Crab Quesadillas Recipe

Introduction

Crab quesadillas are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining creamy crab filling with melted cheddar cheese inside crispy tortillas. They make a perfect appetizer or light meal for seafood lovers seeking something quick and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup Sour cream
• 8 ounces Crabmeat (cooked and chopped)
• 2 tablespoons Green onion (finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoons Green chiles (chopped)
• 10 Flour tortillas (8-inch size)
• 2 tablespoons Butter (melted)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped crabmeat, green onion, and green chiles. Mix thoroughly. This filling can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to one day.
3. Step 3: Lay the flour tortillas on a baking sheet. Spread about 1/4 cup of the crab mixture onto one half of each tortilla, then fold the other half over to encase the filling.
4. Step 4: Brush the outside of each folded tortilla with melted butter to help achieve a golden, crispy crust.
5. Step 5: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the quesadillas are lightly browned and heated through.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven, cut each quesadilla into wedges, and serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the filling mixture.
• Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a different melt and taste.
• Use fresh crabmeat when available for a more delicate texture and flavor.
• Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream on the side for added freshness and creaminess.

Storage

Store leftover crab quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to retain crispiness. Avoid using the microwave to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned crabmeat for this recipe?

Yes, canned crabmeat can be used as a convenient alternative. Just be sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

Can these quesadillas be frozen?

You can freeze assembled, unbaked quesadillas by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Crab Quesadillas Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 147 reviews

Delicious and creamy crab quesadillas made with cheddar cheese, crabmeat, and a flavorful mix of mayonnaise, sour cream, green onions, and green chiles. These quesadillas are baked until golden and crispy, making a perfect appetizer or light meal.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 10 quesadillas 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup Sour cream
• 8 ounces Crabmeat, cooked and chopped
• 2 tablespoons Green onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons Green chiles, chopped

Quesadillas

• 10 Flour tortillas, 8-inch size
• 2 tablespoons Butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the quesadillas.
2. Prepare filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, cooked and chopped crabmeat, finely chopped green onion, and chopped green chiles. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. You can prepare this filling up to a day in advance and refrigerate it.
3. Assemble quesadillas: Lay out the flour tortillas on a baking sheet. Spread about 1/4 cup of the crab mixture on one half of each tortilla, then fold the other half over to enclose the filling, creating a half-moon shape.
4. Butter the tortillas: Using a brush, coat the outside of each folded tortilla with the melted butter, which will help them crisp and brown nicely while baking.
5. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the quesadillas for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the tortillas are lightly browned and the filling is heated through.
6. Serve: Remove the quesadillas from the oven and cut them into wedges. Serve hot as a tasty appetizer or snack.

Notes

• The filling can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to one day to save preparation time.
• Use fresh crabmeat for the best flavor; canned crabmeat can be used as a substitute but might alter the texture slightly.
• Be sure to brush the tortillas with melted butter to achieve a crispy, golden exterior when baked.
• To add extra heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or more green chiles.
• If you prefer, you can cook the quesadillas on a skillet over medium heat instead of baking for a quicker option.

Keywords: Crab quesadillas, baked quesadillas, crab recipe, easy appetizer, cheese quesadilla with crab