Crab Appetillas

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

Crab Appetillas are creamy, flavorful bites with crabmeat, cheese, and fresh vegetables, perfect as an elegant appetizer for parties or special gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 pkg. large flour tortillas
  • 2 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 c. mayonnaise
  • 2 Tbsp. green onion, chopped
  • 1/4 c. shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 c. red pepper, chopped
  • 5 oz. can crabmeat, drained

Instructions

  1. Mix the cream cheese, mayonnaise, chopped green onion, shredded Cheddar cheese, chopped red pepper, and drained crabmeat together.
  2. Put 1 to 2 tablespoons of the mixture onto a flour tortilla.
  3. Roll up the tortilla tightly.
  4. Wrap each roll in wax paper and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.

Tips & Substitutions

For a twist, try adding diced jalapeños for some heat or swapping crabmeat with shredded cooked chicken for a different flavor. Ensure the cream cheese is well-softened for easier mixing. If you have fresh herbs like dill or parsley, they can add a delightful freshness to the filling. This recipe can be made ahead, perfect for entertaining or game day.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Crab Appetillas as a tasty appetizer at parties or gatherings. They pair wonderfully with a light salad or a side of fresh veggies. Consider serving them alongside a dipping sauce, such as a tangy cocktail sauce, for an extra flavor boost. They also complement well with a glass of white wine or a refreshing cocktail.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Crab Appetillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy them later, you can slice them and serve cold, or for a warm option, lightly toast them in a skillet until golden brown. Be careful not to overheat them, as the filling can become too soft.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Crab Appetillas contains roughly 915 calories, with 32g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 73g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (65% of the Daily Value), protein (63% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1219mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).

915 kcal 46% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 31.7g 63% DV
Total Fat 73.3g 94% DV
Carbs 34g 12% DV
Fiber 2.3g 8% DV
Sugar 2.2g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1219.1mg 53% DV
Potassium 236.4mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 125.8mg 42% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 462.6mcg 51% DV
Vitamin C 27mg 30% DV
Vitamin D 0.8mcg 4% DV
Calcium 844.6mg 65% DV
Iron 2.3mg 13% DV
Diet fit High-protein
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these Crab Appetillas in advance?

Yes, these Crab Appetillas can be prepared a day ahead. After rolling them up, wrap them in wax paper and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld and makes them even tastier when served cold or at room temperature.

What can I use instead of crabmeat?

If you prefer a different protein, shredded cooked chicken works well as a substitute. For a vegetarian option, consider using diced tofu or extra veggies mixed with cream cheese. This flexibility allows you to cater to various dietary preferences.

How can I make these spicier?

To add some heat, mix in chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the filling. You can also experiment with spices like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a different flavor profile. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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