If you’re craving comfort food with a seafood twist, you’ve just hit gold. This Seafood Loaded Mashed Potatoes recipe blends creamy, buttery mashed potatoes with perfectly cooked salmon, shrimp, and crab. It’s rich. It’s savory. And it’s downright addictive.
Let’s dive in and show you exactly how to make it—from scratch, the right way.
Why This Seafood Mashed Potatoes Recipe Works
- Combines three premium proteins: salmon, shrimp, and crab
- Uses fresh red skin potatoes for natural flavor
- Packs bold, buttery, garlic-infused goodness
- Includes a creamy seafood sauce that ties it all together
- Easy enough for a weeknight, fancy enough for guests
Seafood loaded mashed potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Homemade Mashed Potatoes:
- 3 lbs red skin potatoes
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Seafood:
- ½ lb salmon fillet, skinless
- ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup lump crab meat
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Lemon juice (from ½ lemon)
- Salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder (for seasoning)
For the Seafood Cream Sauce:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tbsp white cooking wine
- 1 cup Italian blend cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley
- Additional seasoning to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep and Boil the Potatoes
- Scrub red skin potatoes clean.
- Peel most of the skin off, leaving some for texture.
- Cut into chunks and boil in salted water until fork-tender (about 20 minutes).
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Seafood
- Rinse and pat dry the salmon and shrimp.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- In a hot skillet, sear salmon until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté shrimp in the same pan until pink and firm. Remove and set aside.
- Sprinkle lemon juice over the cooked seafood.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Seafood Sauce
- In the same pan, add garlic and shallots. Sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and white cooking wine. Simmer gently.
- Add Italian cheese and stir until smooth.
- Fold in lump crab meat and parsley.
- Add the cooked shrimp and salmon. Simmer on low heat.
Step 4: Make the Loaded Mashed Potatoes
- Mash boiled potatoes with heavy cream, milk, and butter.
- Mix in garlic, parsley, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
How to Plate It All Together
- Spoon a generous portion of homemade mashed potatoes onto your plate.
- Load it up with a mix of salmon, shrimp, and crab from the sauce.
- Drizzle extra creamy seafood sauce on top.
- Optional: Garnish with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
What to Serve On the Side?
- Steamed broccoli: Adds a bright, fresh bite.
- Cheddar Bay biscuits: Buttery, cheesy, and perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Simple green salad: Lightens up this indulgent dish.
Pro Tips for Perfect Seafood loaded mashed potatoes
- Don’t overmix the potatoes—keep them fluffy.
- Use heavy cream for richness, not substitutions.
- Always cook seafood just until done to avoid rubbery texture.
- Taste as you go—balance is key.
Variations to Try
- Loaded Mashed Potatoes with Salmon Only – Skip shrimp and crab. Focus on rich, flaky salmon.
- Shrimp and Crab Mashed Potatoes – A buttery blend of two sweet seafood flavors.
- Red Skin Mashed Potatoes Without Peeling – Keep all the skins for rustic texture.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Seafood Mix – Add scallops or crawfish tails for more variety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use boxed mashed potatoes?
You could—but for the best seafood mashed potatoes recipe, go homemade. Texture and taste matter here.
Q: What kind of crab meat works best?
Use lump crab meat. It’s sweet, tender, and holds up well in the sauce.
Q: Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
Yes. Make the mashed potatoes and seafood sauce separately, refrigerate, and combine when ready to serve.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of cream.
Seafood loaded mashed potatoes aren’t just a side dish—they’re the star of the plate. Whether you’re serving it for Sunday dinner or impressing guests, this dish delivers.
Creamy, flavorful, and packed with premium seafood, it’s a true comfort food classic done right.
Want to impress your family tonight? Whip this up and thank yourself later.
