Crab Quesedilla
A cheesy, savory crab quesadilla featuring imitation crab, green chiles, and black olives, perfect for quick lunches or casual dinners with a flavorful twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place 4 flour tortillas on ovenproof plates or cookie sheets.
- Divide the imitation crab, diced green chiles, and sliced black olives evenly and sprinkle on the tortillas.
- Sprinkle generously with grated Jack cheese.
- Cover with the remaining 4 tortillas.
- Bake in the oven for approximately 10 minutes, until the tortillas are soft and warm and the cheese is melted.
- Cut into 8 wedges to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding some chopped cilantro or jalapeños. If you don't have imitation crab, cooked shrimp or even shredded chicken can work as a substitute. Feel free to customize with other ingredients like corn or bell peppers. This dish is also a great way to use up leftover seafood from dishes like Seafood Queso.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these crab quesadillas with a side of sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for dipping. They pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or some Mexican rice for a complete meal. For an extra kick, try serving with a side of spicy seafood recipes like Crawfish Enchiladas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through. You can also use a skillet over medium heat, flipping halfway, to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab Quesedilla contains roughly 71 calories, with 7g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value).
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 crab quesadillas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the quesadillas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Just assemble them without baking and cover tightly. When ready to serve, bake them as directed. This is a great option for meal prep or entertaining guests.
What can I use instead of Jack cheese?
If Jack cheese isn’t available, you can substitute with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even cheddar cheese. Each will provide a slightly different flavor, but they will all melt well and work nicely in these quesadillas.
Can I freeze these quesadillas?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked quesadillas. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
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).