Ultimate Cheesy Shrimp Nachos
Indulge in the flavors of the coast with these Ultimate Cheesy Shrimp Nachos, inspired by the beloved Red Lobster dish. With succulent shrimp, a rich and creamy cheese sauce, and a fresh pico de gallo topping, these nachos are perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in. Each layer brings a burst of flavor, from the melted cheeses to the zesty jalapenos, making these nachos not just a snack but a full culinary experience. Serve them hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for an unforgettable treat that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
monterey jack cheese
1/4 cup (shredded)
cream cheese
4 ounces (softened)
milk
1/4 cup (none)
raw shrimp
1/4 lb (peeled and deveined)
tomatoes
2 (diced)
red onion
1 tablespoon (chopped)
jalapeno pepper
1 teaspoon (chopped)
cilantro
2 teaspoons (chopped)
fresh jalapeno peppers
2 slices (none)
sour cream
2 tablespoons (none)
chips
as needed (nacho-style)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by cooking the shrimp: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the raw shrimp until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
2
2. Prepare the cheese sauce: In a medium pot, combine the Monterey Jack, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until melted and smooth.
3
3. Slowly add the milk, stirring until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, add a little more milk.
4
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
5
5. Place the nacho chips in an oven-safe dish and heat them in the oven for approximately 5 to 7 minutes, or until crispy.
6
6. While the chips are heating, make the pico de gallo: In a bowl, mix the diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, and chopped jalapeno pepper. Season lightly with salt to taste.
7
7. Once the chips are crisp, remove them from the oven and generously spoon the melted cheese sauce over the top.
8
8. Evenly distribute the cooked shrimp and pico de gallo over the cheesy nachos.
9
9. Finish with slices of fresh jalapeno peppers and a drizzle of sour cream over the top.
10
10. Garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ultimate Cheesy Shrimp Nachos?
They are coastal-inspired nachos featuring succulent shrimp, a creamy three-cheese sauce, and fresh pico de gallo, inspired by a popular Red Lobster dish.
What kind of shrimp should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 lb of raw shrimp that has been peeled and deveined.
How long does it take to cook the shrimp?
The shrimp should be cooked in a skillet over medium heat for approximately 3-5 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
Which cheeses are used in the cheese sauce?
The sauce is made using a blend of shredded cheddar cheese, shredded Monterey Jack, and softened cream cheese.
How do I make the cheese sauce smooth?
Combine the cheeses in a medium pot over medium-low heat and stir frequently until they are melted and smooth.
What should I do if my cheese sauce is too thick?
You can slowly add more milk to the sauce and stir until it reaches your desired consistency.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to crisp the nacho chips.
How long should the nacho chips be heated in the oven?
Heat the chips in an oven-safe dish for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are crispy.
What ingredients are in the pico de gallo?
The pico de gallo consists of diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, and chopped jalapeno pepper, seasoned with salt.
What type of onion is best for the pico de gallo topping?
The recipe specifies using one tablespoon of chopped red onion.
How do I assemble the Ultimate Cheesy Shrimp Nachos?
Spoon the melted cheese sauce over crisp chips, then distribute the cooked shrimp and pico de gallo evenly over the top.
What are the recommended garnishes for these nachos?
Garnish with fresh jalapeno slices, a drizzle of sour cream, and chopped cilantro.
Are these nachos considered an appetizer or a main course?
While they are listed as a snack or appetizer, the combination of shrimp and rich cheese sauce makes them a full culinary experience.
Is this recipe quick to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe suitable for gatherings or a cozy night in.
How much cheddar cheese is needed?
You will need 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
What is the preparation for the cream cheese?
The recipe requires 4 ounces of cream cheese that has been softened.
Can I use any type of chips?
The recipe recommends using nacho-style chips.
How much milk is used in the sauce?
The base recipe uses 1/4 cup of milk to achieve the right cheese sauce consistency.
What type of cuisine does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as Tex-Mex and seafood nachos.
How many tomatoes are used in the topping?
Two diced tomatoes are used to make the fresh pico de gallo.
How much Monterey Jack cheese is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
Should the shrimp be peeled before cooking?
Yes, the shrimp should be peeled and deveined before you begin cooking.
When should the sour cream be added?
The sour cream should be drizzled over the top of the nachos as a final finishing touch.
Is there any heat or spice in this recipe?
Yes, it includes chopped jalapenos in the pico de gallo and fresh jalapeno slices as a garnish.
How much cilantro is needed for the garnish?
You will need approximately 2 teaspoons of chopped cilantro.
Can I make the pico de gallo while the chips are heating?
Yes, the instructions suggest preparing the pico de gallo while the chips are in the oven.
Should I serve these nachos immediately?
Yes, for the best texture and flavor, serve the nachos immediately after assembly.
How much jalapeno goes into the pico de gallo?
Use one teaspoon of chopped jalapeno pepper for the pico de gallo mixture.
What makes these nachos inspired by Red Lobster?
They mimic the flavors of the restaurant's seafood-themed nachos by using succulent shrimp and a signature creamy cheese sauce.
How much sour cream is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 2 tablespoons of sour cream.