood mixture before folding it into potatoes to keep it fresh and firm.
Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for better melting and richness compared to pre-shredded.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?: Yes, you can prepare the stuffing mixture a day early and refrigerate. Bake the potatoes fresh for best results.
What if I can’t find crab meat?: Use a seafood blend, imitation crab, or extra shrimp as a substitute without losing flavor.
Is this recipe gluten free?: Yes, all ingredients used are naturally gluten free, perfect for gluten-sensitive diets.
How spicy is Cajun seasoning?: Cajun seasoning varies by brand. Adjust the quantity or use mild seasoning if you prefer less heat.
Can these be made in an air fryer?: Air frying the baked potatoes or the stuffed potatoes may work but watch cook times closely to avoid drying out.
Can I use different cheeses?: Yes, Monterey Jack or mozzarella work well for a gooey texture, while sharp cheddar adds tang.
Do I need to use sour cream?: Sour cream adds tanginess and moisture but may be substituted with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.