Name: Seafood Stuffed Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large Russet potatoes; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tbsp garlic powder; Chives or green onions (for garnish); 1 lb crawfish tails (drained of fat); 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided); 2 tbsp onion powder (divided); 2 tbsp liquid crab boil; 1 stick butter (divided); 2 tbsp minced garlic; 4 tbsp flour; 2½ cups half and half; 2 cups shredded American cheese (Velveeta or similar); 1 cup shredded mozzarella; ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Description

Indulge in these rich and creamy stuffed potatoes filled with shrimp, crawfish, and a decadent cheese sauce, inspired by the flavors of Louisiana.

Ingredients

For the Potatoes:

4 large Russet potatoes

8 oz cream cheese, softened

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tbsp garlic powder

Chives or green onions (for garnish)

For the Seafood Filling:

1 lb crawfish tails (drained of fat)

1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided)

2 tbsp onion powder (divided)

2 tbsp liquid crab boil

For the Sauce:

1 stick butter (divided)

2 tbsp minced garlic

4 tbsp flour

2½ cups half and half

2 cups shredded American cheese (Velveeta or similar)

1 cup shredded mozzarella

½ cup shredded Monterey Jack

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Cook the Potatoes:
Wash and scrub potatoes thoroughly. Poke holes with a fork. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 40-50 minutes, or microwave on the potato setting until fork-tender. Once baked, cut a slit down each potato and scoop out the insides, keeping the skins intact.
Prepare the Potato Base:
Mix the scooped potato with cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Keep warm.
Cook the Seafood:
Season shrimp and crawfish with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tbsp onion powder, and crab boil. In a pan, melt half the butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add seafood and cook for 4-5 minutes. Set aside. Save any seafood liquid.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In the same pan, melt the remaining butter. Whisk in flour until smooth. Pour in reserved seafood liquid and half and half, whisking constantly. Stir in remaining Cajun seasoning and onion powder. Add cheeses and stir until melted. Return seafood to sauce and warm.
Assemble the Stuffed Potatoes:
Spoon the potato mixture into the hollowed-out skins. Top with mozzarella and pour seafood cheese sauce over the potatoes.
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with fresh chives or green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Add More Veggies: Toss in sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and coconut milk to make the dish vegan-friendly.
Different Proteins: Substitute shrimp and crawfish for scallops or crab.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, Southern