Imitation Crab Quiche
Creamy imitation crab quiche features tender seafood combined with a savory vegetable filling in a flaky pie crust, perfect for brunch or light dinners. Delicious and versatile.
Ingredients
- 1 (9-inch) pie crust ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups meat or vegetables ⓘ
- 1/2 cup onion, grated ⓘ
- Salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 stick margarine or butter ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 1 bunch parsley ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 6 green onions
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water ⓘ
- 2 cubes chicken bouillon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon Kitchen Bouquet (optional) ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon yellow prepared mustard ⓘ
- Salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt margarine in a Dutch oven over medium-low heat.
- Add flour; stir frequently, cooking for about 10 minutes until light gold.
- Finely chop parsley, onion, celery, and garlic in a food processor.
- Chop green onion bottoms with a knife; snip tops with scissors.
- Add chopped vegetables to the roux (margarine and flour mixture).
- Stir to blend, then cover and simmer until vegetables are wilted.
- Add boiling water slowly while stirring to blend.
- Add remaining ingredients, except shrimp.
- Simmer, covered, for at least 30 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Add water if needed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. You can use frozen imitation crab or even shredded cooked chicken as a protein alternative. If you prefer a more robust flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Ensure the pie crust is pre-baked for a crispier texture. If you want a kick, consider incorporating some cayenne pepper into the filling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the quiche warm or at room temperature, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This dish pairs beautifully with a light side salad or some steamed vegetables. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside slices of a savory loaf, such as the Party Sandwich Loaf. A sparkling beverage can also complement the flavors nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but this may result in a softer crust.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Imitation Crab Quiche contains roughly 715 calories, with 35g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (76% of the Daily Value), protein (70% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2266mg per serving (99% 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 this quiche ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the quiche a day in advance. Just assemble it as directed, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it from the fridge, adding an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of imitation crab?
If you prefer not to use imitation crab, you can substitute with cooked shrimp, lobster, or even shredded chicken. These alternatives will provide a different flavor profile but will still work well in the quiche.
How do I know when the quiche is done?
The quiche is done when the edges are set, and the center is slightly jiggly but not liquid. It will continue to firm up as it cools. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
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).