Loaded Cajun Potatoes with Crawfish & Shrimp
Indulge in the bold flavors of the South with these Loaded Cajun Potatoes! Perfectly baked Russet potatoes are topped with juicy shrimp, tender crawfish, and a rich, creamy Cajun sauce. This dish is packed with smoky, spicy goodness and makes for an irresistible meal or appetizer. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner or a gathering, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste right at home!
⏱ Time Needed:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Potatoes:
4 large Russet potatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Seafood Topping:
½ cup crawfish tail meat
½ lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Creamy Cajun Sauce:
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp lemon juice
1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
For Garnish:
2 tbsp chopped green onions
½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Wash and scrub the potatoes, then poke holes with a fork.
Rub them with cooking oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Bake for 50-60 minutes until soft inside and crispy outside.
2. Cook the Seafood:
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add shrimp and crawfish, season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Cook until shrimp is pink and opaque (about 3-4 minutes).
Add lemon juice and toss to coat.
3. Make the Cajun Sauce:
Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, lemon juice, hot sauce, and parsley in a bowl.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
4. Assemble the Loaded Potatoes:
Slice baked potatoes open and fluff the insides slightly.
Add shredded cheese and let it melt.
Top with shrimp & crawfish mixture.
Drizzle with Cajun sauce and sprinkle green onions on top.
Serve & Enjoy!
Tips & Variations for Loaded Cajun Potatoes with Crawfish & Shrimp
Tips for the Best Loaded Cajun Potatoes
Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best because of their fluffy interior and crispy skin. If you prefer a creamier texture, Yukon Gold potatoes are a great alternative.
Crispy Skin Trick: Rub the potatoes with oil and a pinch of salt before baking to achieve extra crispy skin.
Perfectly Cooked Shrimp & Crawfish: Shrimp cook quickly! Once they turn pink and opaque (about 3-4 minutes), remove them from heat to prevent toughness. Crawfish are already pre-cooked, so they only need a quick warm-up.
Make the Sauce Ahead: The Cajun sauce tastes even better after sitting for a while—prepare it a few hours in advance for deeper flavor.
Even Cooking: When baking, space the potatoes out on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and crispy skin.
Variations & Customizations
Extra Cheesy: Add a layer of melted cheddar, pepper jack, or smoked gouda before topping with seafood.
Bacon Lovers: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the loaded potatoes for an extra savory crunch.
Herb Upgrade: Add fresh thyme or parsley for a more herby Cajun twist.
Zesty Citrus: Squeeze extra lemon juice over the finished dish for a bright, fresh kick.
Spicy Boost: Use a dash of cayenne pepper or extra hot sauce in the Cajun sauce for a spicier version.
Sweet Potato Swap: Swap russet potatoes for roasted sweet potatoes for a sweet-and-spicy flavor combo.
No Crawfish? No Problem! Replace crawfish with more shrimp, or try using crab meat or even blackened chicken for a different protein option.
Lighter Version: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream in the Cajun sauce for a healthier alternative.
Estimated Nutritional Breakdown:
- Calories: ~480 kcal
- Protein: ~28g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Fiber: ~5g
- Sugar: ~3g
- Fats: ~22g
- Saturated Fat: ~7g
- Cholesterol: ~170mg
- Sodium: ~950mg (varies depending on Cajun seasoning)
- Calcium: ~200mg
- Iron: ~3mg