When you think of Southern comfort food, baked potatoes probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. But today, we’re changing that—with a recipe that combines the warmth of a classic baked potato with the indulgent richness of creamy seafood.
Let me introduce you to Southern-Style Seafood Stuffed Potatoes: a dish that’s equal parts cozy, cheesy, and packed with coastal flavor. Imagine a tender baked potato, split open and smothered in buttery shrimp and crab, all wrapped up in a creamy cheese sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest—but with a Louisiana-inspired seafood twist!
Whether you’re cooking for family, throwing together a weeknight meal, or looking for something fun and unexpected to serve at a casual dinner party, these stuffed potatoes are guaranteed to impress.
What Are Southern-Style Seafood Stuffed Potatoes?
Southern-Style Seafood Stuffed Potatoes are exactly what they sound like: warm, fluffy baked potatoes loaded with creamy seafood sauce. We’re talking shrimp, crab, melty cheese, and a little kick of Cajun seasoning—all stuffed into a crispy-skinned russet potato.
These are the ultimate upgrade from your usual loaded potato. Instead of just bacon and sour cream, you get a rich seafood filling that feels both comforting and a little bit fancy.
It’s the kind of dish you’d find in a Southern coastal kitchen—where seafood boils meet soul food staples—and once you try it, you’ll want it in your regular dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Southern comfort food with a seafood twist
- Cheesy, buttery sauce packed with shrimp and crab
- Simple ingredients, big flavor
- Perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests
- Customizable—use whatever seafood you have on hand
What Do These Seafood Stuffed Potatoes Taste Like?
The first bite is pure indulgence. The baked potato is soft and fluffy inside with a crispy, seasoned skin. On top of that, you get a creamy, cheesy seafood filling that’s rich but balanced—sweet shrimp, tender crab meat, and melted cheddar and mozzarella come together with a buttery, garlicky sauce.
A sprinkle of Cajun seasoning gives just the right amount of spice, and the fresh chives on top add brightness that cuts through the richness.
If you’re a fan of seafood mac and cheese or creamy shrimp and grits, this recipe will be right up your alley. It’s the kind of dish that feels decadent but is still totally doable on a weeknight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Seafood Filling:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup lump crab meat (or cooked crawfish tails)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or Old Bay)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (plus extra for garnish)
Optional Topping:
- Extra shredded cheddar for broiling
- Additional chives or parsley for garnish
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheet or potato rack
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or potato masher
- Sharp knife
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
- Seafood: Use crawfish tails, scallops, or lobster in place of crab or shrimp.
- Cheese: Try pepper jack or gouda for a different cheesy flavor profile.
- Spice Level: Add hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
- Vegetables: Stir in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added texture and nutrition.
How to Make Southern-Style Seafood Stuffed Potatoes
Step 1: Bake the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes clean, poke them with a fork, then rub them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet for 50-60 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the inside is soft.
Step 2: Prepare the Seafood Filling
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add the shrimp and cook until just pink, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the crab meat and cook for 1 more minute. Reduce the heat to low.
Pour in the cream, then stir in the cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Fold in the fresh chives.
Step 3: Assemble the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them open and fluff the insides with a fork. Spoon the seafood filling generously over each potato.
Step 4: Broil (Optional)
For an extra cheesy top, sprinkle more shredded cheddar on the potatoes and place them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with extra chives or parsley and serve hot!

What to Serve with These Stuffed Potatoes
These stuffed potatoes are a meal on their own, but you can serve them with:
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted asparagus or green beans
- Cornbread or garlic toast for dipping
- Sweet tea or a chilled glass of white wine
Tips for the Best Seafood Stuffed Potatoes
- Use large russet potatoes—they hold up best for stuffing.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp; they only need a few minutes.
- For extra crispy skins, bake the potatoes without foil.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest sauce.
- Broil the potatoes briefly at the end for melty, golden cheese.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the skin crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the potatoes and prepare the seafood filling ahead of time. Store separately and assemble when ready to serve.
What’s the best potato for this recipe?
Russet potatoes work best because they have sturdy skins and fluffy interiors.
Can I use frozen seafood?
Absolutely—just thaw and drain well before cooking to avoid excess liquid in the sauce.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has mild Cajun flavor, but you can adjust the spice level to taste.
Conclusion
These Southern-Style Seafood Stuffed Potatoes are everything you want in a comfort meal—creamy, cheesy, buttery, and loaded with seafood goodness. They’re easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve when you want to wow your guests.
Once you make them, don’t be surprised if they become a regular request at your dinner table. One bite, and you’ll understand why!
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 580
Protein: 28g
Fat: 36g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 740mg

Southern-Style Seafood Stuffed Potatoes: A Comfort Food Classic with a Coastal Twist
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Southern-Style Seafood Stuffed Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food with a coastal twist. Fluffy baked potatoes are loaded with creamy shrimp and crab in a cheesy, buttery sauce, then topped with melted cheese and fresh chives. It’s like a seafood boil and a loaded baked potato had the most delicious baby! Perfect for dinner or special gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Potatoes:
– 4 large russet potatoes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
For the Seafood Filling:
– 1 tablespoon butter
– ½ cup finely chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– ½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
– ½ cup lump crab meat (or cooked crawfish tails)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or Old Bay)
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (plus extra for garnish)
Optional Topping:
– Extra shredded cheddar for broiling
– Additional chives or parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub the potatoes, poke them with a fork, and rub with olive oil and salt. Place directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet and bake for 50-60 minutes, until crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Stir in the shrimp and cook until just pink, about 2-3 minutes. Add the crab meat and cook for 1 minute more.
5. Reduce heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring until melted and smooth.
6. Season the sauce with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir in fresh chives.
7. Slice open each baked potato and fluff the inside with a fork.
8. Spoon the cheesy seafood filling generously over each potato.
9. (Optional) Sprinkle extra cheddar on top and broil for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and golden.
10. Garnish with more chives or parsley.
Notes
– Swap the crab meat for crawfish, scallops, or lobster if you like.
– Add a little cayenne or hot sauce for extra heat.
– Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy twist.
– For meal prep, bake the potatoes and make the seafood filling ahead of time, then assemble when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern / American
Keywords: southern-style seafood stuffed potatoes, seafood baked potato, shrimp and crab potato, seafood comfort food, stuffed baked potato recipe, cheesy seafood potato, cajun seafood potato
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