Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes with Shrimp

This Mediterranean spin on loaded baked potatoes with shrimp will leave you satisfied while still feeling healthy. Topped with yogurt and feta rather than sour cream and cheddar, the tangy flavors blend with some shrimp for a perfect meal on a cold day.

This post was originally published on April 17, 2014, and was updated in September 2020 to add better quality photos, re-test the recipe, and add more helpful tips.

There is very little that is quite as fun and satisfying as a loaded baked potato. While I love my creamy pastas, there is something that much more playful and indulgent about a baked potato topped high with meat and cheese. It is just a perfect meal on a cold day.

But one of the reasons they seem so indulgent is that they contain a lot of unhealthy ingredients. When you picture a stuffed baked potato, you are probably thinking of sour cream, cheddar cheese, and bacon bits. Maybe even some chives. Perhaps we can keep the chives.

Making a loaded baked potato healthy

Instead of all that fat, I wanted something a little lighter and healthier while still being indulgent. So, we’ve traded the sour cream for probiotic rich yogurt, switched the cheddar for some salty feta, and exchanged the bacon bits for some tasty shrimp, sautéed in garlic. Plus, some fresh dill instead of chives – though the chives would work too.

Why use shrimp?

Honestly, all of that sounds better to me anyways. Partially because I love shrimp. Shrimp is definitely near the top of my list of favorite meats. Right up there with salmon and chicken. They are so flavorful while still being low in cholesterol and calories. 

What shrimp are is impressively high in protein and vitamins. Especially hard to obtain vitamins like B12 and vitamin D. Plus, like salmon, they contain omega-3 fatty acids which are very important for brain function. Shrimp even have high levels of antioxidant compounds that are important for heart health. They are a great choice when looking for healthier meats.

And they are so versatile. You can use them in kale and cauliflower pasta, sweet and sour burritos, and even stuff avocados with them. If you are looking for some lighter options, they are a perfect choice for lettuce wraps or an avocado salad packed full of healthy omega-3 fats. 

What should you serve with your baked potatoes?

While some people might consider a loaded baked potato a full meal, I like to make sure my family is getting fresh vegetables too. Some steamed broccoli or asparagus is always an easy choice. But considering how indulgent a baked potato is, I think it’s the perfect thing to serve along side a light salad. And with so many great flavors in the potato, it seems fitting to match it with some equally flavorful full salads.

My top suggestion if you are having a fall meal would be a persimmon and feta salad. After all, the feta ties the two together and the persimmon is a great match to the shrimp when pair with lots of iron rich baby spinach.

Another excellent choice would be something like an apple and fennel salad. I like adding a bit of sweet to pair with savory dishes, and some fresh fruit is just enough. All together it’s light and healthy while still being oh so satisfying.