Cajun Crab Spuds

Ever make something… and think about how good it would be mixed in with say potatoes..

No..ok

Well the other day I made some hot crab dip that I make all the time and never really thought about how well it would be if turned into a dish for dinner.. but this same day I was pressed for time.. (which seems like everyday) and there were 5 faces looking back at me wondering what was for dinner..

I had to recount because I didn’t remember inviting anyone over and 5 people don’t live in my house but there always seems to be someone extra sitting on my sofa..

But I’ll talk about that another day..

Today let me tell you how outstanding the crab dip recipe (slightly modified) was mixed in with twice baked potatoes…

Actually I’ll do even better.. I’ll give you the recipe and show you some pictures..

Cajun Crab Spuds           

 Print Me

You might need these:

4 Large baking potatoes

2 tablespoons minced shallots

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 pound lump crab meat, shell pieces removed, divided

1/4 cup minced red bell pepper

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

1/2 cup mayo

1/3 cup cream cheese, softened

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

3 tablespoons minced fresh chives

½ cup of pepper jack cheese     

4 tablespoons panko bread crumbs

Preheat oven to 400

Bake potatoes for 1 hour..

While potatoes are cooking..

Coat a skillet or saucepan with cooking spray. Add shallots and garlic to pan and cook over medium heat for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add in crab meat and cook for about 5 minutes…

When potatoes are done allow them to cool for 10 minutes. Slice potatoes in half lengthwise and with a large spoon, scrape out the insides of each potato into a large bowl; You should leave just a little bit in there for support, but try to remove most of it (careful not to tear the shell)..

Lay the hollowed out potato shells on a cookie sheet.

Add crab-shallot-garlic mixture, and remaining ingredients into large bowl with potatoes.. except for the panko.. (that goes on last)

Using a potato masher (do you have one of those…? You’ll need it.. maybe I should add that to the ingredients list.)  smash together all ingredients until smooth.

Scoop out some of the yummy potato filling and fill each shell until filling is gone..

I like mine filled to capacity…

Now top each potato with panko crumbs

Bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potato is warmed through.

I served these up with a nice juicy steak because steak and potatoes make me happy..  they could make you happy too…