Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Stuffed Baked Potatoes

There’s something deeply comforting about a baked potato pulled fresh from the oven — that crisp, salty skin giving way to a soft, fluffy center. Now imagine taking that simple comfort and dressing it up with buttery garlic shrimp and a rich, melty cheese sauce. That’s exactly what these Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Stuffed Baked Potatoes are all about.

This dish feels a little indulgent but still familiar, like cozy comfort food with a special-occasion twist. It’s perfect for a relaxed weekend dinner, a chilly evening when you want something hearty, or even when you’re craving seafood but still want something warm and filling. Each bite is creamy, savory, and just a little luxurious — the kind of meal that makes you slow down and savor it.

Ingredients

For the Baked Potatoes

4 large russet potatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt, to taste

For the Garlic Butter Shrimp

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Cheese Sauce

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk, warmed
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Salt and pepper, to taste

Toppings

2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Extra paprika or cayenne, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Bake the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Give the potatoes a good scrub, then pat them dry. Rub them all over with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt. Pierce each one a few times with a fork and place them directly on the oven rack. Bake for about 50–60 minutes, until the skins are crisp and a fork slides easily into the center. Set them aside to cool just slightly.

Make the Cheese Sauce
While the potatoes bake, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and let it cook for about a minute — just enough to lose that raw flour smell. Slowly pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly. The sauce will begin to thicken in a few minutes. Stir in both cheeses and keep whisking until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper, then keep warm on low heat.

Cook the Garlic Butter Shrimp
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Add the shrimp, smoked paprika, cayenne if using, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Finish with a splash of lemon juice and remove from the heat.

Assemble the Potatoes
Slice each baked potato open and gently fluff the inside with a fork. Spoon a generous amount of cheese sauce into the center. Nestle the shrimp on top, then drizzle with even more cheese sauce. Finish with chopped chives and a light sprinkle of paprika or cayenne.

Presentation

For a beautiful finish, serve the potatoes on a simple plate that lets all that creamy goodness shine. A final sprinkle of fresh chives adds color and freshness, while a dusting of paprika gives it that cozy, restaurant-style look. Serve them hot, when the cheese is still silky and the shrimp are perfectly tender.

Conclusion

These Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Stuffed Baked Potatoes are the kind of recipe that feels like a little gift to yourself. They’re comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to pull together. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself after a long day, this dish delivers big comfort and bold flavor in every bite. Give it a try soon — it might just become your new favorite way to enjoy baked potatoes.