Description: Indulge in a culinary celebration with this loaded baked potato recipe! We’re talking perfectly baked russet potatoes piled high with tender steak, succulent chicken, plump shrimp, and an avalanche of your favorite toppings. This isn’t just a baked potato; it’s a complete, satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Get ready for a fiesta in your mouth!
Ingredients:
For the Potatoes:
- 2 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Proteins:
- 6 oz ribeye or sirloin steak, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 6 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 8-10 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or nacho cheese sauce)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup ranch dressing (optional)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, for garnish
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley, for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly under cold water. Pat them completely dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix the olive oil and kosher salt. Rub this mixture all over the potatoes, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Step 2: Bake the Potatoes
- Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack. Baking them directly on the rack allows for better air circulation, resulting in a crispier skin.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork. The internal temperature should reach around 210°F (99°C).
Step 3: Season the Proteins
- In a medium bowl, combine the cubed steak, chicken, and shrimp.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder. Sprinkle this seasoning blend generously over the meat and seafood, ensuring everything is well coated.
Step 4: Cook the Steak
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned steak cubes to the hot skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the steak is cooked to medium doneness. If you prefer your steak more well-done, cook it for a few minutes longer.
- Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the same skillet.
- Add the seasoned chicken cubes to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 6: Cook the Shrimp
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the same skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 7: Assemble the Loaded Potatoes
- Remove the baked potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Using a sharp knife, slice each potato lengthwise down the center.
- Gently fluff the inside of each potato with a fork. This will create a light and airy texture.
Step 8: Add the Toppings
- Top each potato with shredded cheddar cheese or nacho cheese sauce.
- Layer the cooked steak, chicken, and shrimp over the cheese.
- Drizzle with sour cream and ranch dressing (if using).
- Garnish with sliced green onions, smoked paprika, and dried parsley.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This loaded baked potato recipe is the epitome of comfort food elevated to gourmet status. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the toppings to your liking. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal on a cold evening or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, this recipe delivers on all fronts. The combination of tender steak, juicy chicken, and flavorful shrimp, combined with the creamy potatoes and zesty toppings, creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked meats and vegetables! The visual appeal is undeniable, making it a show-stopping centerpiece for any meal. It’s fun, customizable, and undeniably delicious.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a main course with a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Cut the loaded potatoes into smaller portions and serve as appetizers for a party or gathering.
- Pair with a cold beer or your favorite beverage.
- Offer a variety of toppings to allow guests to customize their own loaded potatoes. Consider options like crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, black olives, jalapenos, and different types of cheese.
Tips:
- For extra crispy potato skins, rub the potatoes with coarse sea salt before baking.
- To save time, you can bake the potatoes in advance and reheat them before adding the toppings.
- If you don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand, you can make your own by combining paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and black pepper.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat and seafood with roasted vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
- Get creative with your toppings! Try adding guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo, or even a fried egg.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per serving, estimates will vary based on portion sizes and specific ingredients)
- Calories: 650-850
- Protein: 40-50g
- Sodium: 500-700mg
Conclusion:
The Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato Fiesta is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and culinary creativity. It’s a dish that brings people together and leaves everyone feeling satisfied and happy. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a delicious adventure. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
- Q: Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?
- A: While russet potatoes are the classic choice for baked potatoes due to their fluffy interior and thick skin, you can certainly experiment with other varieties. Yukon Gold potatoes offer a slightly sweeter and creamier texture, while sweet potatoes provide a unique flavor and nutritional profile. Keep in mind that different potatoes may require slightly different baking times.
- Q: Can I prepare the steak, chicken, and shrimp in advance?
- A: Absolutely! Preparing the proteins ahead of time can save you a significant amount of time when you’re ready to assemble the loaded potatoes. Simply cook the steak, chicken, and shrimp as directed in the recipe, let them cool completely, and store them in the refrigerator in airtight containers. When you’re ready to serve, you can quickly reheat the proteins in a skillet or microwave.
- Q: I don’t have Cajun seasoning. What can I use instead?
- A: If you don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand, you can easily make your own blend by combining paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and black pepper. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the level of spiciness. Alternatively, you can use another spice blend that you enjoy, such as taco seasoning or Italian seasoning.
- Q: Can I freeze the loaded baked potatoes?
- A: While you can technically freeze the loaded baked potatoes, the texture of the potatoes and some of the toppings may change upon thawing. The potatoes may become slightly mushy, and the sour cream may separate. If you do choose to freeze them, wrap each potato tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. To reheat, thaw the potatoes in the refrigerator overnight and then bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. It’s best to add fresh toppings after reheating.
- Q: What are some other topping ideas for these loaded baked potatoes?
- A: The possibilities are endless when it comes to toppings for loaded baked potatoes! Some other delicious options include crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, black olives, jalapenos, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, roasted corn, guacamole, salsa, chili, and different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco. You can also experiment with different sauces and dressings, such as BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or a creamy cilantro-lime dressing. Get creative and have fun customizing your loaded baked potatoes to your liking!
