Seafood Stuffed Potatoes: A Decadent and Satisfying Dish

### Instructions: How to Make Seafood Stuffed Potatoes

#### Step 1: Bake the Potatoes
Start by baking your **russet potatoes**. Preheat the oven to **400°F (200°C)**. Wash the potatoes thoroughly, then poke a few holes in them with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for about **45-60 minutes**, or until the potatoes are soft when pierced with a fork. Once baked, remove them from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

#### Step 2: Prepare the Seafood Filling
While the potatoes are baking, prepare the seafood filling. In a skillet, melt **2 tablespoons of butter** over medium heat. Add the chopped **shrimp**, **crab meat**, and **scallops** (if using). Cook for about **3-5 minutes**, or until the seafood is fully cooked and opaque. Remove the seafood from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add **1/4 cup of green onions** and cook for an additional minute, allowing the onions to soften. Then, return the seafood to the skillet and set it aside to cool slightly.

#### Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cooked seafood mixture with **1/4 cup of cream cheese**, **1/4 cup sour cream**, **1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese**, **1 teaspoon garlic powder**, **1/2 teaspoon paprika**, and **salt and pepper** to taste. Stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated into a creamy, flavorful filling. You can adjust the seasoning at this point to suit your taste, adding more salt, pepper, or cayenne for a little extra heat.

#### Step 4: Hollow Out the Potatoes
Once the baked potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the flesh of each potato, leaving a thin border along the edges to maintain the structure. Place the scooped potato flesh into a separate bowl, and mash it with a fork or potato masher. You can add a little extra butter, salt, and pepper to the mashed potatoes if desired.

#### Step 5: Stuff the Potatoes
Once the mashed potatoes are ready, fold them into the seafood mixture, stirring to combine everything into a creamy filling. Carefully stuff each potato skin with the seafood-potato mixture, packing it in as you go.

#### Step 6: Bake the Stuffed Potatoes
Place the stuffed potatoes back onto the baking sheet. If desired, top each stuffed potato with a little extra **cheddar cheese** for a melty, gooey topping. Bake the stuffed potatoes in the preheated oven for an additional **10-15 minutes**, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden.

#### Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the stuffed potatoes from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped **parsley** for a pop of color and freshness. Serve with **lemon wedges** on the side for a bright citrus touch that pairs wonderfully with the seafood.

### Tips for Perfect Seafood Stuffed Potatoes

– **Choose Fresh Seafood**: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality seafood. You can mix and match different seafood types based on your preference, but shrimp and crab are classic choices for this dish.

– **Add More Cheese**: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more cheese to the filling or top the potatoes with a blend of your favorite cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyère, or Parmesan.

– **Make it Spicy**: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add more **cayenne pepper** or a dash of **hot sauce** to the filling to give the dish a flavorful kick.

– **Customize the Toppings**: For an extra indulgent touch, consider adding a breadcrumb topping mixed with a little butter to create a crispy, golden crust on top.

– **Make Ahead**: These stuffed potatoes can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve.

### Why Seafood Stuffed Potatoes Are Perfect for Any Occasion

**Seafood Stuffed Potatoes** are the ultimate comfort food with a luxurious twist. They combine the heartiness of baked potatoes with the rich, tender flavors of seafood, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and impressive. This dish is perfect for a casual family dinner or a more formal occasion like a holiday meal or dinner party.

Its versatility allows it to work as either a main dish or a side, and the fact that you can make it ahead of time makes it even more convenient for entertaining. Plus, the creamy, cheesy filling and perfectly baked potato are a combination that’s hard to resist.

### Conclusion: A Decadent and Satisfying Dish

**Seafood Stuffed Potatoes** bring together the best of both worlds—comforting, fluffy potatoes and savory, flavorful seafood. With a creamy cheese filling and a crispy top, this dish is indulgent yet balanced, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just treating yourself to something special, this dish will surely become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Give it a try and enjoy the rich, decadent flavors of **Seafood Stuffed Potatoes** tonight!