Description
This Crab Shrimp Queso Party Snack is a creamy, cheesy seafood dip loaded with tender shrimp and crab meat, flavored with smoky paprika and fresh cilantro. Perfectly paired with warm tortillas, this appetizer is quick to prepare and ideal for entertaining or casual snacking.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 1/2 lb cooked shrimp, finely chopped
- 1/2 lb cooked crab meat, shredded
Cheeses and Dairy
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup queso dip (mild or spicy)
Seasonings and Herbs
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
Other Ingredients
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 2 tbsp butter or oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Heat Butter or Oil: In a skillet, melt the butter or heat the oil over medium heat to prepare for cooking the seafood mixture.
- Cook Seafood: Add the chopped shrimp and shredded crab meat to the skillet, cooking just until heated through to retain their tender texture.
- Add Cheeses and Seasonings: Stir in the cream cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, queso dip, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Continue stirring until all the cheeses have melted and the mixture is well combined and creamy.
- Warm Tortillas: Warm the small flour tortillas separately using a skillet or microwave to make them soft and pliable for dipping.
- Serve: Serve the warm cheesy seafood dip alongside the warm tortillas for dipping and enjoying this delightful party snack.
Notes
- You can substitute the queso dip with your preferred mild or spicy cheese dip to customize the flavor intensity.
- Use fresh cooked shrimp and crab meat for the best texture, but canned or leftover cooked seafood can work in a pinch.
- For a healthier alternative, use oil instead of butter and whole wheat tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
- Leftover dip can be reheated gently on the stove; add a splash of milk or cream if it becomes too thick.
- Garnish with additional fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh touch.
