Crab Quesadillas Recipe

Cheesy, crispy, and loaded with savory seafood flavor, these Crab Quesadillas are the ultimate coastal comfort food. Featuring tender crab meat, melty cheese, and a perfectly golden tortilla, this quick and easy recipe makes a delicious lunch, dinner, or appetizer. They’re flavorful, filling, and totally customizable—with just the right touch of spice and creaminess in every bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – Ready in 20 minutes with minimal prep.
Perfectly Cheesy – A gooey cheese pull in every bite.
Seafood Twist – A fun and flavorful way to enjoy crab.
Great as a Meal or Snack – Serve whole or slice into triangles for sharing.
Totally Customizable – Add your favorite extras like jalapeños or avocado.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Quesadillas:
8 oz lump crab meat (fresh, canned, or imitation), drained and picked over
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp mayonnaise or sour cream
1 tsp lime juice
½ tsp Old Bay seasoning or Cajun seasoning
¼ tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp chopped green onions
4 medium flour tortillas
1 tbsp butter or olive oil (for cooking)

Optional Add-ins:
Sliced jalapeños (for heat)
Diced red bell pepper or tomatoes
Avocado slices or mashed
Hot sauce or sriracha (for extra zing)

For Serving:
Sour cream
Fresh salsa or pico de gallo
Guacamole
Lime wedges
Chopped cilantro

Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowl
Skillet or griddle
Spatula
Sharp knife or pizza cutter

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crab Mixture

1. In a mixing bowl, combine crab meat, mayonnaise or sour cream, lime juice, Old Bay or Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and green onions.
2. Stir gently to mix, keeping the crab in small chunks.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 2: Assemble the Quesadillas

1. Lay out tortillas on a clean surface.
2. On one half of each tortilla, sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese.
3. Spoon an even amount of the crab mixture over the cheese.
4. Top with a little more cheese and fold the tortillas in half to close.

Step 3: Cook the Quesadillas

1. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil.
2. Place the folded quesadillas in the pan and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
3. Work in batches if needed and keep cooked quesadillas warm in a low oven.

Step 4: Slice & Serve

1. Let quesadillas cool slightly before slicing into triangles with a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
2. Serve with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or a squeeze of fresh lime.

Tips for the Best Crab Quesadillas
Use Lump Crab – For the best texture and flavor, use real lump crab meat.
Don’t Overstuff – Too much filling can make it hard to flip and cause the quesadilla to fall apart.
Crisp, Not Burnt – Medium heat helps crisp the tortillas without burning them.
Press Gently – Use a spatula to press the quesadilla lightly for better cheese melt and sealing.
Serve Immediately – Best hot and fresh with melty cheese.

Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side salad or tortilla chips and salsa.
Pair with a chilled lemonade or citrus iced tea.
Add a drizzle of chipotle mayo or hot sauce for extra flavor.
Include on a game day snack board with other handhelds.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reheating:
Skillet: Reheat over medium heat until crisp and warm.
Oven: Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.
Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.
Microwave: Quick but will soften the tortilla.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned or imitation crab?
   Yes—just make sure it’s well-drained. Real crab gives the best flavor and texture.
2. What other cheeses work well?
   Try Pepper Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend for more spice or depth.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Yes, use dairy-free cheese and vegan mayo or sour cream substitutes.
4. What can I use instead of tortillas?
   Flatbreads or pita work in a pinch, but flour tortillas are traditional and best for crisping.
5. Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?
   Yes! Brush lightly with oil and bake at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.

Final Thoughts
These Crab Quesadillas are a flavorful, satisfying twist on a classic favorite. They come together in minutes, are full of creamy crab and melty cheese, and are perfect for quick lunches, party snacks, or casual dinners. Whether you keep them simple or load them up with extras, they’re always a hit.

Try them out and tag your creations—I’d love to see how you stuff and serve your cheesy crab goodness!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: American-Mexican Fusion

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 360 | Protein: 19g | Carbohydrates: 22g | Fat: 23g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 580mg

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