Cheesy Shrimp-Loaded Twice-Baked Potatoes
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Cheesy Shrimp-Loaded Twice-Baked Potatoes! Inspired by a delightful recipe from Paula Deen, these potatoes are not only a feast for the eyes but also a flavor-packed bite. Each large Idaho potato is lovingly baked until tender, then hollowed out and combined with creamy butter, rich sour cream, and two types of gooey cheese. Juicy, sautéed shrimp adds a touch of the sea, creating a savory filling that's piled high back into the potato skins and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a hearty side dish or a standalone meal, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
large Idaho potatoes
6 (washed and pricked with a fork)
vegetable oil
as needed (for coating potatoes)
butter
8 (tablespoons, softened)
grated cheddar cheese
2 (cups, plus more for sprinkling)
grated Monterey Jack cheese
2 (cups)
sour cream
2 (cups)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
shrimp
1 (lb, peeled and sautéed)
paprika
for sprinkling
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Wash the potatoes thoroughly, then dry them with a towel. Use a fork to gently poke several holes in the sides of each potato to allow steam to escape while baking.
3
Coat each potato with vegetable oil, ensuring they are evenly covered. Place them on a foil-covered baking sheet and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until they are tender.
4
Once baked, remove the potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Carefully slice each potato in half lengthwise.
5
Using a spoon, gently scoop out the insides of the potatoes into a large mixing bowl, being careful to leave a thin layer of potato attached to the skin.
6
Add the butter to the bowl with the potato flesh. Using an electric mixer on high speed, blend the mixture until creamy and smooth.
7
Stir in the sour cream, salt, and pepper to taste, mixing until well combined.
8
Fold in the sautéed shrimp, grated cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese until evenly distributed throughout the potato mixture.
9
Carefully stuff the creamy shrimp and cheese mixture back into the potato shells, mounding the filling high.
10
Sprinkle each stuffed potato with additional cheddar cheese and a dash of paprika for a touch of color.
11
Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and bubbly.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cheesy Shrimp-Loaded Twice-Baked Potatoes?
They are a comfort food dish featuring Idaho potatoes filled with a mixture of creamed potato, butter, sour cream, two types of cheese, and sautéed shrimp.
What type of potatoes is best for this recipe?
Large Idaho potatoes are recommended for their size and texture when baking.
How do I prepare the potatoes for the first bake?
Wash and dry the potatoes, prick them with a fork to let steam escape, and coat them evenly with vegetable oil.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the potatoes bake initially?
Bake the potatoes for approximately 1 hour or until they are tender.
Why do I need to poke holes in the potatoes?
Poking holes with a fork allows steam to escape while the potatoes are baking, preventing them from bursting.
How do I hollow out the potatoes after the first bake?
Slice each potato in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop the insides into a bowl, leaving a thin layer of potato on the skin.
How do I make the potato filling creamy?
Use an electric mixer on high speed to blend the potato flesh with softened butter until smooth.
How much butter is required for the filling?
The recipe calls for 8 tablespoons of softened butter.
What ingredients are stirred in after the butter?
Stir in 2 cups of sour cream, along with salt and pepper to taste.
What kinds of cheese are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese and 2 cups of Monterey Jack cheese.
How should the shrimp be prepared?
One pound of shrimp should be peeled and sautéed before being added to the potato mixture.
When do I add the shrimp to the filling?
Fold in the sautéed shrimp along with the cheeses after the potato base has been creamed.
How do I stuff the potatoes?
Carefully spoon the creamy shrimp and cheese mixture back into the potato shells, mounding the filling high.
What is the topping for these potatoes?
The stuffed potatoes are topped with additional cheddar cheese and a dash of paprika for color.
How long is the second bake time?
Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
They are ready when the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by a delightful recipe from Paula Deen.
Can this dish be served as a main meal?
Yes, it is hearty enough to be served as a standalone meal or as a side dish.
How many potatoes does this recipe use?
The recipe uses 6 large Idaho potatoes, which results in 12 stuffed halves.
Is vegetable oil necessary for the skins?
Yes, coating the potatoes in vegetable oil helps achieve the desired texture for the skins during the first bake.
Do I need to cool the potatoes before slicing?
Yes, allow them to cool slightly after the first bake so they are easier to handle.
What equipment is needed for the filling?
An electric mixer is recommended for blending the potato flesh and butter on high speed.
How much sour cream is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 cups of sour cream.
What is the role of paprika in this dish?
Paprika is sprinkled on top for a touch of color and garnish.
Can I use different types of cheese?
While the recipe calls for Cheddar and Monterey Jack, you can experiment with other gooey cheeses if desired.
Is this recipe considered family-friendly?
Yes, it is tagged as a family-friendly comfort food recipe.
How should I place the potatoes on the baking sheet?
Place the oil-coated potatoes on a foil-covered baking sheet for easy cleanup.
What are the main flavors of this dish?
The dish features savory shrimp, rich butter, tangy sour cream, and gooey melted cheese.
What categories does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as an appetizer, side dish, and comfort food.