What is crab shrimp queso?

Crab shrimp queso is a creamy, cheesy appetizer that combines tender crab and shrimp with melted cheese, often served in crispy tortilla tubes, as crab shrimp queso rolls, or as a warm crab and shrimp queso dip.

Can I prepare crab shrimp queso tubes ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the crab shrimp queso rolls just before baking to ensure crispy tortillas.

How can I make crispy crab and shrimp queso taquitos?

Use small tortillas, roll them tightly with the crab shrimp queso filling, brush with melted butter, and bake at 375°F until golden and crispy.

Can I customize this crab shrimp queso recipe?

Absolutely! Adjust the spice with smoked paprika or cayenne, add extra cheese, or turn it into a crab and shrimp queso dip for a different presentation.

What should I serve with crab shrimp queso?

Crab shrimp queso tubes, rolls, or taquitos pair perfectly with salsa, sour cream, or extra melted queso for dipping.

Crab Shrimp Queso Tubes – Easy, Cheesy Seafood Recipe 2026

Name: Crab Shrimp Queso
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12–14 queso tubes
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese; ½ cup cooked crab meat, chopped; ½ cup cooked shrimp, chopped; 2 green onions, finely chopped; 1 garlic clove, minced; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat); Salt and pepper, to taste; 12–14 small flour tortillas (6-inch); 1–2 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing); Chopped fresh cilantro; Salsa, queso dip, or sour cream

Description

A creamy, cheesy seafood appetizer featuring tender crab and shrimp wrapped in crispy tortilla tubes. Perfect for parties or game day, these Crab Shrimp Queso tubes combine gooey melted cheese with fresh seafood in every bite. Serve with a side of salsa or creamy dipping sauce for an irresistible treat.

Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients (for 12–14 queso tubes):

For the Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
½ cup cooked crab meat, chopped
½ cup cooked shrimp, chopped
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Tubes:

12–14 small flour tortillas (6-inch)
1–2 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing)

For Garnish / Serving:

Chopped fresh cilantro
Salsa, queso dip, or sour cream

Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheese, crab, shrimp, green onions, garlic, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
Mix until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 2: Assemble the Queso Tubes

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lay a tortilla flat, spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the filling along one edge.
Roll the tortilla tightly into a tube and place seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Brush the tops lightly with melted butter for extra crispiness.

Step 3: Bake

Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until tortillas are golden and crispy and cheese is melted inside.

Step 4: Serve

Remove from oven and let cool for 2–3 minutes.
Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with salsa, queso, or sour cream.

Notes

Make Ahead: Prepare the filling a day ahead and store in the fridge. Assemble just before baking.
Crispier Tubes: Lightly fry the rolled tortillas in oil for 1–2 minutes before baking.
Mini Version: Use smaller tortillas for bite-sized appetizers.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Category: Appetizer / Snack
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American / Seafood