Shrimp Con Queso Recipe

There is nothing quite like the creamy, spicy, and utterly comforting flavors of Shrimp Con Queso to lift your meal game to a whole new level. This delightful dish combines tender, seasoned shrimp and sautéed vegetables bathed in a rich, velvety queso sauce that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or simply treating yourself, Shrimp Con Queso brings together fantastic textures and bold flavors that are sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making an unforgettable Shrimp Con Queso. Each component plays an essential role, from creating a velvety sauce to adding vibrant colors and fresh, savory bites. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

• Olive oil: This provides a fragrant, smooth base for sautéing your veggies and shrimp.
• Bell peppers (mixed colors, 1 1/2 cups): They add a sweet crunch and a burst of color to brighten the dish.
• Red onion (1 cup, thinly sliced): Offers a mild pungency and slight sweetness that complements the shrimp perfectly.
• Mushrooms (1 cup, sliced): Brings an earthy depth and tender texture that rounds out the filling.
• Shrimp (1 pound, thawed, deveined, and shelled): The star protein, delivering that juicy, slightly sweet seafood flavor.
• Taco seasoning (3 tablespoons): Instantly amps up the dish with a mix of smoky, spicy, and aromatic spices.
• Heavy cream (1/4 cup plus more as needed): Creates a luscious, creamy base for the queso.
• Cream cheese (2 ounces, softened): Adds richness and a silky texture that makes the queso dreamy.
• Shredded pepper jack cheese (1 1/2 cups): Contributes a cheesy kick with a touch of heat.
• White American cheese (1/2 cup): Melts smoothly and gives a milder, classic cheese flavor that balances everything out.

How to Make Shrimp Con Queso

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and pour in your olive oil. Toss in your mixed bell peppers, red onion slices, and mushrooms, stirring them lovingly for 5 to 6 minutes. The goal here is to soften the veggies just right so they’re tender yet still have a bit of bite, releasing their natural sweetness that forms the dish’s fantastic flavor foundation.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Next, add in the shrimp along with the taco seasoning, giving everything a good toss to ensure those spices coat every piece evenly. The shrimp only need 2 to 3 minutes per side to cook through until they turn that gorgeous pink and curl slightly. Once perfectly cooked, remove the shrimp and veggies from the skillet and set them aside, keeping all those flavorful bits in the pan.

Step 3: Prepare the Queso Sauce

Lower the heat to low, then add the softened cream cheese and heavy cream directly to the skillet. Stir gently to melt the cream cheese into a smooth, creamy base with just a few little clumps left — those will melt away shortly. This simple step is where the magic begins, creating the foundation for your queso.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

Gradually add the shredded cheeses in small batches—about half a cup at a time—stirring continuously to encourage a silky, cohesive sauce. Keep an eye on the texture, and if you want a thinner queso, feel free to splash in some extra heavy cream or milk until it reaches your perfect consistency. This slow melting creates that signature velvety, cheesy sauce that Shrimp Con Queso is famous for.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Finally, return the cooked shrimp and sautéed veggies to the skillet and gently fold everything together so every juicy shrimp and tender veggie gets coated in that luscious queso. Serve immediately while it’s warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible.

How to Serve Shrimp Con Queso

Garnishes

Adding the right garnishes can elevate Shrimp Con Queso from great to unforgettable. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or green onions on top for a burst of fresh color and zest. If you love a little extra heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper or a few slices of jalapeño can add a playful kick. A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end brightens the richness beautifully and balances the flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair Shrimp Con Queso with warm, soft tortillas or crunchy tortilla chips for scooping up every delicious bite. For a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh, crisp salad, Spanish rice, or even a simple guacamole. The creamy, spicy queso pairs wonderfully with lighter, fresh sides that offset its richness, making every mouthful exciting and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

You can get creative by serving Shrimp Con Queso in a mini cast iron skillet for a rustic vibe or in individual ramekins for a fun appetizer. Layer the queso and shrimp mixture into baked potatoes or stuffed peppers for a hearty, unique twist. This dish also shines as a topping on nachos or loaded fries, turning familiar comfort foods into something spectacular.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Shrimp Con Queso, any leftovers should be cooled to room temperature and stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh for that perfect creamy texture.

Freezing

Freezing Shrimp Con Queso is possible but a bit tricky because cheese sauces can sometimes separate. If you want to freeze it, do so in a tightly sealed container for up to one month, and be prepared that the texture may change slightly upon thawing. To minimize this, freeze it before adding shrimp and veggies, then combine fresh when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftover Shrimp Con Queso gently over low heat on the stovetop or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently to maintain that luscious creaminess. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of heavy cream or milk to bring back the perfect consistency. Avoid high heat to prevent the cheese from curdling.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Con Queso?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps them sear nicely and absorb the taco seasoning better, giving you the best flavor and texture.

What can I substitute for pepper jack cheese?

If you prefer a milder or different flavor, Monterey Jack or a mild cheddar works wonderfully. You can also experiment with a bit of smoked gouda for a unique twist, but keep in mind it will change the classic flavor profile.

Is Shrimp Con Queso spicy?

The dish carries a lovely hint of spice thanks to the pepper jack cheese and taco seasoning, but it’s not overwhelmingly hot. If you want it milder, reduce the taco seasoning or use a milder cheese blend. For extra heat, add jalapeños or hot sauce to taste.

Can I make Shrimp Con Queso vegetarian?

Of course! Swap the shrimp for a mix of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or even some roasted corn for a delicious vegetarian version. The cheesy sauce is so flavorful that it stands beautifully on its own or with veggies.

What’s the best way to serve Shrimp Con Queso at a party?

Serve it warm in a slow cooker or chafing dish to keep it creamy and gooey throughout the event. Provide plenty of tortilla chips, sliced veggies, and warm tortillas for dipping and scooping, creating a fun, shareable appetizer everyone will love.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dish that’s as comforting as it is exciting, Shrimp Con Queso is your new best friend. From the first creamy, spicy bite to the last melty morsel, it’s a recipe that brings people together around the table. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience how perfectly shrimp and queso can come together in one irresistibly delicious dish.

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