Seafood Queso Bites Recipe
These Crab Shrimp Queso Bites are a delightful appetizer featuring a creamy seafood and cheese filling wrapped in crisp, golden tortillas. Perfect for lunch or a party snack, they combine succulent shrimp and crab meat with Monterey Jack cheese and queso dip, then are fried to a perfect crunch and served with extra queso and fresh cilantro.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Seafood Filling
- 1/2 pound cooked shrimp, finely chopped
- 1/2 pound cooked crab meat, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup queso dip, mild or spicy
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Assembly and Frying
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Seafood Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped shrimp, shredded crab meat, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, softened cream cheese, queso dip, chopped fresh cilantro, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended into a smooth, creamy filling.
- Assemble the Bites: Spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the seafood and cheese mixture onto the center of each small flour tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling and secure it with a toothpick to prevent unraveling during frying.
- Fry the Wrapped Tortillas: Heat the butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the rolled tortillas and fry, turning occasionally, until they become golden brown and crisp on all sides, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes in total.
- Serve Warm: Remove the toothpicks carefully from each tortilla. Arrange the crispy seafood quesadilla bites on a serving platter. Drizzle them with additional warmed queso dip and sprinkle with extra chopped cilantro for a fresh, flavorful finish. Serve immediately to enjoy the optimal creamy and cheesy texture.
Notes
- Use mild or spicy queso dip depending on your heat preference.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
- Be careful when frying to avoid burning the tortillas; maintain medium heat.
- These bites are best served immediately to preserve their crispiness and creamy filling.
- To make ahead, prepare the filling and rolled tortillas then fry just before serving.
Find it online: https://oliviabakes.com/seafood-queso-bites-recipe/
