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Crab & Shrimp Queso: Ultimate Party Snack Recipe!

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Elevate your snack game with this decadent Crab & Shrimp Queso that combines luxurious seafood and warm, gooey cheese. Perfect for gatherings, this creamy dip will have everyone begging for more!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 block processed cheese (like Velveeta)
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese or Mexican blend cheese
  • 2 oz cream cheese (optional)
  • 1 splash whole milk (or 2% or evaporated milk)
  • 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles (undrained)
  • 8 oz lump crab meat
  • 8 oz cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp
  • 1 finely diced yellow onion
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 squeeze fresh lime juice
  • 1 handful freshly chopped cilantro

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Seafood: First, ensure your shrimp are cooked, peeled, and deveined. Dice them into small, bite-sized pieces, about 1/2-inch. For the lump crab meat, gently flake it, checking for any shell fragments. Set both aside.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add your finely diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Build the Flavor Base: Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their aromas.
  4. Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Add your Velveeta (cut into cubes for faster melting) and any additional shredded cheeses you're using (Monterey Jack, cream cheese). Pour in the milk. Stir continuously with a whisk or sturdy spoon as the cheese slowly melts. This gentle, constant stirring is key to a smooth, lump-free queso.
  5. Incorporate Rotel: Once the cheese is mostly melted and the mixture is smooth, stir in the can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles (undrained). Continue to stir until everything is well combined and heated through.
  6. Add the Seafood: Gently fold in the prepared diced shrimp and flaked crab meat. Stir just enough to distribute the seafood evenly throughout the queso. You don't want to overmix, as this can break up the delicate crab lumps.
  7. Finish and Serve: Let the queso warm through for a few minutes on low heat, ensuring the seafood is heated without overcooking it. Stir in the fresh lime juice and a generous handful of chopped fresh cilantro. Give it a taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
  8. Present Beautifully: Transfer your hot Crab Shrimp Queso to a serving bowl. Garnish with a little extra fresh cilantro and serve immediately with tortilla chips, pita bread, or fresh vegetable sticks.

Nutrition

Keywords: For a richer dip, use half-and-half instead of milk. You can also substitute the crab with a combination of other white fish and shrimp if needed. Keep the queso warm in a slow cooker for best results.

Find it online: https://homebitesia.com/crab-shrimp-queso-ultimate-party-snack-recipe/