Instructions:
Prepare the Baked Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce the potatoes several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Rub the potatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place them directly on the oven rack and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Once done, remove the potatoes from the oven. Cut a slit down the middle of each potato, being careful not to cut all the way through. Allow them to cool slightly for easier handling.
Make the Potato Filling:
- Carefully scoop out most of the potato flesh into a bowl, leaving a thin layer of potato inside the skins to maintain their structure.
- To the potato flesh, add butter, sour cream, milk, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the green onions. Mash and mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spoon the mixture back into the potato skins. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Place the potatoes back into the oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Prepare the Shrimp:
- While the potatoes are baking for the second time, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Squeeze lemon juice over the cooked shrimp and toss to coat.
Assemble and Serve:
- Once the potatoes are done, top each with an equal portion of the shrimp.
- Garnish with the remaining green onions and fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately with additional toppings if desired.
This shrimp baked potatoes recipe is a delightful twist on classic comfort food, offering a blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with the light, fresh taste of seasoned shrimp. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite toppings and is sure to impress both family and guests alike. Enjoy!