Crab Shrimp Queso: Discover the Ultimate Party Snack! mixes rich seafood with warm, melty cheese. It melts in your mouth. People love it for its bold flavor and easy prep. Make it for game day, potlucks, or a quick weeknight treat. For a full seafood menu, try pairing it with a simple pasta like garlic butter shrimp pasta for a cohesive meal.
Why make this recipe
This recipe is fast and friendly for beginners. It uses cooked seafood, so you only assemble and fry. You can make a big batch for a crowd. It costs less than ordering out. Kids and adults both enjoy the creamy, crispy combo. You also control the spice and salt at home.
What makes Crab Shrimp Queso: Discover the Ultimate Party Snack! special
The mix of crab and shrimp gives a sweet, briny bite. The cream cheese and Monterey Jack add a smooth, melty texture. Mild or spicy queso brings a little kick. Rolling and frying the tortillas creates a crunchy shell that contrasts the soft filling. It stands out from simple dips because each bite has seafood, cheese, and warm tortilla. Pairing a green side like a classic Southern green bean casserole can round the meal for bigger gatherings.
Is Crab Shrimp Queso: Discover the Ultimate Party Snack! healthy
This snack has real seafood and dairy. Shrimp and crab give protein and minerals. You control the amounts of butter and cheese. Use whole-wheat tortillas to add fiber. Watch portion sizes if you watch calories. Homemade versions avoid preservatives and excess salt found in some store items.
How to make Crab Shrimp Queso: Discover the Ultimate Party Snack!
The method is simple and fast. You mix the seafood with cheeses and spices. Then you fill tortillas, roll them, and fry until crisp. The recipe needs basic skills: chopping, mixing, and pan-frying. It takes about 20–30 minutes from start to finish. Even a beginner can get great results.
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)
Directions
- In a bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, shredded crab, Monterey Jack, cream cheese, queso, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the filling onto each tortilla.
- Roll each tortilla tightly and secure with a toothpick.
- Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the rolled tortillas until each side is golden and crunchy, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Remove toothpicks, plate the rolls, and drizzle warm queso over the top.
- Sprinkle extra cilantro and serve immediately while the cheese is gooey.
How to serve Crab Shrimp Queso: Discover the Ultimate Party Snack!
Serve these warm and crisp. Cut them in half for small bites. Offer lime wedges for a fresh pop. Add extra queso or salsa on the side for dipping. They work as an appetizer, a snack, or part of a main meal. For brunch, pair with a light salad. For dinner, set them next to rice or roasted veggies. For a dessert contrast, end the meal with something sweet like aesthetic French macarons.
Best occasions to make Crab Shrimp Queso: Discover the Ultimate Party Snack!
Make them for game nights and Super Bowl parties. Serve them at birthdays and family reunions. They work well for potlucks since you can fry them on site or reheat. Try them for quick weeknight meals when you need something fun and fast. For backyard barbecues, offer them alongside a hearty main like an elk burger recipe to please different tastes.
How to store Crab Shrimp Queso: Discover the Ultimate Party Snack!
Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the queso separate if you want to maintain crispness. Reheat in a skillet or oven to keep the shell crunchy. Do not leave seafood at room temperature for more than two hours.
Can you make Crab Shrimp Queso: Discover the Ultimate Party Snack! ahead of time
Yes. You can prepare the filling a day ahead and keep it chilled. Fill and roll the tortillas, then hold them covered in the fridge. Fry just before serving for the best crunch. Reheat fried rolls in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes if needed.
Print
Crab Shrimp Queso: Discover the Ultimate Party Snack!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Seafood
Description
A rich seafood combination of crab and shrimp mixed with creamy cheeses, all rolled in crispy tortillas, perfect for parties and gatherings.
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)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, shredded crab, Monterey Jack, cream cheese, queso, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the filling onto each tortilla.
- Roll each tortilla tightly and secure with a toothpick.
- Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the rolled tortillas until each side is golden and crunchy, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Remove toothpicks, plate the rolls, and drizzle warm queso over the top.
- Sprinkle extra cilantro and serve immediately while the cheese is gooey.
Notes
For best results, dry the seafood well and use room-temperature cream cheese. Fry on medium heat for a crispy texture without burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Tips to make Crab Shrimp Queso: Discover the Ultimate Party Snack!
- Dry the seafood well to avoid a soggy filling.
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for easy mixing.
- Do not overfill the tortillas to prevent bursting.
- Fry on medium heat so they crisp without burning.
- Swap queso heat level to match your guests’ tastes.
Variation
- Add chopped jalapeño for more heat.
- Use corn tortillas for a different texture. Fry carefully; they can break more easily.
- Swap Monterey Jack for pepper jack for spice.
- Make a lighter version with low-fat cream cheese and fewer tortillas.
- Turn them into a bake: place filled rolls in a baking dish, brush with oil, and bake at 400°F until golden.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen crab or shrimp?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain fully. Pat dry before mixing.
Q: How long do leftovers of Crab Shrimp Queso: Discover the Ultimate Party Snack! last?
A: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Q: Can I freeze these?
A: You can freeze the filled, un-fried rolls on a tray. Then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Fry or bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cook time.
