Here’s a bold and satisfying recipe for a Cajun Shrimp Loaded Baked Potato — crispy-skinned potatoes stuffed with creamy butter, cheese, and spicy Cajun shrimp. It’s rich, indulgent, and perfect for a weeknight treat or game day meal.
🥔 Cajun Shrimp Loaded Baked Potato
📝 Ingredients (Serves 2–4)
For the potatoes:
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2–4 large Russet potatoes
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Olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
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Salt (for crispy skins)
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½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
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¼ cup sour cream or creamy ranch
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2 tbsp chopped green onions or chives (optional)
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2 tbsp butter (to mash into the potatoes)
For the Cajun shrimp:
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½ to 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 tbsp olive oil or butter
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1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
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1 clove garlic, minced
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Optional: squeeze of lemon juice
🔥 Instructions
1. Bake the potatoes:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Scrub potatoes, poke with a fork, rub with oil/butter, and sprinkle with salt.
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Bake directly on the oven rack for 45–60 minutes, until skins are crisp and insides are fork-tender.
2. Cook the shrimp:
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Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning.
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Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
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Add garlic during the last minute of cooking. Optional: finish with a squeeze of lemon juice.
3. Assemble:
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Slice each baked potato open and fluff the insides with a fork.
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Add butter, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
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Top generously with Cajun shrimp.
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Sprinkle with green onions or chives.
🌶️ Optional Add-Ons:
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Crumbled bacon
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Hot sauce or remoulade drizzle
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Corn, sautéed onions, or bell peppers
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Avocado slices or ranch dressing
🧄 Homemade Cajun Seasoning (Quick Mix)
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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½ tsp thyme
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¼ tsp cayenne (or to taste)
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¼ tsp black pepper
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Salt to taste