Crispy Shrimp and Bacon Loaded Baked Potato Recipe

Crispy bacon bits dancing around succulent shrimp make this loaded baked potato a seriously crave-worthy comfort dish.

Potatoes become magical carriers of rich, savory flavors when dressed with melted cheese and smoky proteins.

Creamy interiors contrast perfectly with crunchy bacon cracklings scattered across the surface.

Salt and pepper provide simple seasoning that lets each ingredient shine brilliantly.

Cheese melts into every crevice, creating irresistible pockets of gooey deliciousness.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together.

Go ahead and treat yourself to a plate that promises pure culinary satisfaction.

Why Shrimp & Bacon Loaded Baked Potato Is Ultimate Comfort Food

• Savor Versatile Comfort: Perfect for casual dinners or weekend gatherings, this loaded baked potato transforms a simple dish into a gourmet experience.
• Create Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home: Impress family and friends with professional-level cooking techniques that bring restaurant flavors directly to your kitchen without complex skills.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Mix and match toppings like shrimp, bacon, and cheese sauce to suit personal preferences, making each potato uniquely delicious and adaptable to different tastes.
• Quick Protein-Packed Satisfaction: Combine seafood and bacon for a protein-rich meal that delivers intense flavor and nutritional value in one hearty dish.

Ingredients for Shrimp & Bacon Loaded Baked Potato

• Potatoes: Large russet potatoes perfect for creating a hearty and filling base for this loaded dish.
• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides a delicious protein element with a tender texture.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky and crispy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the loaded baked potato.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the potatoes and shrimp.
• Ashley's Seafood Secret, Garlic Powder, Cajun Seasoning, Italian Herbs: Spice blends that add depth and complexity to the dish.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese, Butter, Shredded Cheese: Create a rich and creamy sauce that brings all the ingredients together with a luxurious texture.

How to Make Shrimp & Bacon Loaded Baked Potato

Step 1: Prepare Potatoes

Wash potatoes thoroughly. Rub each potato with olive oil, then sprinkle salt and pepper generously. Place potatoes directly on oven rack.

Step 2: Bake Potatoes

Preheat oven to 450°F. Bake potatoes for 60-75 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 3: Sizzle Shrimp

Remove shrimp tails and devein. Season with olive oil and Ashleys Seafood Secret. Heat pan over medium-high heat with a touch of oil. Cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until they curl into a “c” shape.

Step 4: Saute Vegetables

• Vegetables of choice
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder

Sauté vegetables over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 5: Create Creamy Cheese Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Fresh Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cajun seasoning
• Italian herbs

Heat cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Once bubbling, add cheese and seasonings. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 6: Assemble Loaded Potato

Split baked potato down the center. Add butter and shredded cheese. Top with sautéed vegetables, seasoned shrimp, and crispy bacon pieces. Drizzle cheese sauce over everything. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips for Shrimp & Bacon Loaded Baked Potato

• Choose medium-sized russet potatoes for the best baked potato texture and consistent cooking.
• Pat shrimp completely dry before seasoning to ensure perfect caramelization and prevent steaming.
• Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the most flavorful cheese sauce and avoid pre-grated options with added stabilizers.
• Consider adding extra crunch by toasting chopped bacon pieces before sprinkling on top of the potato.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning quantity based on personal spice preference to create a personalized heat level.

Variations of Shrimp & Bacon Loaded Baked Potato

• Spicy Southwest Potato: Replace seafood seasoning with chili powder, add jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, top with cilantro and lime zest for a bold southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Seafood Potato: Swap shrimp for grilled Mediterranean-style fish, use feta cheese, add oregano, sprinkle with kalamata olives and fresh parsley.
• Cajun Creole Potato: Increase Cajun seasoning, use andouille sausage instead of bacon, add bell peppers, mix in green onions for authentic Louisiana flavor.
• Herb Garden Potato: Incorporate fresh dill and chives into cheese sauce, use goat cheese, garnish with microgreens, replace bacon with crispy prosciutto for lighter version.

Perfect Pairings for Shrimp & Bacon Loaded Baked Potato

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc cuts through rich potato and creamy cheese sauce, providing a refreshing contrast with its bright, citrusy notes.
• Complement with Light Beer: Blonde ale or wheat beer balances the heavy bacon and shrimp flavors, cleansing the palate with its crisp, clean finish.
• Match Zesty Cocktail: Bloody Mary's spicy tomato base echoes Cajun seasoning, while its acidity cuts through the dish's richness, creating a perfect flavor harmony.
• Serve Sparkling Water: Carbonated mineral water with lemon wedge helps cleanse the palate between bites, refreshing the taste buds and highlighting the dish's complex flavors.

Storage Tips for Shrimp & Bacon Loaded Baked Potato

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate potato, shrimp, veggies, and cheese sauce to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual components separately in freezer-safe containers. Potatoes and toppings can last up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Place potato on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring toppings between each interval. Add splash of cream to cheese sauce to restore consistency.
• Warm potato at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Sprinkle fresh cheese on top. Reheat shrimp and veggies separately in skillet to prevent overcooking and maintain crispy texture.

FAQs About Shrimp & Bacon Loaded Baked Potato

• What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?

Medium or large shrimp are ideal. Remove the tails and devein them before cooking to ensure easy eating and clean flavor.

• Can I substitute the heavy cream in the cheese sauce?

While heavy cream provides richness, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce might be less creamy and thick.

• How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Look for a nice “c” shape and an opaque, pinkish color. Overcooking makes them tough and rubbery, so watch carefully during the 2-3 minute cooking time.

• Is Ashley's Seafood Secret seasoning necessary?

If you can’t find this specific seasoning, use a blend of Old Bay, paprika, and garlic powder as a substitute to achieve similar flavor profiles.

Shrimp and Bacon Loaded Baked Potato Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty shrimp and bacon loaded baked potato delivers comfort wrapped in crispy, cheesy goodness. Creamy potatoes combined with succulent seafood and smoky bacon create an irresistible meal perfect for indulging without complicated cooking techniques.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1/2 pound bacon (chopped)

Starches:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (fresh shredded)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian herbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Ashley’s Seafood Secret seasoning (to taste)

Vegetables:

• Assorted vegetables (for sautéing)
• Garlic powder (for sautéing)
• Salt (for sautéing)
• Black pepper (for sautéing)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Massage potatoes with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for 60-75 minutes until fully tender and easily pierced with a fork.
2. While potatoes are roasting, prepare shrimp by removing tails and deveining. Season with olive oil and Ashleys Seafood Secret seasoning.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a light coating of oil. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they curl into a “c” shape and turn opaque.
4. In another pan, sauté mixed vegetables over medium-high heat with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder for 5-7 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
5. Create cheese sauce by warming heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Once gently bubbling, incorporate fresh Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, and Italian herbs.
6. When potatoes are done, slice open the center and add a pat of butter and sprinkle of shredded cheese.
7. Layer roasted potatoes with sautéed vegetables, seasoned shrimp, crispy bacon bits, and drizzle with homemade cheese sauce.
8. Serve immediately while ingredients are hot and cheese sauce is creamy.

Notes

• Choose medium-sized potatoes with smooth, unblemished skin for even cooking and best texture.
• Pat shrimp completely dry before seasoning to ensure perfect caramelization and prevent steaming.
• Keep an eye on shrimp while cooking; they quickly turn rubbery if overcooked, so aim for a gentle curl and opaque appearance.
• Consider using smoked bacon for an extra layer of depth and richness in the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version of the cheese sauce.
• Customize the cheese sauce by experimenting with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar or gruyere for varied taste experiences.
• For gluten-free option, ensure all seasonings and ingredients are certified gluten-free before preparation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 870 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 70 g
• Saturated Fat: 35 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg