Crispy baked tortillas filled with a rich, cheesy garlic Parmesan shrimp filling, finished with a buttery garlic glaze and served with a warm lemon garlic dipping sauce.
Recipe Card
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Roll Ups
A golden, crispy seafood roll-up packed with creamy garlic Parmesan shrimp filling, baked until bubbly and served with a rich lemon garlic butter dip.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 8 roll ups
Dietary Badges
- High-Protein
- Seafood-Based
- Comfort Food
- Oven-Baked
- Party Appetizer or Main Dish
Ingredients
Creamy Shrimp Filling
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Roll Ups & Garlic Butter Glaze
- 8 soft flour tortillas
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
Lemon Garlic Butter Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. Make the Creamy Shrimp Filling
In a large bowl, mix:
- cream cheese
- mozzarella
- Parmesan
- garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- salt
- black pepper
Mix until smooth and fully combined.
Fold in chopped raw shrimp until evenly coated.
3. Assemble the Roll Ups
Warm tortillas for 10–15 seconds to make them flexible.
Spoon filling down the center of each tortilla.
Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
4. Add Garlic Butter Glaze
Mix melted butter with:
- garlic salt
- dried parsley
Brush generously over each roll up.
5. Bake
Bake for 18–20 minutes until:
- tortillas are golden and crispy
- filling is hot and bubbling
- shrimp is fully cooked
6. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Dip
In a small saucepan over low heat:
- melt butter
- add garlic and cook 30 seconds
Stir in:
- lemon juice
- parsley
Remove from heat.
7. Serve
Serve roll ups hot with warm lemon garlic butter dipping sauce.
Additional Notes
- Do not overfill tortillas or they may tear while rolling
- Warming tortillas prevents cracking
- Shrimp should be chopped small for even cooking and better texture
- Let roll ups rest 2–3 minutes after baking before serving for cleaner slicing
- Fresh garlic in both filling and dip gives stronger flavor than powdered garlic
A Crispy, Cheesy Seafood Roll-Up Experience
These shrimp roll ups take everything people love about creamy seafood dips and transform it into a crispy, handheld baked appetizer. The filling is rich, cheesy, and loaded with garlic Parmesan flavor, while the tortilla bakes into a golden, slightly crunchy shell.
What makes this recipe stand out is the contrast between textures: creamy shrimp filling inside, crisp buttery exterior, and a warm, tangy lemon garlic butter sauce for dipping. It feels indulgent and restaurant-style, but it’s simple enough for a weeknight or party tray.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Making the Creamy Shrimp Filling
Step 1: Build the cheese base
Combine cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth.
Tip: Make sure cream cheese is fully softened so the mixture blends without lumps.
Step 2: Add seasoning and shrimp
Mix in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then fold in chopped shrimp.
Tip: Chop shrimp evenly so they cook at the same rate inside the roll ups.
Assembling the Roll Ups
Step 3: Warm tortillas
Briefly warm tortillas to make them pliable.
Tip: Cold tortillas crack easily when rolling.
Step 4: Fill and roll
Spread filling in a line, then roll tightly and place seam-side down.
Tip: Keep filling centered to prevent leakage during baking.
Baking the Roll Ups
Step 5: Brush with garlic butter
Coat tops with garlic butter mixture before baking.
This helps:
- crisp the exterior
- enhance flavor
- create a golden finish
Step 6: Bake until golden
Bake until tortillas are crisp and shrimp is fully cooked.
Tip: If tops brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil in final minutes.
Lemon Garlic Butter Dip
Step 7: Infuse butter with garlic
Gently cook garlic in butter until fragrant, then finish with lemon and parsley.
Tip: Do not overcook garlic or it will turn bitter.
Ingredient Details and Substitution Tips
Shrimp
Shrimp provides lean protein and cooks quickly inside the filling.
Tip: Use small to medium shrimp for easier rolling and even cooking.
Substitute:
- cooked shredded chicken
- crab meat for a richer seafood flavor
Cream Cheese
Creates the creamy base that holds everything together.
Substitute:
- light cream cheese for lower fat version
- Greek yogurt (slightly tangier, lighter texture)
Cheese Blend
- mozzarella adds meltiness
- Parmesan adds salty depth
Tortillas
Flour tortillas provide structure and crisp during baking.
Substitute:
- low-carb tortillas for reduced carbs
- gluten-free tortillas if needed
Butter and Garlic
The garlic butter glaze and dip are key flavor layers.
Tip: Fresh garlic gives stronger aroma and better depth than garlic powder.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
Spicy Version
Add:
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- or diced jalapeño in filling
Extra Cheesy Version
Add:
- additional 1/2 cup mozzarella
Low-Carb Version
Use:
- low-carb tortillas
- reduce cream cheese slightly
- increase shrimp ratio
Serving Ideas
Serve with:
- side salad
- roasted vegetables
- cauliflower rice
Party Presentation
Slice roll ups into bite-sized pinwheels for appetizers.
Storage and Make-Ahead Information
Refrigerator Storage
Store in airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat in oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes for best texture.
Microwave works but will soften the tortilla.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble roll ups ahead and refrigerate unbaked
- Prepare dipping sauce up to 2 days in advance
Shelf Life Notes
Best texture is within 24 hours of baking when tortillas are crispest.
Nutrition Information
Approximate per roll up:
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fat: 18g
Dietary Highlights
- High-Protein
- Seafood-Based
- Comfort Food Style
Allergens
Contains:
- dairy
- shellfish
- gluten (if using regular tortillas)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cooked shrimp instead of raw?
Yes, but reduce baking time slightly to avoid overcooking.
Can I air fry these?
Yes. Air fry at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes until golden.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze before baking for best texture results.
Why are my roll ups soggy?
Too much filling moisture or overcrowding the pan can prevent crisping.
Can I make this ahead for a party?
Yes. Assemble in advance and bake just before serving for best results.
