Shrimp Queso: A Flavorful, Creamy Dip That’s Sure to Impress

This creamy Shrimp Queso is made with Velveeta, cream cheese, mozzarella, and a variety of spices, creating the ultimate cheesy dip! Perfect for parties, game days, or family gatherings.

If you’re looking for a dip that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a touch of spice and savory shrimp, Shrimp Queso is the perfect recipe to try! This dish is a fun, flavorful twist on traditional queso dip, packing in delicious shrimp along with a medley of cheeses and spices. Whether you're hosting a party, enjoying a family night, or just craving something indulgent, this queso dip will be the star of the show. It’s rich, cheesy, and full of flavor with a bit of heat that will have everyone reaching for more tortilla chips.

In this blog post, we’ll take you through every step of making the perfect shrimp queso, explain the ingredients, and share some tips on how to elevate the flavor. By the end, you’ll be ready to impress your friends and family with this crowd-pleasing dip.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Queso

Shrimp queso combines the best of both worlds: the creamy, cheesy goodness of queso with the savory flavor of shrimp. It’s indulgent yet flavorful, and thanks to the combination of cheeses, spices, and shrimp, every bite offers something exciting. Here’s why you’ll love this dish:

• Cheesy and creamy: Velveeta, cream cheese, mozzarella, pepper jack, and colby jack create the perfect creamy texture that coats the shrimp and vegetables beautifully.

• Perfect balance of heat: With diced jalapeños and smoked paprika, the dish has just the right amount of heat without being overpowering.

• Loaded with flavor: The combination of cumin, garlic powder, oregano, and other spices gives the dip layers of savory flavor that complement the shrimp.

• Quick and easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes and is perfect for a quick appetizer or a last-minute party snack.

• Perfect for sharing: Shrimp queso is made for sharing. Serve it with tortilla chips, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing appetizer that everyone will love.

Ingredients Breakdown: What You’ll Need for Shrimp Queso

Let’s dive into the key ingredients for making this flavorful shrimp queso. Understanding why each ingredient is important helps ensure you get the best results when making this dip.

For the Shrimp Queso:

• 1 lb medium shrimp: The shrimp is the star of the dish. They add a savory, slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese sauce.

• 2 tbsp butter: Butter adds richness and flavor, helping to sauté the shrimp and vegetables.

• 16 oz queso blanco Velveeta (cut into small pieces): Velveeta gives the queso dip its signature smooth, creamy texture and a mild flavor that perfectly complements the other cheeses.

• 8 oz cream cheese: Cream cheese adds a luscious creaminess and tang, making the dip even richer and more velvety.

• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella adds to the creamy texture and mild flavor, helping to balance the spicier cheeses in the dip.

• 1/2 cup pepper jack cheese: This cheese brings a spicy kick to the dip, adding a zesty heat that pairs beautifully with the shrimp and other cheeses.

• 1/2 cup colby jack cheese: Colby jack adds a mild, buttery flavor and a creamy texture to the queso.

• 1/2 cup diced tomato: Tomatoes provide a burst of fresh flavor and slight acidity that balances the richness of the cheeses.

• 1/2 red onion, diced: Red onions add a slight sweetness and crunch, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

• 1-2 jalapeños, diced: Jalapeños bring a subtle heat that elevates the dish, but you can adjust the number depending on your preferred spice level.

• 2-3 scallion onions, chopped: Scallions add a fresh, crisp flavor with a mild onion taste that brightens up the dip.

• 1 tbsp minced garlic: Garlic adds an aromatic savory flavor that deepens the overall taste of the dip.

• 1 tsp cumin powder: Cumin has an earthy, warm flavor that complements the shrimp and adds a Mexican-inspired twist to the dip.

• 1 tsp black pepper: Black pepper adds a mild heat and a slight sharpness to the dip.

• 1 tsp oregano: Oregano brings an herby, slightly bitter flavor that balances the richness of the cheese and shrimp.

• 1 tsp garlic powder: Garlic powder enhances the savory garlic flavor throughout the dip.

• 1 tsp smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor that enriches the queso with a depth of taste.

• 1 tsp salt: Salt is essential for enhancing all the flavors and bringing balance to the dish.

• Cilantro for garnish: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness and color, brightening up the dish and giving it a vibrant finish.

How to Make Shrimp Queso: Step-by-Step Directions

Now that we’ve gone over the ingredients, it’s time to dive into the step-by-step process of making this delicious shrimp queso. The recipe is simple to follow, and in just under 30 minutes, you’ll have a rich, creamy, and flavorful dip ready to serve.

Step 1: Season the Shrimp

Start by seasoning the shrimp. In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb of shrimp with 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp salt. Mix until all the shrimp are evenly coated in the seasoning.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Next, melt 2 tbsp of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are cooked through and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. Don’t discard the juices from the shrimp—they’ll add extra flavor to the dip.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add 1/2 diced red onion, 1-2 diced jalapeños, and 2-3 chopped scallions. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until the onions have softened and become translucent. Add 1 tbsp minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Cheeses

Next, add 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir for about 30 seconds to combine. Now, it’s time to add the cheeses. First, add 16 oz queso blanco Velveeta and 8 oz cream cheese, stirring constantly until both cheeses have melted into a creamy sauce. Then, add 1/2 cup of mozzarella, 1/2 cup of pepper jack, and 1/2 cup of colby jack cheese. Stir until all the cheese has melted and the queso is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Stir in the Shrimp

Once the cheese is melted and the queso is creamy, add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Stir to combine, making sure the shrimp is well coated with the cheesy mixture.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the shrimp queso to a serving dish and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve it hot with tortilla chips for dipping. You can also serve it alongside some freshly chopped veggies for a lighter option.

Pro Tips for the Best Shrimp Queso

1. Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will give your dip a better flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

2. Adjust the Spice Level: If you want a milder dip, reduce the number of jalapeños or opt for a milder cheese like Monterey Jack instead of pepper jack.

3. Customize the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses, like cheddar or gouda, to create a queso that’s tailored to your taste.

4. Serve Immediately: Shrimp queso is best served hot and creamy, so be sure to serve it right after making it. If it cools down too much, reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture.

Why This Shrimp Queso is Perfect for Any Occasion

This shrimp queso is not only delicious but incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for:

• Game Day: This cheesy dip is a game-changer at any football or sports watch party.

• Family Gatherings: Whether it's a casual family dinner or a weekend BBQ, shrimp queso makes a delicious and easy appetizer.

• Movie Nights: Serve this dip during a cozy movie night for a treat the whole family will love.

• Parties and Events: Whether it’s a birthday party or a holiday gathering, shrimp queso is sure to impress your guests.

Author: CookSnapBake.com

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Shrimp Queso

This creamy Shrimp Queso is made with Velveeta, cream cheese, mozzarella, and a variety of spices, creating the ultimate cheesy dip! Perfect for parties, game days, or family gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 lb medium shrimp.
• 2 tbsp butter
• 16 oz queso blanco Velveeta (cut into small pieces)
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup pepper jack cheese
• 1/2 cup colby jack cheese
• 1/2 cup diced tomato
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1-2 jalapeños, diced
• 2-3 scallion onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• Cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Start by seasoning the shrimp. In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb of shrimp with 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp salt. Mix until all the shrimp are evenly coated in the seasoning.
2. Next, melt 2 tbsp of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are cooked through and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. Don’t discard the juices from the shrimp—they’ll add extra flavor to the dip.
3. In the same skillet, add 1/2 diced red onion, 1-2 diced jalapeños, and 2-3 chopped scallions. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until the onions have softened and become translucent. Add 1 tbsp minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.
4. Next, add 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir for about 30 seconds to combine. Now, it’s time to add the cheeses. First, add 16 oz queso blanco Velveeta and 8 oz cream cheese, stirring constantly until both cheeses have melted into a creamy sauce. Then, add 1/2 cup of mozzarella, 1/2 cup of pepper jack, and 1/2 cup of colby jack cheese. Stir until all the cheese has melted and the queso is smooth and creamy.
5. Once the cheese is melted and the queso is creamy, add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Stir to combine, making sure the shrimp is well coated with the cheesy mixture.
6. Transfer the shrimp queso to a serving dish and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve it hot with tortilla chips for dipping. You can also serve it alongside some freshly chopped veggies for a lighter option.

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Are you ready to whip up this mouth-watering shrimp queso? Grab your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of this flavorful dip. Don’t forget to share your creation with us on social media, tagging us with your shrimp queso masterpiece!