Crab Shrimp Queso: Discover the Ultimate Party Snack!
Crab Shrimp Queso is not just a dish; it’s an experience that can elevate any occasion into a festive celebration. This creamy, cheesy delight, brimming with the taste of the sea, is perfect for gatherings with friends, family game nights, or even cozy evenings at home. The combination of tender crab meat and succulent shrimp, mixed with generous portions of gooey cheeses, creates a mouthwatering filling that will leave your guests raving about your culinary skills.
What makes this recipe special is its versatility and ease. You can whip it up in no time, making it an excellent last-minute party snack or an effortless appetizer. So whether you’re hosting a birthday bash, an intimate dinner, or just indulging in a casual gathering, this Crab Shrimp Queso will steal the show—and trust us, your taste buds will thank you!
This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb cooked shrimp, finely chopped
- 1/2 lb cooked crab meat, shredded
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup queso dip (mild or spicy)
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 2 tbsp butter or oil (for frying)
Here’s what your ingredients should look like before cooking.
Directions
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In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped shrimp, shredded crab meat, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, softened cream cheese, queso dip, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix until you have a creamy cheesy seafood filling bursting with fiesta flavor.
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Place 2–3 tablespoons of the cheesy filling in the center of each tortilla. Roll them tightly and secure with a toothpick to hold the shape.
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In a skillet, heat butter or oil over medium heat. Carefully place the rolled tortillas in the skillet and fry until they are golden and crunchy on all sides.
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Once crispy, remove the toothpicks from the tortillas and plate them up. Drizzle warm queso over the top for an extra cheesy touch.
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Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and serve immediately while the cheese is gooey and irresistibly delicious.
Tips & Variations
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Ingredient substitutions: You can substitute crab meat with other seafood like lobster or use only shrimp if that’s what you have on hand. For a vegetarian version, consider using a mix of sautéed mushrooms and peppers instead of seafood.
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Optional variations: Add a kick by incorporating some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the filling. You can also serve it with a side of guacamole or salsa for an extra burst of flavor.
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Storage or reheating tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F until warmed through, or heat them in a skillet to regain that crispy texture.
Recipe Information
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
- Difficulty level: Easy
Delicious Crab Shrimp Queso ready for serving!
Crab Shrimp Queso
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb cooked shrimp, finely chopped
- 1/2 lb cooked crab meat, shredded
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup queso dip (mild or spicy)
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 2 tbsp butter or oil (for frying)
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped shrimp, shredded crab meat, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, softened cream cheese, queso dip, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix until you have a creamy cheesy seafood filling bursting with fiesta flavor.
- Place 2–3 tablespoons of the cheesy filling in the center of each tortilla. Roll them tightly and secure with a toothpick to hold the shape.
- In a skillet, heat butter or oil over medium heat. Carefully place the rolled tortillas in the skillet and fry until they are golden and crunchy on all sides.
- Once crispy, remove the toothpicks from the tortillas and plate them up. Drizzle warm queso over the top for an extra cheesy touch.
- Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and serve immediately while the cheese is gooey and irresistibly delicious.