Southern-Style Seafood Stuffed Potatoes – Crowd Favorit

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 225 g (1/2 lb) shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 115 g (1/4 lb) lump crab meat (or imitation crab, optional)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

How to make it:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Scrub the potatoes, prick each one a few times with a fork, rub with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Bake directly on the oven rack for 45 to 60 minutes until tender and crispy on the outside.
2. While the potatoes bake, prepare the seafood sauce. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
3. Stir in the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until just pink. Add the crab meat and stir gently to warm through.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the cream, stirring constantly, and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it thicken for 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with cayenne, salt, and black pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low and keep warm.
6. Remove the baked potatoes from the oven. Slice them open down the center and fluff the insides slightly with a fork.
7. Spoon the creamy seafood mixture generously over each potato. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Nutritional Information:
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Calories: ~550 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4 servings