Crab Shrimp Queso: The Ultimate Party Snack Recipe
Crab Shrimp Queso is the ultimate party snack featuring a creamy and cheesy seafood filling wrapped in warm, crispy tortillas. This Tex-Mex inspired appetizer combines delicate cooked shrimp and crab meat with Monterey Jack cheese, cream cheese, and queso dip, enhanced with fresh cilantro and spices. Perfect for entertaining, these golden fried rolls deliver gooey, irresistible flavor in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 tubes 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Seafood
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 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
Assembly
- 8 small flour tortillas
For Frying
- 2 tbsp butter or oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the finely chopped cooked shrimp, shredded cooked crab meat, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, softened cream cheese, queso dip, chopped fresh cilantro, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix until all ingredients form a creamy, cheesy, and well-seasoned seafood mixture.
- Assemble the rolls: Lay out each small flour tortilla and place 2 to 3 tablespoons of the seafood filling onto the center. Carefully roll the tortilla tightly to enclose the filling completely and secure each roll with a toothpick to keep it sealed during frying.
- Fry the rolls: Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the secured tortilla rolls seam side down into the skillet and fry them, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
- Serve: Remove the fried rolls from the skillet and gently remove the toothpicks. Plate the rolls and drizzle warm queso dip over the top. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro if desired and serve immediately while the cheese is warm and gooey for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- These rolls can be prepared ahead of time; assemble and refrigerate, then fry just before serving to maintain crispiness.
- Adjust the spice level of the queso dip to cater to your taste preferences from mild to spicy.
- For extra flavor and variation, serve with additional toppings such as sliced jalapeños, avocado, or fresh salsa.
Keywords: Crab Shrimp Queso, seafood appetizer, Tex-Mex snack, cheesy seafood rolls, party snacks, fried tortilla rolls, Monterey Jack cheese, queso dip
