Seafood Queso

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Mexican

Creamy seafood queso combines melted Monterey Jack with tender shrimp and crab, infused with white wine and salsa, perfect for dipping with tortilla chips at gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 Tbsp flour
  • 1/2 cup cooked shrimp
  • 1/2 cup cooked crabmeat
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1/4 cup salsa Dempsey

Instructions

  1. Heat the white wine in a double boiler over low heat.
  2. Place the shredded Monterey Jack cheese in a plastic bag and sprinkle flour over it, shaking to coat evenly.
  3. When the wine begins to bubble on top, add a handful of cheese into the wine.
  4. Stir until melted, then gradually add the remaining cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy.
  5. Keep the cheese warm.
  6. Warm cooked shrimp, crabmeat, and salsa in a fondue pot.
  7. Pour the melted cheese over the warm seafood mixture and gently stir to combine.
  8. Serve with corn tortilla chips.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor, consider adding spices like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the cheese mixture. If you don't have Monterey Jack, a blend of cheddar and gouda works well as a substitute. For a lighter option, use low-fat cheese. Ensure the seafood is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the queso. This dish is a great way to use leftover shrimp or crab from recipes like Crab Quesadillas.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Seafood Queso hot with crispy corn tortilla chips for dipping. It also pairs well with fresh guacamole or a zesty salad for a complete meal. For an exciting twist, try serving it alongside Crawfish Enchiladas or as a dip at your next gathering when you want to impress with delicious seafood recipes.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Seafood Queso in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain a smooth consistency. If the queso thickens, add a splash of white wine or milk to return it to the desired texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Seafood Queso contains roughly 144 calories, with 5g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value).

144 kcal 7% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.2g 10% DV
Total Fat 0.5g 1% DV
Carbs 23.8g 9% DV
Fiber 0.8g 3% DV
Sugar 0.4g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 87mg 4% DV
Potassium 70.4mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 18.9mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 8.1mcg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 15.3mg 1% DV
Iron 1.5mg 8% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten Shellfish

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

Absolutely! You can create a vegetarian queso by omitting the seafood and adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach for extra flavor and texture. This variation still offers a delicious dip that everyone can enjoy.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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