Description

These Crab Shrimp Queso Tubes are a cheesy, crispy party appetizer filled with creamy seafood queso and wrapped in golden tortillas. Perfect for gatherings, game nights, or anytime you crave a crunchy, gooey snack.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz lump crab meat (or canned/imitation crab)
8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined, chopped
6 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack blend)
1 small jalapeño, minced (or 4 oz canned green chilies)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Old Bay or seafood seasoning
2 scallions, thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish)
12 medium (6-inch) corn or flour tortillas
2 tbsp butter or olive oil, melted (for brushing)
Optional: finely diced red bell pepper, hot sauce, squeeze of lime

Instructions

Prep the shrimp: Chop into small pieces. Sauté in a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil and half the garlic for 2-3 minutes, until pink and just cooked. Set aside to cool.
Break up any large lumps of crab meat; do not over-shred.
In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, remaining garlic, jalapeño or chilies, Old Bay, and scallions. Mix until smooth.
Fold in the cooked shrimp and crab gently.
Warm tortillas in the microwave for 20 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel, or in a dry skillet for a few seconds per side.
Spoon about 2 heaping tablespoons of filling onto each tortilla. Spread in a line near one edge, then roll up tightly like a taquito. Place seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
Melt butter and brush tops and sides of each tube.
Bake at 400°F for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crisp.
Sprinkle with extra scallions or cilantro. Serve hot with salsa, sour cream, or lime wedges.

Notes

Don’t overfill the tubes to prevent leaks. Brushing tortillas with melted butter ensures maximum crispiness. Use room temperature cream cheese for easy mixing. You can make these ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze unbaked tubes for up to 3 months. Air fryer option: 400°F for 8 minutes, turning halfway. Flour tortillas are easier to roll, corn tortillas give authentic flavor. Add smoked paprika or crushed tortilla chips for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tube
Calories: 150
Sugar: 1
Sodium: 350
Fat: 7
Saturated Fat: 3
Carbohydrates: 14
Fiber: 1
Protein: 9

Keywords: crab, shrimp, queso, appetizer, party food, crispy tortillas, seafood, taquito, cheese, finger food