Quick & Easy Cheesy Crab & Avocado Quesadillas
Recipe: #25164
November 04, 2016
Categories: Snacks, Crab meat, Cheese, Avocado, Appetizers, Mexican, Southwest Baby Shower, Brunch, Game/Sports Day, Grilling (Outdoor), No Eggs, Mexican Dinner, more
"These are so good; and, so easy to make. Also, they are packed full of flavor. I will often serve these as an appetizer; or, a snack during game time, or movie/game night. But, you could also serve these as lunch or a main dish as well. Maybe a salad; or, some spicy black beans on the side. Super easy and quick to put together. This recipe makes 10-12 half tortillas, cut in 3 wedges each. Depending on how you plan to serve these - it can serve anywhere from 5-10 servings; from appetizers, snacks, lunch, or dinner."
Original is 5-10 servings
Ingredients
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Nutritional
- Serving Size: 1 (338.8 g)
- Calories 604.5
- Total Fat - 33.4 g
- Saturated Fat - 12 g
- Cholesterol - 60.3 mg
- Sodium - 864.4 mg
- Total Carbohydrate - 55.1 g
- Dietary Fiber - 11.9 g
- Sugars - 4.5 g
- Protein - 26.6 g
- Calcium - 535.4 mg
- Iron - 2.7 mg
- Vitamin C - 16.6 mg
- Thiamin - 0.2 mg
Step by Step Method
Step 1
Avocados ... After slicing the avocados, squeeze 2 lime wedges over the avocado, to prevent them from browning.
Step 2
Filling ... Add the salsa verde, scallions, and a dash of hot sauce (optional and to taste) to a bowl; and, mix to combine. Then, add the crab; and, gently toss.
Step 3
*See Note - Tortillas ... I like to fold each tortilla in half creating a half moon, rather than using 2 tortillas per quesadilla. That is just my preference; I just think it is easier to cook. Next, I always heat them up before using, to make them more pliable. Just a few seconds in the microwave on medium heat; wrapped up in a damp paper towel, does the trick. If you don't heat them up; they can break when you fold them.
Step 4
Quesadilla ... To each tortilla - add a bit cheese about 1 1/2 tablespoons to 1/2 side of the quesadilla (remember, you are folding it in half); and, top with the crab mixture, a couple of slices (2-3, depending on the size) avocado, cilantro, another tablespoon of cheese - and, fold in half. The fillings should make approximately 10-12 tortillas. They don't have to be exact; so don't worry.
Step 5
Grill ... Now, I prefer a grill pan, saute pan; or outside grill - medium heat. You can also do these on a sheet pan, in a 400 degree oven too. Spray one side with a non-stick spray, or olive oil; then, place oil side down. Spray the top of the tortilla; and, grill until golden brown on each side. If the heat is too hot; they will get too brown before the cheese melts; so, keep and eye on them - medium heat. They take about 3-4 minutes per side.
Step 6
Finish ... Let them cool on a cutting board for a minute before cutting. Cut each tortilla into 3 wedges; then, transfer to a serving platter.
Step 7
Serve and ENJOY! ... Add a bowl of salsa verde in the center; along with, Mexican crema, lime wedges - and, garnish with cilantro. Dig in! Note: You can customize these to how you like them. MORE or LESS cheese, avocado, cilantro, etc. You may want to add olives or tomatoes too.
Tips
No special items needed.
Editorial Notes
The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.
- When selecting the tortillas, look for ones that are pliable and soft so they can be folded easily.
- When selecting the imitation crab meat, make sure it is broken up and at room temperature before adding it to the filling.
- Cream cheese instead of pepper Jack cheese - Cream cheese is a milder cheese that still packs a lot of flavor, and will help to reduce the spiciness of the quesadillas. It will also provide a creamier texture.
- Cucumber instead of avocados - Cucumber is a great alternative to avocado as it has a refreshing crunch and will still provide a creamy texture. Cucumber is also lower in fat and calories than avocados, so it is a great substitute for those looking for a healthier option.
Vegetarian Quesadillas Replace the imitation crab meat with cooked black beans, and omit the hot sauce. Add 1/4 cup diced red onion and 1/4 cup diced bell pepper to the salsa verde mixture. For extra flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika and 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin to the salsa verde mixture.
Cilantro Lime Rice: This fluffy, flavorful rice is the perfect accompaniment to the cheesy crab and avocado quesadillas. The cilantro and lime add a bright, fresh flavor that complements the quesadillas perfectly. Plus, it's easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making it an ideal side dish for a busy weeknight.
Grilled Corn with Chipotle-Lime Butter: This delectable side dish is the perfect complement to the cheesy crab and avocado quesadillas. The smoky, spicy flavor of the chipotle-lime butter adds a unique depth of flavor that pairs nicely with the quesadillas. Plus, the grilled corn is easy to prepare and can be cooked in minutes, making it an ideal side dish for a quick, delicious meal.
FAQ
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes 10-12 half tortillas, cut in 3 wedges each. Depending on how you plan to serve these - it can serve anywhere from 5-10 servings; from appetizers, snacks, lunch, or dinner.
Q: Can I use a different type of tortilla?
A: Yes, you can use any type of tortilla you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed.
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Fun facts:
The avocado is native to Mexico and Central America, and is believed to have been cultivated in Mexico for over 10,000 years. The Aztecs used to refer to the avocado as “ahuacatl”, meaning “testicle”.
Cheese quesadillas have become a favorite snack of celebrities like Selena Gomez, who is known to enjoy them with a side of guacamole. She even has her own recipe for cheesy quesadillas with jalapenos, which she shared with fans on her Instagram.