Southern-Style Seafood Stuffed Potatoes: A Comfort Food Favorite with Coastal Flavor

Growing up in the South, food was more than a meal—it was a memory in the making. Sundays meant big gatherings, and no one ever left hungry. Among the hush puppies and collard greens, one dish always stood out: Southern-Style Seafood Stuffed Potatoes. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with shrimp, crab, and Cajun flavor, these hearty potatoes were the kind of comfort food that made you feel right at home.

Today, I’m bringing that nostalgic, flavor-packed dish to your kitchen. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a coastal-themed party, or just craving something rich and satisfying, Southern-Style Seafood Stuffed Potatoes deliver the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and slightly spicy goodness—all wrapped up in a baked potato shell.

What Are Southern-Style Seafood Stuffed Potatoes?

Southern-style seafood Stuffed Potatoes are oversized baked potatoes filled with a rich seafood mixture made from crab, shrimp, creamy cheese, and a bold blend of Southern spices. Think of them as a mash-up of twice-baked potatoes and your favorite seafood casserole.

Popular in Gulf Coast regions, especially Louisiana and Mississippi, these stuffed spuds are often featured in Southern potlucks, seafood boils, and comfort food menus. The crispy potato skin holds all the creamy, cheesy, and savory filling, making each bite a satisfying experience.

Why You’ll Love This Southern Comfort Dish

There’s a reason these potatoes are beloved in Southern kitchens. Here’s what makes them irresistible:

• Packed with flavor: Shrimp, crab, and Cajun spices give each bite a bold, briny kick.
• Creamy and cheesy: A sour cream, cream cheese, and cheddar mix melts into the potatoes.
• Hearty enough for dinner: Each stuffed potato is a satisfying meal.
• Customizable: Make it spicy, swap in other seafood, or go lighter with low-fat cheese.

These stuffed potatoes balance indulgence and practicality—they’re great for guests, meal prep, or just treating yourself.

Key Ingredients for the Ultimate Stuffed Potatoes

You don’t need a long list to make these shine, but quality matters. Here’s what you’ll need:

Use fresh lump crabmeat and wild-caught shrimp for best results—you’ll taste the difference.

How to Make Seafood Stuffed Potatoes from Scratch

Step 1: Bake the Potatoes

• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Scrub and dry the russet potatoes, then prick with a fork.
• Rub with olive oil and bake directly on the rack for 45–60 minutes, or until fork-tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Seafood Filling

• While potatoes bake, sauté your shrimp in butter and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning.
• In a bowl, chop the shrimp with crabmeat, cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheddar.
• Mix in garlic powder, green onions, and a little salt.

Step 3: Hollow and Stuff

• Slice each baked potato in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides.
• Mash the scooped potato with the seafood filling until creamy.
• Spoon the mixture back into the potato shells and sprinkle with extra cheese.

Step 4: Final Bake

• Return stuffed potatoes to the oven for 15–20 minutes at 375°F until heated and golden.

The Best Seafood to Use (Crab, Shrimp & More)

The combo of crab and shrimp brings richness and variety to the filling. But you can also explore:

• Crawfish tails for a classic Cajun twist
• Scallops, chopped finely for added sweetness
• Salmon or lobster, for a more luxurious take

Avoid canned fish unless in a pinch—it often lacks the fresh flavor and texture that make these stuffed potatoes shine.

Seasoning Like a Southerner: Spices That Elevate the Flavor

The secret to unforgettable Southern-Style Seafood Stuffed Potatoes is in the seasoning. Here’s what Southern cooks swear by:

Must-Have Spices:

• Cajun or Creole seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• Garlic powder and onion powder
• Paprika for color and subtle heat
• Old Bay (especially with crab)

These spices bring warmth, depth, and just the right kick, without overpowering the delicate seafood.

Oven-Baked vs. Grilled: Cooking Methods Compared

While oven-baking is the traditional go-to, grilling adds a smoky edge to the final dish. Here’s a quick comparison:

If grilling, wrap each potato in foil and heat over medium heat for about 20 minutes until warmed.

Easy Substitutions and Customizations

Want to make this dish your own? Try these simple swaps:

Spicy Lovers:

• Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.
• Top with pepper jack cheese.

Cheese Variations:

• Try Gouda, Fontina, or Parmesan for a twist.

Healthier Options:

• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
• Opt for reduced-fat cheese and skip the butter.

You can also make mini versions with small potatoes for appetizers!

What to Serve with Seafood Stuffed Potatoes

These potatoes are filling, but pairing them with the right sides can turn them into a Southern feast.

Great Pairings:

• Coleslaw or kale salad for crunch
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Steamed green beans with garlic
• Sweet tea or lemonade for sipping

Check out more Southern side dishes on My Mama Recipes for inspiration.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Stuffed potatoes hold up well for leftovers, making them a great meal prep option.

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave in 1-minute bursts.
• Avoid freezing: The creamy filling may separate once thawed.

If planning, prep the filling and baked potatoes separately and assemble the day you serve.

Can You Make These Ahead for Parties or Meal Prep?

Absolutely. These stuffed potatoes are ideal for parties, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.

Make-Ahead Tips:

• Prepare and stuff the potatoes a day in advance.
• Cover tightly and refrigerate.
• Pop in the oven 20–25 minutes before serving.

They reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

Nutritional Info and Allergen Warnings

Here’s a rough breakdown for one serving (1 potato half):

Allergen Alert:

• It contains shellfish, dairy, and gluten (if breadcrumbs or sauces are used).
• Substitute with vegan cheese or plant-based seafood alternatives for dietary needs.

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Southern-Style Seafood Stuffed Potatoes: A Comfort Food Favorite with Coastal Flavor

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• Author: Rasha Annan
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings (8 halves)

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Description

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with Cajun-spiced shrimp and crab, these Southern-Style Seafood Stuffed Potatoes are a comforting twist on the classic baked potato. A hearty, flavor-loaded dish perfect for dinner, parties, or meal prep.

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Ingredients

• Large russet potatoes

• Lump crabmeat

• Cooked shrimp

• Cheddar cheese

• Cream cheese

• Sour cream

• Green onions

• Cajun seasoning

• Garlic powder

• Butter

• Salt (to taste)

• Optional: paprika, jalapeños, pepper jack cheese

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Scrub, dry, and prick potatoes with a fork. Rub with oil and bake for 45–60 minutes.

• Sauté shrimp with butter and Cajun seasoning until just cooked, then chop.

• Mix chopped shrimp, crabmeat, cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, green onions, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.

• Halve baked potatoes lengthwise and scoop out centers.

• Mash the scooped potatoes and combine with the seafood filling.

• Stuff potato shells with the mixture, top with more cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until golden and heated.

Notes

For a milder flavor, use less Cajun seasoning.

Can be prepped ahead and baked just before serving.

Avoid freezing due to texture changes in the creamy filling.

Great with coleslaw or corn on the cob.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern

Keywords: southern-style seafood, stuffed potatoes, shrimp and crab recipes, Cajun comfort food, baked potatoes, Southern dinner ideas, seafood potato recipe, creamy stuffed potatoes, seafood casserole, comfort food