Cheesy Shrimp Taquitos with Creamy Dipping Sauce 🌮🧀🍤
Crispy, golden, and irresistibly cheesy, these Cheesy Shrimp Taquitos are packed with tender shrimp, melted cheese, and zesty flavor all rolled into crunchy perfection. Paired with a creamy dipping sauce, they’re an addictive appetizer or main dish that delivers restaurant-quality taste right at home. Every bite bursts with a satisfying mix of textures — crispy shell, gooey filling, and juicy shrimp wrapped in cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
10 small flour or corn tortillas
Olive oil or cooking spray
For the Creamy Dipping Sauce:
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or heat a large skillet if you prefer frying. Start by patting the shrimp dry and chopping them into small bite-sized pieces. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until pink and cooked through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, lime juice, and green onions. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add the cooked shrimp to the cheese mixture and fold everything together until evenly combined.
Warm the tortillas slightly to make them pliable. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the shrimp mixture along one edge of each tortilla, then roll tightly to form a taquito. Place seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly brush or spray the tops with olive oil. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden and crispy. For an extra-crispy finish, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end. If you prefer frying, heat about 1 inch of oil in a pan over medium heat and cook the taquitos for 1–2 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.
While the taquitos bake, prepare the dipping sauce by mixing sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, and cilantro in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth, then chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Once the taquitos are done, let them cool slightly before serving. Serve hot with the creamy dipping sauce on the side for dunking or drizzling.
Tips for Success
Use small tortillas so the taquitos hold their shape and crisp evenly. You can also add a bit of finely diced jalapeño or chipotle for a spicy kick. If using corn tortillas, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20 seconds before rolling to prevent cracking. For meal prep, assemble the taquitos ahead of time and freeze them — bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Serving Ideas
Serve these Cheesy Shrimp Taquitos with guacamole, pico de gallo, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice. They make an excellent party appetizer or pair perfectly with a side salad or Mexican rice for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: ~410 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 25g
Conclusion
These Cheesy Shrimp Taquitos with Creamy Dipping Sauce combine everything you crave — melty cheese, succulent shrimp, and a crispy tortilla shell that crackles with every bite. The creamy, tangy dipping sauce takes them over the top, adding a cool contrast to their rich, savory flavor. Whether baked or fried, this dish is an easy way to turn simple ingredients into an unforgettable crowd-pleasing favorite.