Imagine the feeling of dipping into a luxuriously silky cheese sauce studded with plump, flavorful shrimp and vibrant veggies—this is exactly what Shrimp Con Queso delivers. This crave-worthy dish brings restaurant-level excitement right into your kitchen, making it a showstopper for parties, dinners, or any night that calls for something special. With the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory elements, Shrimp Con Queso is both comfort food and crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to have everyone scraping the pan for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Shrimp Con Queso lies in its simple, bold ingredients—each one amplifies the flavors and textures that make this dish unforgettable. Fresh vegetables add color, cheeses bring the necessary creaminess and ooey-gooey factor, and tender shrimp brings that irresistible seafood richness.

Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing and adding a gentle, fruity richness to the veggies and shrimp.
Bell Pepper (mixed colors): Brings sweetness, vibrant color, and crunch to every bite of Shrimp Con Queso.
Red Onion (thinly sliced): Adds a pop of color and mild sharpness, balancing the creamy cheese.
Mushrooms (sliced): Adds earthy flavor and a satisfying bite, making the queso extra hearty.
Shrimp (deveined and shelled): The star protein—look for fresh or thoroughly thawed shrimp for best results.
Taco Seasoning: Infuses savory and slightly spicy notes that marry beautifully with cheese and shrimp.
Heavy Cream: Responsible for the dreamy, liquid-satin consistency of your queso sauce.
Cream Cheese (softened): Used for its tang and its ability to create an ultra-smooth, stable sauce.
Pepper Jack Cheese (shredded): Melts down perfectly and brings a zesty kick to Shrimp Con Queso.
White American Cheese: Makes the sauce extra velvety and helps the cheeses blend together seamlessly.

How to Make Shrimp Con Queso

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat, then add the olive oil. Once shimmering, toss in the bell peppers, red onion, and mushrooms. Sauté them for about five to six minutes until they start to soften and become fragrant—the goal is beautifully tender veggies that still hold their color and bite, laying the best foundation for your Shrimp Con Queso.

Step 2: Add the Shrimp and Seasoning

Scoot those veggies to the side or temporarily remove them, then add the shrimp to the skillet along with the taco seasoning. Give everything a big stir so the spices coat evenly. Let the shrimp sear for just two to three minutes until they turn perfectly pink and opaque, being careful not to overcook. Scoop the shrimp and veggies out and keep them warm—you’ll want those ready to stir back in at the perfect moment.

Step 3: Build the Queso Base

With the skillet on low heat, add the softened cream cheese and pour in the heavy cream. Stir patiently until the cream cheese melts and you have a smooth, rich base without any large clumps. This is where the creamy magic of Shrimp Con Queso starts to happen!

Step 4: Melt the Cheeses

Begin adding your shredded pepper jack and white American cheese a little at a time (about half a cup per addition), stirring constantly so everything melts evenly. Don’t rush—gentle, steady melting ensures your sauce stays silky and lump-free. If you prefer a thinner queso, drizzle in a bit more cream or even some milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Now comes the best part—add the shrimp and sautéed veggies back into your bubbling cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat every shrimp, bell pepper, and mushroom in that glorious queso. The aroma at this stage is irresistible, so get ready to serve up your Shrimp Con Queso straight from the pan, with plenty of tortilla chips or warm tortillas on standby!

How to Serve Shrimp Con Queso

Garnishes

A truly spectacular Shrimp Con Queso deserves finishing touches. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or thinly sliced green onions for a pop of freshness. For a spicy boost, scatter on some diced jalapeños or a dusting of smoked paprika. A squeeze of fresh lime over the top just before serving can brighten all the flavors for an extra-special bite.

Side Dishes

Shrimp Con Queso pairs brilliantly with simple sides like warm corn or flour tortillas—perfect for scooping. A crisp green salad with avocado and lime vinaigrette balances the richness, while cilantro-lime rice or black beans make it a heartier meal. Don’t forget tortilla chips for dipping and sharing!

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Shrimp Con Queso to the next level by serving it in a rustic cast iron skillet or a funky ceramic bowl. Turn it into street-taco filling, spoon it over nachos for a decadent appetizer, or serve it family-style straight from the pan. For a fun twist, use hollowed-out mini bell peppers or bread bowls as edible serving vessels at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Shrimp Con Queso stores surprisingly well. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to!

Freezing

While Shrimp Con Queso is best fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Cool the queso completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Try to use it within a month for the best texture—the sauce might separate a little upon thawing, but a good stir will bring it back together.

Reheating

For the creamiest results, reheat Shrimp Con Queso gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between to keep everything smooth.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for Shrimp Con Queso?

Absolutely! If using pre-cooked shrimp, add them at the very end with the veggies, just long enough to warm through in the queso. This keeps the shrimp tender and prevents overcooking.

Is there a good substitute for white American cheese?

White American cheese makes the sauce ultra-creamy, but you can substitute with a mild white cheddar or even Monterey Jack. Add a little extra cream if needed to keep the sauce smooth.

How spicy is Shrimp Con Queso?

Pepper jack cheese and taco seasoning provide a gentle heat, but it’s easy to adjust. Use less taco seasoning or choose a mild cheese if you prefer a milder flavor, or amp it up with fresh jalapeños for spice fans.

Can I make Shrimp Con Queso ahead for a party?

Definitely! Prepare everything up to the point of combining the shrimp with the cheese sauce. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce, then add the shrimp and veggies—this keeps everything perfectly fresh and flavorful for guests.

What’s the best way to thin out thick queso?

If your Shrimp Con Queso gets too thick, simply stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk until you reach your desired consistency. Stir gently and heat slowly for the smoothest results.

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistibly fun and comforting about serving up a big skillet of Shrimp Con Queso to friends and family. It’s a dish that easily turns any meal into a celebration and leaves everyone scraping their plates for that last cheesy bite. Give it a try—you might just find yourself with a new favorite to share!