Loaded Seafood Baked Potato: Step-by-Step Guide

As someone who enjoys cooking and experimenting with different recipes, I believe that loaded seafood baked potatoes are a delicious and versatile dish that deserves more attention. I want to share this recipe with others so that they can experience the joy of making and eating this dish at home.

In this article, I aim to provide information that covers all aspects of loaded seafood baked potatoes. I hope to inspire readers to try making this dish for themselves and to explore different variations and toppings. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, I believe that you will find this article informative and useful.

Jump to:

• Overview
• Ingredients you'll need:
• Step by Step instructions:
• Common mistakes to avoid when making this recipe
• Ideal sides to serve with loaded seafood baked potatoes.
• Variations of the dish
• Full Recipe

Overview

Loaded seafood baked potato is a delicious and hearty dish comprised of a baked potato filled with a generous amount of seafood and toppings. This dish perfectly combines crispy potato skin and a soft and creamy interior, combined with the rich flavors of seafood and seasonings.

I imagine taking a bite of a loaded seafood baked potato and being greeted by the satisfying crunch of the potato skin, followed by the tender and juicy chunks of seafood mixed with creamy sauces and melted cheese. The toppings add texture and flavor, making each bite an explosion of taste in my mouth.

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Ingredients you'll need:

• 4 baking-size Russet potatoes
• 1 lb of raw shrimp

Seasoning ingredients for seafood:

• 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning 
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon of liquid crab boil (optional)

Sauteeing the seafood:

• 2 tablespoon minced garlic
• 4 tablespoon of butter

Seasoning for potatoes:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened) 
• sour cream
• chives or green onions
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• salt and pepper to taste.
• ½ cup cheddar cheese

For the sauce:

• 4 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoon flour
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning 
• 1 teaspoon dried basil & oregano powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack (optional)
• reserved seafood liquid (after cooking the seafood)

Garnish:

• ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• chopped chives or green onions

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Step by Step instructions:

For the Potatoes:

• Wash and scrub 4 Russet potatoes, poke small holes with a fork, and dry them.
• Bake the potatoes at 400°F wrapped in foil for 40-50 mins, or microwave one at a time on the "potato" setting (or 5 mins on high) until fork-tender.
• Cut a split down the center of a baked potato and scoop out the insides into a bowl.
• Mix the scooped potato with 4 oz cream cheese, chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then cover to keep warm.

For the Seafood:

• Season 1 lb shrimp and 1 lb crawfish tails with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, 1 tablespoon onion powder, and 1 tablespoon liquid crab boil.
• In a saucepan, sauté 2 tablespoon minced garlic in 4 tablespoon butter for 30 secs, then add in the seasoned seafood and cook for 3 mins.
• Reserve the orange liquid from the pot and set the seafood aside.

For the Sauce:

• In the same saucepan, melt 4 tablespoon butter and whisk in 2 tablespoon flour until the flour is no longer visible (about 1 min).
• Pour in 2 cups heavy cream and the reserved orange seafood liquid, and season with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, dried basil & oregano powder, and 1 tablespoon onion powder.
• Bring the mixture to a low simmer and add 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack (optional), stirring until the cheese is melted. Note: You can add some water or broth to thin out the sauce.
• Add in the cooked seafood, then turn off the heat and let it cool.

For the Loaded Potatoes:

• Spoon the potato mixture onto the reserved potato skins and sprinkle with ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Spoon the thickened seafood sauce over the potato mixture and garnish with chopped chives or green onions.

Read:

• Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp

Costco Cilantro Lime Shrimp Copycat Recipe

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Why these key ingredients

1 Russet potatoes:

Russet potatoes are the perfect choice for this recipe because of their unique texture and flavor. They have a crispy exterior and a soft and fluffy interior, which provides a perfect balance of texture and flavor. When baked, Russet potatoes develop a delicate and creamy texture, making them an ideal base for the loaded seafood topping.

Their neutral flavor also makes them a great canvas for the bold and savory flavors of seafood, seasonings, and sauce. Russet potatoes can absorb the flavors of the toppings, creating a delicious and harmonious dish.

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2 Crab Meat:

Crab meat adds a rich and succulent flavor to the dish, making it even more satisfying. It has a tender texture and a mild, sweet flavor that complements the bold flavors of the other ingredients.

When combined with the seasonings, garlic, and butter, the crab meat takes on an even richer flavor, making it a key component of the dish. Whether you use fresh or canned crab meat, it will provide a delicious taste and texture that elevates the overall dish.

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3 Shrimp:

Shrimp adds an extra layer of flavor to this Loaded Seafood Baked Potato recipe. Its mild taste and tender texture complement the other ingredients and help create a delicious, savory dish. The shrimp also contains high levels of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to any meal.

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4 Cajun Seasoning:

The robust blend of flavorful spices creates a unique flavor profile that adds a kick to the dish. It also helps to bring out the natural sweetness of shrimp and crab meat, making them even more delicious.

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5 Liquid Crab oil:

Liquid crab oil imparts a rich, savory flavor that enhances the other ingredients in this Loaded Seafood Baked Potato recipe. It also provides an additional layer of umami, making it a perfect accompaniment to the dish and adding an extra element of deliciousness.

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6 Onion powder:

Onion powder helps bring out their flavor by providing a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. Plus, it adds a hint of pungency that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients included in this dish.

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7 Unsalted butter:

Unsalted butter is the best choice for this Loaded Seafood Baked Potato recipe, as it helps maintain control over the sodium content of the dish. It also provides a unique creaminess and flavor that enhances the other ingredients in the dish, making it a delicious and nutritious option.

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8 Cream cheese:

Cream cheese adds an indulgent richness and creaminess to this Baked Potato recipe, making it a satisfying and flavorful meal. Plus, it helps bind all of the ingredients together and keeps them moist. This makes the potatoes extra creamy and delicious.

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9 Sour cream:

Sour cream adds an extra layer of flavor to this Loaded Seafood Baked Potato recipe, balancing the other ingredients and giving it a creamy and slightly tangy taste. It also helps keep the potatoes moist while they bake, making them even more flavorful and enjoyable.

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10 Cheddar Cheese:

Cheddar cheese adds a sharp, nutty flavor to the Loaded Seafood Baked Potato recipe, elevating the other ingredients and creating a delicious savory sauce. It also brings a creamy and satisfying texture to the mix, helping to bind all of the flavors together into one tasty dish.

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11 Heavy Whipping Cream:

Heavy whipping cream helps to create a rich and decadent sauce for the Loaded Seafood Baked Potato Recipe. It adds a silky texture that enhances the flavor of all the ingredients, while also making sure the dish is creamy and not too thick. The cream also helps to keep the potatoes evenly cooked throughout, creating a tender and fluffy texture.

Read:

• Baked Shrimp Toast

Baked Shrimp Toast

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Alternatives for specific ingredients

Here are some ingredient alternatives for this loaded seafood baked potato recipe, written in an active voice:

• Crawfish tails: If crawfish tails are not available or not to your liking, you can use crab meat, lobster meat, or shrimp as a substitute.
• Cajun seasoning: If you don't have Cajun seasoning, you can use Creole seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, or a combination of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
• Liquid crab boil: If you don't have liquid crab boil, you can use seafood stock, clam juice, or chicken broth.
• Cream cheese: If you don't have cream cheese, you can use sour cream, Greek yogurt, or ricotta cheese.
• Chives or green onions: If you don't have chives or green onions, you can use fresh parsley, fresh basil, or fresh dill.
• Half and half or whipping cream: If you don't have half and half or whipping cream, you can use whole milk, heavy cream, or coconut milk.
• Monterey Jack cheese: If you don't have Monterey Jack cheese, you can use Colby cheese, pepper jack cheese, or a combination of both.

In short, these ingredient alternatives provide different flavor profiles and textures, allowing you to customize the dish to your liking. Whether you stick to the original recipe or make substitutions, the loaded seafood baked potato is sure to be a delicious and satisfying meal.

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Tips and tricks when cooking this dish:

• Wash, scrub and dry the potatoes thoroughly to ensure they are clean and free of any dirt or debris.
• Use a fork to poke small holes all over the potatoes to vent them while cooking, this helps to ensure they cook evenly.
• Experiment with different wrapping methods, such as foil or paper towels, when cooking the potatoes to see which works best for you.
• Make sure to not cut all the way through the other side of the potato's skin while making split down the center of the potato, to keep the potato intact.
• Reserve the orange liquid left after cooking the seafood, it can be used as a base for the sauce.
• When making the sauce, whisk the flour into the melted butter until the flour is no longer visible, to ensure a smooth sauce.
• Stir the cheese slowly and gently, letting it melt slowly will result in a smoother sauce.
• Adjust the seasoning to your taste, the recipe provides a base but you can add more or less of any ingredient to suit your taste preferences.
• Spoon the thickened seafood sauce over the potato mixture gently, so as to not disrupt the potato mixture.
• Let the seafood cool a bit before serving, this will ensure the cheese and sauce have a chance to thicken and solidify.
• Consider garnishing with chopped chives or green onions to add an extra burst of flavor and a pop of color to the finished dish.

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Common mistakes to avoid when making this recipe

• Overcooking the potatoes results in a dry and tough texture. Not washing and scrubbing the potatoes thoroughly, leads to dirt or debris in the dish.
• Forgetting to poke holes in the potatoes before cooking, causing them to explode in the oven or microwave.
• Undercooking the shrimp and crawfish leads to a chewy and rubbery texture.
• Not removing the garlic from the pan before sautéing the seafood, causes the garlic to burn and taste bitter.
• Not whisking the sauce constantly, resulting in a lumpy sauce.
• Not seasoning the sauce enough, making it bland and unappetizing.
• Overloading the potatoes with too much mixture, causes the potato skins to break.
• Cutting through the skin of the potato while splitting it open, ruining its structural integrity and making it difficult to fill.
• Not using enough cheese, leads to a dry and unappetizing sauce.
• Not using fresh ingredients, such as using old chives, or stale potatoes affects the overall taste of the dish.

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Ideal sides to serve with loaded seafood baked potatoes.

• Serve a fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the loaded potatoes.
• Offer crusty bread to mop up any leftover sauce on the plate.
• Pair with a simple side of steamed or roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or green beans.
• Serve garlic-roasted baby potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes for a satisfying alternative to traditional potatoes.
• Offer a light and refreshing coleslaw to contrast the richness of the seafood filling.
• Grilled corn on the cob offers a sweet and juicy complement to the potatoes.

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Variations of the dish

• Swap seafood: You can switch out the shrimp and crawfish for lobster, scallops, or other seafood of your choice.
• Change up the cheese: Try using a different type of cheese for the sauce, such as cheddar, gouda, or fontina.
• Add vegetables: Mix in some sautéed mushrooms, peppers, or onions to add more flavor and texture.
• Spicy twist: Add a spicy kick to the dish by adding jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the sauce.
• Mexican-style: Turn the dish into a Mexican-style loaded baked potato by using cumin, chili powder, and Mexican cheeses in the sauce.
• Use mashed potatoes: Instead of scooping the potato insides, mash them and use that as the base for the loaded baked potato.

The loaded seafood baked potato dish is a hearty and satisfying meal that brings together the creamy texture of baked potatoes and the flavors of juicy seafood and melted cheese. With some preparation and attention to detail, it can be a delicious addition to any meal. Whether you prefer a classic version or enjoy experimenting with new ingredients and seasonings, the possibilities for customization are endless. Enjoy this comforting dish with friends and family for a satisfying meal that is sure to impress.

Full Recipe