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Crispy Crab and Shrimp Queso Taquitos Recipe | Easy Seafood Appetizer

Crispy Crab and Shrimp Queso Taquitos Recipe | Easy Seafood Appetizer

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  • Author: Ellie
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 taquitos
  • Category: Appetizer, Snack, Seafood
  • Method: Frying, Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, American

Description

These Crispy Crab and Shrimp Queso Taquitos are crunchy, creamy, and full of cheesy seafood flavor! Loaded with crab, shrimp, and melty queso, they’re the ultimate easy seafood appetizer or snack everyone will love!


Ingredients

**For the Filling**

½ lb cooked shrimp, chopped

½ cup crab meat (fresh, canned, or imitation)

4 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

¼ cup queso dip or Velveeta-style cheese

2 green onions, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

½ tsp Old Bay seasoning

¼ tsp smoked paprika

Salt & pepper to taste

**For the Taquitos**

8 small flour or corn tortillas

Oil for frying (or cooking spray for baking)

**Optional for Serving**

Sour cream

Guacamole

Salsa or spicy aioli


Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheese, queso dip, green onions, garlic, Old Bay, paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. Add chopped shrimp and crab meat to the cheese mixture. Stir until well blended and creamy.

3. Warm tortillas slightly in the microwave (10–15 seconds) so they roll easily.

4. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of filling down the center of each tortilla, then roll tightly.

5. Secure with a toothpick if necessary.

6. **To fry:** Heat ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry taquitos seam side down for 1–2 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.

7. **To bake:** Place on a parchment-lined sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden.

8. Drain on paper towels, remove toothpicks, and serve hot with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.

9. Enjoy crispy, cheesy, seafood-filled perfection!


Notes

Make ahead and freeze before baking or frying — just thaw slightly before cooking.

Use imitation crab for budget-friendly taquitos or lump crab for extra decadence.

Want extra spice? Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.

Perfect for parties, snacks, or seafood lovers’ appetizers!