Creamy Shrimp Queso—Spicy, Cheesy, and Loaded with Gulf Flavor

Shrimp queso is what happens when your favorite Tex-Mex dip takes a trip to the coast and comes back bolder, creamier, and full of buttery seafood goodness. It’s rich and smooth, with melty Velveeta or white American cheese as the base, diced tomatoes and green chilies for zing, and tender shrimp cooked in butter and garlic to top it all off.

Whether you serve it as an appetizer for game night, a party centerpiece, or just a late-night craving with chips, this dip is a guaranteed showstopper. The balance of creamy cheese and juicy shrimp makes every bite feel indulgent, comforting, and just a little bit fancy—even if it only took 20 minutes to whip up.

Why Shrimp Queso Slaps So Hard

It’s creamy and craveable like classic queso, but with the added richness of buttery shrimp that takes it over the top. The shrimp are sautéed in garlic and spices for flavor that punches through the cheese, and the texture is smooth and melty without being runny. Serve it with tortilla chips, warm flour tortillas, or drizzle it over nachos or tacos—you really can’t go wrong. And the best part? It all comes together in one skillet, making it fast, flavorful, and low-effort.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp butter
• ½ lb raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ⅛ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained
• ¾ cup whole milk or half-and-half
• 12 oz Velveeta, white American, or queso blanco cheese, cubed
• 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional for heat)
• Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
• Tortilla chips for serving

Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add chopped shrimp and season with chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté until shrimp are just cooked through, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, pour in milk or half-and-half and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Add cheese cubes and stir constantly until smooth and fully melted.
5. Stir in drained tomatoes and diced jalapeño. Mix until combined and heated through.
6. Add shrimp back to the skillet and stir to incorporate, or serve them spooned on top for a dramatic finish.
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Serve hot with chips, warm tortillas, or over fries.

Tips for the Best Shrimp Queso

Use freshly grated or cubed melting cheese for a smooth texture—Velveeta or white American melts best without clumping. Don’t overcook the shrimp—just until pink and opaque. For more flavor, add a splash of lime juice or hot sauce into the cheese. Want it thinner? Stir in a splash more milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Variations

Make it smoky with chipotle peppers in adobo. Add cooked chorizo along with shrimp for a surf-and-turf queso. Use pepper jack for extra kick. Stir in roasted corn or black beans for more texture. Swap shrimp for crab or lobster for a decadent twist.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover queso in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave in short bursts, stirring often. Add a splash of milk to loosen the texture as needed. Shrimp can be reheated once, so don’t reheat repeatedly.

Final Thoughts

Shrimp queso is the kind of recipe that brings the party with zero stress—it’s fast, rich, a little spicy, and ridiculously delicious. Every chip you dunk into this creamy, shrimp-packed skillet is a reminder that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re serving it for guests or keeping it all to yourself (we won’t tell), it’s guaranteed to become your new favorite queso twist.

Stick around—every visit tastes better than the last at The Buttered Bliss.