Scrumptious Seafood Stuffed Baked Potato Recipe
Looking to whip up a dish that is decadent, flavorful, and totally show-stopping? Look no further than this seafood stuffed baked potato recipe! With its fluffy baked potato base filled with succulent shrimp scampi and tangy white sauce, topped with cheddar cheese and fresh herbs, it’s a dish that will impress even the most discerning of palates. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just in the mood for a gourmet-style meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy. So why wait? Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests with this delectable seafood stuffed baked potato recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of seafood and baked potatoes, then you’re about to fall in love with this scrumptious recipe! These seafood stuffed baked potatoes are a true delight for your taste buds. Freshly baked crispy potatoes, stuffed with a rich blend of shrimp scampi and cream cheese, seasoned with herbs and spices that will leave you wanting more.
What sets this recipe apart from other baked potato recipes is the delicious combination of seafood fillings; crabmeat, crawfish tails or grilled shrimp, to name a few. This dish is packed with protein, fiber, and all sorts of nutrients that are essential for maintaining a healthy diet.
Not only is this recipe mouth-watering, but it’s incredibly versatile as well. You can easily swap out the seafood fillings to cater to any dietary restrictions or preferences. And if you’re feeling adventurous in the kitchen, try adding some cajun seasoning or white sauce to give it an extra kick.
The best part about this recipe? It’s super easy to make! All you need is some baking potatoes, seafood, cream cheese, and a few other simple ingredients found right in your kitchen. You can even make these ahead of time and store them in the fridge for later use.
If you want to impress your friends or family at your next dinner party or gathering, these seafood stuffed baked potatoes are guaranteed to do just that. The dish itself is beautiful and full of color which makes it ideal for both casual and formal meals alike.
So what are you waiting for? Try out this recipe today and indulge in the irresistible combination of creamy potatoes with savory seafood fillings!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make Seafood Stuffed Baked Potato:
For the Stuffed Potatoes
- 4 large baking potatoes
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled, deveined and chopped finely)
- 4 seafood sticks
- 1/4 cup dry vermouth
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Olive oil
For the White Sauce
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For Garnish
- Grilled Shrimp or Craw fish tails
- A sprinkle of fresh herbs – parsley, basil or chives
These ingredients can be found at your local grocery store. When choosing baking potatoes, make sure they are all roughly the same size for even cooking. For a creamier texture, you can use whole milk instead of skim milk in the white sauce recipe. As for the seafood, fresh is always best, but frozen shrimp and crab meat will also work well. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your garnishes – try using potato skins as a vessel for the seafood filling, or drizzle with a cheese sauce for an extra decadent touch.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process of these mouth-watering Seafood Stuffed Baked Potatoes. This recipe might look daunting, but have no fear as I provide detailed instructions for every step of the way.
Step 1: Baking the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and scrub your baking potatoes with warm water. After that, dry them up using a clean towel and use a fork to poke some holes in each potato so air can escape during the baking process.
You can either choose to bake the potatoes directly in the oven or wrap them in foil. Just remember that unwrapped potatoes will produce crispy skins, while wrapped ones will produce soft skins. Regardless of your choice, bake the potatoes for around 45-60 minutes until they are tender.
Step 2: Preparing the Seafood Stuffing
While waiting for your potatoes to bake, let’s prepare the delicious seafood stuffing! Melt about 4 tablespoons of butter on medium heat in a pan before adding in 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp.
Stir and cook the shrimp until it turns pink, then add 4 tablespoon of dry vermouth before letting it cook for an additional minute or two. Proceed by adding 1/4 cup of cream cheese, followed by 4 cups of cooked white sauce. Mix everything together thoroughly before tossing in your favorite herb mixture (I recommend using thyme and chives).
Once your seafoood stuffing is tempered to perfection, add salt and pepper or any other seasonings you like to taste.
Step 3: Stuffing the Potatoes
After taking out the piping hot baked potatoes out from the oven, allow it to cool down for a few minutes before slicing them up lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out some of the flesh from each potato halves forming a hollow space while maintaining enough flesh to give structure.
Using a spoon, fill each potato skin until they’re overflowing with your scrumptious seafood stuffing. Top off each one with some grated cheese (I love using cheddar) and place back in the oven at 350°F(175°C) until heated through and cheese melts which usually takes around 15-20 minutes.
Step 4: The Final Touches
Once done heating, we’ll finish off with some additional toppings optional: top off each stuffed baked potato with shrimp scampi or crawfish tails; alternatively you could sear some grilled shrimps or sauteed crawfish tail meat as luscious toppings.
And voila there you go- amazing and appetizing Seafood Stuffed Baked Potatoes ready to serve!
These steps might seem daunting but trust me once you get started its merely reaction time; you won’t regret putting effort in creating these ‘twice
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to switch things up with your seafood stuffed baked potatoes? There are a lot of substitutions and variations that can add some variety and flavor to this recipe. Here are a few ideas:
– Crawfish: Love Cajun flavors? Swap out the shrimp in this recipe for crawfish tails. These tender and juicy pieces of shellfish will give the dish a spicy kick and a uniquely southern flavor.
– Crab Meat: Need a substitute for shrimp? Try adding some lump crab meat instead. This seafood has a sweeter taste than shrimp and is more delicate in texture. It pairs especially well with white sauce.
– Cajun Shrimp and Andouille: Kick up the heat with spicy sausage, also known as Andouille, and cajun-seasoned shrimp. These bold flavors will give the dish a distinctly Creole flair.
– Grilled Shrimp: Want an alternative to baked shrimp? Try grilling your shrimp before stuffing them in your baked potato. The charred flavor will add some smokiness to the seafood filling.
– Cheese Sauce: Rather than white sauce, change it up by adding cheese sauce on top of your seafood stuffed potato. This rich sauce will melt beautifully on top of the cheesy filling, providing an indulgent twist.
– Baked Potato Skins: For added crunch, try making extra crispy potato skins by hollowing out baked potatoes and baking them until they’re crisp. You can then use these shells to hold your seafood stuffing for a fun twist on this classic recipe!
No matter what you choose, there’s no wrong answer when it comes to choosing variations or substitutions for this dish. Get creative with your ingredients, and enjoy exploring new flavors!
Serving and Pairing
If you are looking for a show-stopping meal that is sure to impress your guests, this seafood stuffed baked potato recipe is the perfect choice. The combination of creamy potatoes and savory seafood filling will tantalize your taste buds and have you craving more.
When it comes to serving this dish, there are a variety of options to choose from. You can simply serve the potatoes on their own as the main course, or you can pair them with some steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. The dish would also make an excellent side dish when served alongside grilled steak or roasted chicken.
To round out the flavors of this dish, consider serving it with a chilled white wine such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Alternatively, if you prefer red wine, try pairing it with a light-bodied Pinot Noir or Beaujolais.
For those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks, a light and refreshing sparkling water can provide the perfect complement to this rich and flavorful dish.
No matter how you choose to serve this seafood stuffed baked potato recipe, your guests are sure to be impressed by your culinary skills and the amazing flavors of this dish.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the many wonderful things about this seafood stuffed baked potato recipe is its versatility. It’s not only delicious when served fresh out of the oven, but it’s also a perfect make-ahead dish that can be stored and reheated easily.
If you want to make these stuffed baked potatoes ahead of time, you can simply prepare them up until the baking step. Once the stuffed potatoes are assembled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
To reheat your loaded seafood baked potatoes, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take them out of the fridge and unwrap them. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
Alternatively, if you’re in a hurry or don’t want to use your oven, you can reheat them in an air fryer. Set it at 370°F (187°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes.
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 2 days. When re-heating cold leftovers, give them a quick blast in the microwave before finishing off in the oven or air fryer as directed above.
Just remember that while these potatoes may be easy to store and reheat, they are always best when they are fresh out of the oven. So why not try making an extra batch to enjoy right away? Trust me; everyone will be reaching for seconds!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your seafood stuffed baked potatoes come out perfectly every time, let me share with you some tips and tricks to keep in mind while cooking.
First and foremost, it is important to choose the right potatoes for the job. When selecting baking potatoes, look for those that are large, evenly shaped, and with unblemished skins.
When it comes to baking potatoes, irrespective of the ingredients being added, I recommend wrapping them in foil before placing them in the oven. This technique helps the potato to steam from within, creating a softer inside while keeping the skin crispy.
Next up would be preparing the seafood filling. There’s nothing quite like fresh seafood to elevate this dish. I recommend using peeled and deveined shrimp, crawfish tails or crab meat as they are easy to cook, packed with flavor and readily available at most supermarkets. If using frozen shrimp or crab meat, be sure to thaw it before adding it to the recipe for a better texture.
In addition to seafood, herbs are also an essential part of this recipe. To prevent overpowering flavors or smells that could turn off guests with sensitive taste buds or palates, I suggest opting for fresh herbs instead of dried ones.
A white sauce made of dry vermouth and cream cheese should be prepared separately based on your desired flavor profile. Once ready add grilled shrimp or crawfish tails to the white sauce mixture and combine well until coated thoroughly.
When stuffing the potatoes with this mixture, make sure not to overfill them as it can cause them to break open or become too heavy, making eating a bit challenging.
Lastly garnish each potato with additional cheese on top but make sure not to pile on too much as melted cheese can hide other flavors in the dish.
By following these tips and tricks, you’re guaranteed an effortless yet impressive meal that will have your guests coming back for seconds!
FAQ
As with any recipe, there may be some questions that come up while preparing seafood-stuffed baked potatoes. In this section, I’ve gathered the most frequently asked questions and provided answers to make sure you have everything you need to create a delicious meal. So, whether you’re new to cooking seafood or just curious about this recipe’s finer details, read on for useful tips and insightful explanations.
Why do you soak potatoes before baking?
When preparing potatoes, it is important to eliminate excess starch by soaking them in cold water. This will ensure even cooking and prevent the formation of a sticky texture on the outside of the potatoes. It is important to use cold water instead of hot water since hot water can activate the starch and make it more difficult to remove.
Why do restaurants put salt on the outside of baked potatoes?
Have you ever wondered why chefs always salt the exterior of a baked potato before baking it? It turns out that this technique has been around for quite some time, and it actually serves a specific purpose. By coating the potato with salt, it helps to draw out moisture from the potato while it bakes. The end result is a perfectly dry and fluffy potato that is sure to impress your guests. In fact, chefs have been using this method on other foods, such as prime rib, for years. Some chefs even go as far as baking their prime rib over rock salt to achieve the desired flavor and texture!
Should you pierce potatoes before baking in oven?
According to Smith, it’s important to make small punctures in potatoes before cooking them. This helps release the steam that builds up inside the spud as it heats up, preventing it from possibly bursting open during the process. Potatoes contain a significant amount of water that turns into steam as they cook, so these punctures allow the vapor to escape without putting pressure on the potato skin.
Is it better to bake potatoes covered or uncovered?
When it comes to cooking potatoes, some people opt for the convenience of wrapping them in foil. However, this is not the ideal way to go about it. Using foil causes the potatoes to become overly moist and take on a boiled flavor and texture. This is not what we want! By cooking the potatoes without foil, the skins will have the opportunity to get crispy and add an extra dimension of flavor to your dish. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Bottom Line
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In conclusion, the seafood stuffed baked potato recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that your guests will love. With its flavorful combination of herbs, white sauce, and cheese, this dish is sure to impress even the most discerning of palates. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking to make a special dinner for two, this recipe is the perfect choice.
By using fresh ingredients like shrimp scampi, crab meat, and crawfish tails, you can create a dish that is not only healthy but also full of flavor. The recipe is easily customizable, allowing you to add your own touch to it with additional ingredients or by cooking it in an air fryer.
Overall, the seafood stuffed baked potato recipe is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to serve up a crowd-pleasing and easy-to-make meal. So why not give it a try for your next party or family dinner? Your taste buds will thank you!
Seafood Stuffed Baked Potato Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 -4 cups white sauce
- 1/2 cup dry vermouth
- 1/2-1 cup cheese, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon herbs
- 1 cup cooked shrimp
- 1 cup cooked crabmeat
- 1 (3 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
- salt & pepper
- 4 baking potatoes, baked
Instructions
- For the herbs, use thyme, dill, or any mix of your favorites.
- Bake potatoes and make the white sauce.
- Add wine, cheese and herbs.
- Simmer until cheese melts.
- Add shrimp, crab and mushrooms, heating until hot.
- Spoon over hot baked potatoes, adding more grated cheese if desired.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!