Savory Crab Tortilla Pizza
Indulge in the deliciousness of this Savory Crab Tortilla Pizza, an incredibly quick and satisfying meal that can be prepared in the blink of an eye. Perfect for those nights when you're starving and need something tasty without the fuss! This delightful pizza combines a crisp flour tortilla crust with a creamy base of neufchatel cream cheese, topped generously with imitation crab and a blend of savory cheeses. Finished with fresh basil for a pop of flavor, this dish is deceptively simple yet incredibly scrumptious. Serve it with a vibrant green salad for a balanced meal or cut into smaller pieces for a delightful appetizer when entertaining guests. Remember, the key to a perfect crust is to let it cool on a wire rack immediately after baking to avoid sogginess!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for greasing the pizza pan)
flour tortilla
1 (10-inch tortilla)
neufchatel low-fat cream cheese
3 tablespoons (softened)
imitation crabmeat
8 ounces (chunky, to preference)
onions
3-4 tablespoons (chopped)
garlic powder
to taste (for sprinkling)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
cayenne pepper
to taste
swiss cheese
4 ounces (minced or shredded)
extra-sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
fresh basil leaves
6-8 (snipped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F if using a Pyrex dish or 450°F for a metal pizza pan.
2
Lightly grease the pizza pan with olive oil to ensure the tortilla doesn't stick.
3
Lay the flour tortilla flat on the prepared pizza pan, then spread an even layer of neufchatel cream cheese over the surface.
4
Distribute the imitation crab meat and chopped onions evenly on top of the cream cheese.
5
Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper over the toppings to taste.
6
Generously top the pizza with shredded Swiss and extra-sharp cheddar cheese, ensuring good coverage.
7
Scatter the freshly snipped basil leaves over the cheese for a fresh flavor boost.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
9
Once baked, carefully slide the pizza onto a wire rack to cool for 10-15 minutes, preventing a soggy crust.
10
After cooling, transfer the pizza back onto the pizza pan and slice it into 8 pieces using a pizza cutter.
11
Serve three to four pieces per person alongside a crisp green salad, perfect for a meal for two to three people.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Crab Tortilla Pizza?
Savory Crab Tortilla Pizza is a quick and satisfying meal that features a crisp flour tortilla crust topped with a cream cheese base, imitation crab, and a blend of savory cheeses.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This recipe is designed to be prepared in the blink of an eye, making it perfect for a quick meal when you are starving.
What kind of crust is used for this pizza?
The recipe uses a single 10-inch flour tortilla as the pizza crust.
What is the base layer of the pizza?
The base layer consists of three tablespoons of softened Neufchatel low-fat cream cheese spread evenly over the tortilla.
What type of crabmeat is recommended?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of chunky imitation crabmeat.
Which cheeses are used as toppings?
The pizza is topped with 4 ounces of minced or shredded Swiss cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 425°F if you are using a Pyrex dish, or 450°F if you are using a metal pizza pan.
How do I prevent the tortilla from sticking to the pan?
Lightly grease the pizza pan with one tablespoon of olive oil before laying down the tortilla.
How long should the pizza be baked?
Bake the pizza for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla has become crispy.
What is the secret to a perfect, non-soggy crust?
The key is to immediately transfer the baked pizza to a wire rack to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
What fresh herb is used for a flavor boost?
Freshly snipped basil leaves (about 6-8) are scattered over the cheese before baking.
How many pieces should the pizza be sliced into?
After cooling, the pizza should be sliced into 8 pieces using a pizza cutter.
What is the suggested serving size per person?
The recipe suggests serving three to four pieces per person.
What is a recommended side dish for this meal?
This crab pizza pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad.
How many people does one pizza serve?
One pizza is sufficient for a meal for two to three people.
Can this recipe be used as an appetizer?
Yes, you can cut the tortilla pizza into smaller pieces to serve as a delightful appetizer for guests.
What spices are used to season the toppings?
The toppings are seasoned to taste with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Are there onions in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 3-4 tablespoons of chopped onions distributed over the cream cheese.
How should the Neufchatel cream cheese be prepared?
The cream cheese should be softened to make it easier to spread over the flour tortilla.
What type of cheddar cheese is best for this pizza?
Extra-sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for its savory flavor profile.
Can I use a different type of tortilla?
The recipe specifically calls for a 10-inch flour tortilla for the best results.
Is Neufchatel cheese different from regular cream cheese?
Yes, the recipe specifies Neufchatel as a low-fat cream cheese option.
What order should the ingredients be added?
Spread cream cheese first, then add crab and onions, followed by spices, then cheeses, and finally the basil.
Should the basil be added before or after baking?
The instructions indicate scattering the fresh basil over the cheese before it goes into the oven.
How much olive oil is needed?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used to grease the pizza pan.
What tools do I need to slice the pizza?
A standard pizza cutter is recommended for slicing the tortilla into 8 even pieces.
Is this a spicy dish?
It can have a hint of heat depending on how much cayenne pepper you choose to sprinkle on top.
What is the texture of the finished pizza?
The result is a crispy tortilla base with a creamy, cheesy, and savory seafood topping.
What is the purpose of the wire rack?
The wire rack allows air to circulate under the crust, preventing steam from making it soggy while it cools.
Does this recipe include seafood?
Yes, the main protein source is imitation crabmeat.