Buttery Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon bursting with succulent seafood and herbs. An elegant, flavor-packed dish perfect for date nights or celebrations!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines thanks to its simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each component brings a burst of color, texture, or flavor that turns the Shrimp Melted Cheese Quesadilla into something truly special. Don’t be shy to personalize it, but try these basics first—they’re magic together.
- Olive oil: Essential for sautéing the shrimp, giving a silky texture and subtle richness.
- Raw shrimp (1/2 pound): The star protein—fresh, plump shrimp become perfectly tender when quickly cooked.
- Garlic clove (minced): Amplifies the savory depth and infuses the shrimp with mouthwatering aroma.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a gentle smokiness to make the filling memorable.
- Cumin (1/4 teaspoon): Offers an earthy, nutty undertone that’s classic in Tex-Mex fare.
- Salt & black pepper: Brightens and balances all the flavors to perfection.
- Flour tortillas (4 medium): Crisp up beautifully to hold all that melty goodness together.
- Shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese (1 1/2 cups): The key to the “melted” magic—creaminess and pull-apart appeal!
- Red onion (1/4 cup, thinly sliced): For pops of crunch and sweet sharpness in every bite.
- Fresh cilantro (1/4 cup chopped): Bright, herbal notes that keep things tasting fresh and lively.
- Jalapeño (1/2, thinly sliced, optional): For heat lovers, this adds zing and vibrant color.
- Sour cream, salsa, or guacamole: Classic dips to cool down or spice up your final bite.
How to Make Shrimp Melted Cheese Quesadilla
Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp
Start by heating that olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add your shrimp along with the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Give it all a quick toss so each morsel gets cozy with those spices. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes, flipping once, until the shrimp look pink and plump and your kitchen smells absolutely irresistible. Remove the pan from the heat, and chop the shrimp into bite-size pieces to make sure every piece of quesadilla gets a little shrimp action.
Step 2: Fill the Tortilla
Place one tortilla into a clean, dry skillet over medium heat. Working quickly, sprinkle a good layer of shredded cheese over one half of the tortilla. Pile on the chopped, spiced shrimp, scatter over the sliced red onion, chopped cilantro, and if you’re feeling bold, those thin jalapeño slices. Don’t hold back on a final sprinkle of cheese on top—it’s called a Shrimp Melted Cheese Quesadilla for a reason! Fold the tortilla in half, pressing down gently.
Step 3: Toast to Perfection
Let your filled tortilla cook for 2–3 minutes on the first side. You’re looking for the outside to become golden and crispy, while the cheese inside starts to melt into a dreamy layer. Carefully flip the quesadilla and let the other side toast for another 2–3 minutes. Trust your eyes and nose—you’ll know it’s ready when it’s beautifully golden and you see a bit of cheese oozing out the sides.
Step 4: Repeat and Slice
Repeat the filling and toasting process for the remaining tortillas and shrimp mixture. Once all your quesadillas are cooked, transfer them to a cutting board and let them rest for 1–2 minutes. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice each quesadilla into wedges so you get that perfect cross-section of shrimp, cheese, and veggies in every bite.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Serve your Shrimp Melted Cheese Quesadilla wedges right away, preferably while the cheese is still gooey and stretchy. Offer bowls of sour cream, salsa, and guacamole for dipping, and watch your friends or family swoon over every bite.
How to Serve Shrimp Melted Cheese Quesadilla
Garnishes
Bring your Shrimp Melted Cheese Quesadilla to life with a final touch of color and freshness. Sprinkle on a generous handful of fresh cilantro leaves, a few extra rings of red onion or jalapeño, or even a squeeze of lime right before serving. Not only does it look irresistible, but a bit of bright garnish balances out all that rich, melty cheese.
Side Dishes
This dish can easily be the star of your table, but pairing it with just the right sides will make the meal feel extra special. Try serving with crisp tortilla chips, a fresh pico de gallo salad, or a zippy corn and avocado salsa. Even a simple black bean salad works wonders and rounds out the feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut your Shrimp Melted Cheese Quesadilla into mini wedges and stack them on a platter for a party appetizer. If you want a family-style meal, arrange the slices on a big wooden board with small bowls of dips, sliced limes, and extra cilantro so everyone can help themselves. For kids, try rolling them up and slicing into bite-sized pinwheels—they’re irresistible finger food!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Shrimp Melted Cheese Quesadilla, let them cool to room temperature first. Then, wrap them tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days, making for a perfect quick lunch or snack the next day.
Freezing
Freezing works beautifully for this recipe! Let the quesadillas cool completely, then slip parchment paper between each wedge and pop into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to a month. To serve, there’s no need to thaw—just reheat straight from the freezer.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your Shrimp Melted Cheese Quesadilla in a skillet over medium heat until the outside crisps up and the cheese inside melts again. You can also pop them in a toaster oven or air fryer. Microwave is quickest, but the tortilla might turn a little soft—heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe. Simply toss them in the skillet with the spices and garlic long enough to warm through and infuse them with flavor, then follow the rest of the steps as written.
What’s the best cheese for a truly melty quesadilla?
Monterey Jack and mozzarella are favorites because they melt smoothly and have a mild flavor that complements the shrimp and spices. If you prefer extra flavor, try a combo with pepper jack or even a little cheddar mixed in!
Can I make these quesadillas gluten-free?
Definitely—just swap the flour tortillas for your favorite gluten-free tortillas. The filling and cheese will work perfectly, and you won’t miss a beat in flavor or texture.
How spicy is this recipe?
The basic recipe is mild with just smoky warmth from the paprika, but adding jalapeño gives a gentle kick. Control the spice by adjusting the amount of jalapeño or omitting it altogether for a crowd-friendly take.
Can I add extra veggies or swap ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or even corn for added color and flavor. The Shrimp Melted Cheese Quesadilla is endlessly versatile—make it your own.
Final Thoughts
If you love bold flavors, creamy cheese pulls, and easy weeknight wins, this Shrimp Melted Cheese Quesadilla deserves a spot in your kitchen rotation. It’s the kind of recipe that never lets you down, whether you’re cooking for a crowd or looking to treat yourself. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first cheesy, shrimp-studded bite!
Print
Shrimp Melted Cheese Quesadilla Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings (about 2 quesadillas each)
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Gooey Shrimp Melted Cheese Quesadilla with golden crispy edges and savory filling. A quick, irresistible meal perfect for lunch or game-day cravings!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Quesadillas
- 4 medium flour tortillas
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
For Serving
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Guacamole
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, turning shrimp once, until they’re pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from heat and roughly chop them into bite-size pieces.
- Assemble the Quesadillas: Place a flour tortilla in a clean skillet over medium heat. On one half of the tortilla, evenly sprinkle some of the shredded cheese. Top with a portion of the chopped shrimp, sliced red onion, chopped cilantro, and jalapeño if desired. Sprinkle a little more cheese on top, then fold the tortilla over to enclose the filling.
- Cook the Quesadilla: Cook the folded quesadilla for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing it gently with a spatula, until both sides are golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and gooey.
- Repeat and Serve: Repeat the assembly and cooking steps with the remaining tortillas and filling. Slice each quesadilla into wedges. Serve hot, alongside sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for dipping.
Notes
- Use Monterey Jack for extra melt and mild flavor, or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- For easier serving, keep cooked quesadillas warm in a low oven while you finish the batch.
- Swap flour tortillas for corn to make it gluten-free—just handle gently as corn tortillas are more delicate.
- Extra veggies like bell peppers or corn can be added for color and crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 2 wedges)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 120mg