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Whenever I want something tasty and a little fancy without spending all night in the kitchen, this Shrimp Con Queso never fails. You get plump shrimp, quick-cooked fajita veggies, and a velvety cheese sauce that pulls it all together. It always turns a normal weekday into a mini party, and best of all, you get extra time to put your feet up after.
This dish is a hit at every family game night. People jump for seconds the minute I bring it out sometimes before I've even grabbed my own plate.
Tasty Ingredients
- White American cheese: melts easily and smooth, finishing the cheesy sauce perfectly
- Shredded pepper jack cheese: packs heat and melts into creamy goodness, shred it fresh for best results
- Cream cheese: makes your sauce extra thick and creamy, let it soften first
- Heavy cream: gives you that silky, decadent texture, check it's fresh for best results
- Taco seasoning: punches up all the flavors in shrimp and veggies, and you can use your own mix too
- Shrimp: thawed and cleaned up, bigger shrimp are tastier and stay juicy
- Mushrooms: give a cozy earthiness, just pick firm ones without spots
- Red onion: adds a sweet kick, slice thin so it cooks fast
- Bell peppers: grab bright, crisp ones for crunch and color
- Olive oil: keeps everything from sticking and adds great flavor to the base
Simple Step-by-Step Guide
- Finish and Dish Up:
- Pop the cooked shrimp and veggies back in with the sauce then gently mix so everything is smothered in cheese. Tastes best when served piping hot.
- Add and Melt Cheeses:
- Sprinkle in some shredded pepper jack and white American, just a bit at a time, mixing well until the sauce is smooth. If it seems too thick, splash in more cream until you like the texture.
- Make Your Cheese Sauce:
- Turn down the heat real low. Stir in cream cheese and heavy cream, breaking up any lumps till you get a smooth creamy base that's just barely bubbling.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Drop shrimp right into the pan and dust all over with taco seasoning. Toss till they’re fully coated and lay them out in a single layer. Give them two or three minutes until pink and not see-through, then scoop everything out so shrimp don’t get rubbery.
- Sauté Your Veggies:
- Throw in mushrooms, onion, and peppers. Stir them every now and then for five to six minutes till they soften up and get a bit brown on the edges—which makes them extra tasty.
- Get Your Pan Ready:
- Set a big skillet over medium and drizzle in olive oil, swirling it so the bottom gets coated. That way, nothing sticks and you get a good sear.
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I just love how pepper jack turns the sauce so creamy and flavorful. My sister still brings up when we made this at her birthday. Everyone was giggling and chatting around the table right away.
Keeping Leftovers
Stick your extras in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. Warm it slowly on low to stop the cheese sauce from splitting. If it's gotten thick, splash in cream or milk as you reheat and it'll turn smooth again.
Swap Options
No shrimp at home? Use thin chicken slices or tofu to switch things up. Can’t find your cheese? Monterey Jack or cheddar works, too. Out of taco seasoning? Mix up some pantry spices and you’re all set.
Ways to Serve
Scoop this over some cauliflower rice to make it a meal, or dip veggies like sliced cucumbers and bell peppers for a low-carb snack. Wrap it up in lettuce leaves for quick bites—always goes fast at parties.
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Fun Background
Shrimp Con Queso mixes Tex Mex fajita flavors with cheese dips that are everywhere in the Southwest. It's a newer combo that leans on bold Mexican spices and the oozy goodness of American-style cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What kind of shrimp should I use?
Pick raw shrimp, cleaned and shelled, in medium or large size for the tastiest bites here.
- → Are other veggies okay in this?
Definitely! Try adding zucchini, broccoli, or even snap peas to mix things up with the peppers and mushrooms.
- → How do I make the queso sauce smooth?
Keep the heat low, melt your cream cheese and cream together, then toss in shredded cheese little by little—stir until it’s silky.
- → Is this meal spicy or not?
The kick comes from taco seasoning and pepper jack. Tweak them up or down to make it as mild or hot as you want.
- → What goes well on the side?
Try this with a green salad, some cauliflower rice, or fresh avocado to cut through the cheesy shrimp goodness.
- → Can you prep this ahead of time?
It’s really best right away, but you can stash leftovers in the fridge and gently warm them later—just don’t cook the shrimp too much.