If you’re searching for comfort food that dazzles with both flavor and presentation, the Loaded Shrimp Baked Potato is your new weeknight hero. This dish combines the fluffy perfection of baked russet potatoes with juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic, a whisper of spice, and lush creamy toppings like sour cream and melted cheddar. Finished with smoky bacon and vibrant green onions, each bite delivers savory satisfaction and just the right amount of indulgence. Whether you’re serving friends or spoiling yourself, expect this Loaded Shrimp Baked Potato to disappear fast!

Loaded Shrimp Baked Potato Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe lies in how accessible but transformative each ingredient is. You’ll love how a few grocery staples become a show-stopping meal thanks to color, crunch, and the lightest touch of spice.

4 large russet potatoes: Their sturdy skins get crisp in the oven, and the insides turn wonderfully fluffy, perfect for stuffing!
1 tablespoon olive oil: Just a light rub ensures crispy potato skins after baking.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Sprinkled on the potatoes to boost all the flavors right from the start.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A classic seasoning to round out all the savory notes.
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the show! Quick-cooking and always impressive.
1 teaspoon Old Bay or Cajun seasoning: Either option bring warmth and flavor to every shrimp bite.
2 tablespoons butter: For rich, silky shrimp that soak up the garlic beautifully.
2 cloves garlic, minced: A quick sauté infuses everything with irresistible aroma.
1/2 cup sour cream: A cool, creamy contrast to hot potatoes and spicy shrimp.
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, golden deliciousness! Try sharp cheddar for an extra pop.
1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon: Adds salty crunch and a smoky finish that ties all the elements together.
2 green onions, sliced: These brighten every bite and add fresh, eye-catching color.
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional): Totally optional, but a sprinkle gives the final touch of green, especially if you’re serving guests.

How to Make Loaded Shrimp Baked Potato

Step 1: Bake the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Scrub the russet potatoes well (no one enjoys crunchy dirt!), then dry them completely. Rub each potato with a bit of olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and prick gently with a fork to let steam escape. Place them right on the oven rack—yes, directly—so the skins crisp up evenly. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until a fork glides in effortlessly.

Step 2: Season and Sauté the Shrimp

While your potatoes are turning golden in the oven, pat your peeled and deveined shrimp dry and toss them with Old Bay or Cajun seasoning. Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and stir for just 30 seconds, infusing the butter without burning the garlic. Add the shrimp in a single layer and let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a tender, pink finish that signals juicy perfection. Take them off the heat as soon as they’re done to avoid overcooking.

Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes for Topping

When your potatoes emerge hot and ready, slice each one open lengthwise and gently fluff the insides with a fork. This makes a pocket for all your luscious toppings and ensures the potato absorbs every flavorful morsel. If you love extra creaminess, now’s the time to swirl the sour cream directly into the fluffy potato before piling on the rest.

Step 4: Assemble Your Loaded Shrimp Baked Potato

Start by spreading a layer of sour cream into each potato, then sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese so it melts in the heat. Nestle in the sautéed shrimp, add crumbled bacon, and finish with green onions and a touch of parsley, if using. Every layer adds its own charm, creating bite after bite of delicious contrast and comfort.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

These beauties are best enjoyed immediately, when all the toppings are warm and melty. Bring them to the table piping hot, and let everyone dive in for that first, blissful forkful!

How to Serve Loaded Shrimp Baked Potato

Garnishes

Garnishing your Loaded Shrimp Baked Potato is where you can truly let your personality shine! Sprinkle on extra green onions or parsley for vibrant color. A dash more black pepper or even a few red pepper flakes can wake up the whole plate. If you want a luxe finish, a drizzle of melted butter over the shrimp just before serving makes every bite richer.

Side Dishes

This over-the-top potato doesn’t really need much to feel like a meal, but a fresh green salad or a pile of simply steamed broccoli are great partners. Both lighten the plate and balance the potato’s richness. If you’re hosting guests, pair with a glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon for an extra hint of celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the potatoes buffet-style for a DIY dinner. Line up toppings so everyone can build their own loaded shrimp baked potato masterpiece. For appetizers, use small Yukon Golds or red potatoes as mini boats—perfect for parties! You can also stuff the mixture into a sweet potato for a unique, slightly sweeter twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Loaded Shrimp Baked Potato, store the shrimp and toppings separately from the baked potatoes if possible. Place them into airtight containers and refrigerate—they’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 2 days. This keeps the potato skin from becoming too soggy.

Freezing

While you can freeze the baked potatoes by themselves, shrimp is best enjoyed fresh. If you need to freeze leftovers, remove the shrimp and freeze the plain baked potato. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Toppings like cheese and bacon can be frozen as well, but assemble everything after reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat the potato, pop it in the oven at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. You can microwave for convenience, but the oven keeps the skin crisp. Reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to avoid toughness, then pile everything back on for a quick and delicious round two!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Yukon Golds are creamier and smaller potatoes work great for bite-sized party appetizers. Just adjust the baking time depending on the size.

What other cheeses taste good in this recipe?

Experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a smoky gouda for a new flavor profile. Mixing a bit of mozzarella in adds extra stretch and melt.

How can I make this healthier?

Swap out the sour cream for Greek yogurt, go light on the cheese and bacon, and pile on extra veggies like sautéed spinach or roasted peppers. You’ll still get all the comfort, just a bit lighter.

Are there other seafood options besides shrimp?

Absolutely! Crab meat, chopped cooked lobster, or even chunks of salmon are all delicious substitutions. Adjust seasonings to complement whichever seafood you choose.

Can I prep anything ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the potatoes in advance and sauté the shrimp shortly before serving. Pre-chop all the toppings and store them in containers—assembly will take just minutes when you’re ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to dig into your own Loaded Shrimp Baked Potato. This recipe is comfort food at its best—simple yet impressive, with every bite bursting with flavor. Give it a try and treat yourself (and a friend or two!) to something truly special tonight.

Loaded Shrimp Baked Potato Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 20 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Loaded Shrimp Baked Potato recipe combines fluffy baked potatoes with seasoned shrimp, creamy sour cream, gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes:

4 large russet potatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 teaspoon Old Bay or Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced

Toppings:

1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
2 green onions, sliced
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Prepare the potatoes: Scrub the potatoes, rub them with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pierce with a fork, and bake for 50–60 minutes until tender.
Cook the shrimp: Season shrimp, sauté garlic in butter, add shrimp, and cook until pink and cooked through.
Assemble: Slice open baked potatoes, fluff the insides, top with sour cream, cheese, shrimp, bacon, green onions, and parsley.
Serve: Serve hot.