Name: Baked Imitation Crab Chimichangas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 16 oz package imitation crab, chopped into ½ inch pieces; 1 cup cottage cheese; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; ½ tsp old bay seasoning; ½ tsp garlic powder; 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar); 1 cup refried beans; 4 large tortillas (burrito size; 10 inch); 1 tablespoon canola oil; Salsa or sour cream for serving

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There is something truly irresistible about the charm of the Baked Imitation Crab Chimichangas Recipe. These golden, crispy pockets of flavorful goodness combine the tender sweetness of imitation crab with creamy cheeses, hearty refried beans, and just the right kick of seasoning. Baked to perfection instead of fried, this recipe brings you all the joy of chimichangas in a lighter yet just as satisfying form. It’s a delightful dish that feels special enough for guests but simple enough for a comforting weeknight meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clear glass bowl in the center filled with white and orange crab meat pieces. Above it, to the right, is a clear glass bowl filled with white cottage cheese, and to the left, a white bowl with shredded yellow and white cheese. Below the crab meat bowl on the right is a clear bowl with a light brown chunky mixture, and to the lower left, a small clear bowl holds two integrated spice powders, one reddish-brown and the other pale yellow. A silver spoon lies above the brown mixture. A striped blue and white cloth is placed on the left side on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its thoughtful combination of straightforward ingredients that each play a key role in creating layers of taste, texture, and color. From the creamy cottage cheese to the sharp Parmesan and the rich refried beans, everything comes together perfectly.

16 oz imitation crab: Provides a sweet, seafood flavor with a tender texture that’s perfect for stuffing.
1 cup cottage cheese: Adds creaminess and a mild tang that balances the crab’s sweetness.
¼ cup grated Parmesan: Brings a nutty, salty edge that deepens the overall flavor.
1 egg: Acts as a binder, helping all the filling ingredients hold together beautifully.
½ tsp old bay seasoning: Infuses a subtle spicy complexity reminiscent of coastal flavors.
½ tsp garlic powder: Injects warmth and depth without overpowering the dish.
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar): Gives a melty, gooey richness when baked inside the chimichangas.
1 cup refried beans: Provides creamy earthiness and a lovely contrast to the seafood filling.
4 large tortillas (10 inch burrito size): Soft, flexible wraps to hold all the delicious filling.
1 tablespoon canola oil: Helps achieve that golden baked crispiness on the outside.
Salsa or sour cream for serving: Adds a fresh or tangy touch that complements each bite.

How to Make Baked Imitation Crab Chimichangas Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Filling

Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven warms up, chop the imitation crab into bite-sized half-inch pieces so every bite has a perfect chunk of crab. In a mixing bowl, combine the crab with cottage cheese, grated Parmesan, the egg, old bay seasoning, and garlic powder. Stir everything until the mixture is well incorporated, balancing creaminess and spice beautifully.

Step 2: Warm the Tortillas and Assemble

Softening the tortillas warms them and makes rolling easier without cracking. Follow package directions to heat them gently. Then, spread about ¼ cup of refried beans in the center of each tortilla as the first layer—it works as a creamy base anchoring the filling. Top that with a generous ¼ of your crab mixture, then sprinkle ¼ cup of shredded Mexican cheese over the filling. This layering ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.

Step 3: Roll and Prepare for Baking

Carefully roll each tortilla tightly around the filling, tucking in the edges as you go to create neat chimichangas. Lay them seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent them from unrolling. Brush each chimichanga with a tablespoon of canola oil, which will help them bake to a glorious golden crispiness without frying.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the chimichangas at 400 degrees for 25 minutes, turning them over halfway through the cooking time (at about 10-12 minutes) to ensure even browning and crispness on all sides. When done, let them cool for at least 10 minutes to let the filling set slightly, so every bite stays perfectly intact.

How to Serve Baked Imitation Crab Chimichangas Recipe

Two large burritos are placed on a white marbled surface, each wrapped in a light golden toasted tortilla with slight browned spots. They are topped with thin white cream drizzles running lengthwise and scattered fresh green cilantro leaves. On top of each burrito, there are bright red diced tomatoes and slices of fresh green jalapeno peppers. To the left, a small clear glass bowl contains more red diced tomatoes and jalapeno slices. Around the burritos, small piles of shredded yellow and white cheese and scattered cilantro leaves add extra color. In the background, a striped cloth is partly visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Baked Imitation Crab Chimichangas Recipe, fresh garnishes are key. A dollop of cool sour cream or a spoonful of your favorite salsa adds refreshing contrast. Brighten the plate with some chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime to bring brightness to the rich, baked flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair these chimichangas with a light, crisp salad to balance the richness. A simple avocado and tomato salad or a crunchy slaw adds freshness and texture. Alternatively, a side of Mexican rice or black beans offers a fuller, heartier meal for those extra hungry days.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chimichangas whole for a rustic look, or slice them diagonally to reveal that cheesy, crab-filled center—perfect for showing off all the layers. For a fun twist, arrange them in a circle on a large platter with bowls of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream in the middle for a festive, shareable presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers from your Baked Imitation Crab Chimichangas Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days and can be enjoyed cold or reheated.

Freezing

These chimichangas freeze beautifully. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them together in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored frozen for up to 2 months without losing their delicious texture and flavor.

Reheating

For best results, reheat frozen or refrigerated chimichangas in a 350-degree oven until warmed through and crispy again, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the outside crisp and the inside perfectly melty.

FAQs

Can I use real crab instead of imitation crab?

Absolutely! Real crab can be used and will add a sweeter, more delicate flavor, but imitation crab keeps this recipe budget-friendly without compromising the overall taste.

Are these chimichangas gluten-free?

They are not gluten-free as written due to the tortillas and refried beans you may use. To make it gluten-free, opt for corn tortillas and verify all other ingredients for gluten-free certification.

Can I make these chimichangas vegan?

This recipe relies on dairy and egg, but you can experiment with vegan cream cheese, egg substitutes, and vegan cheese blends to create a plant-based version that still tastes fantastic.

Is it okay to freeze cooked chimichangas?

Yes, freezing cooked chimichangas works well and allows you to enjoy leftovers any time by simply reheating from frozen.

What’s a good dipping sauce for these chimichangas?

Salsa and sour cream are classics, but spicy chipotle mayo or a fresh avocado crema also pair wonderfully with the flavors.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a delicious, comforting, and slightly indulgent dish that’s fun to make and easy to share, the Baked Imitation Crab Chimichangas Recipe is your new go-to. It’s a recipe that turns simple ingredients into something truly special, and once you try it, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Give it a whirl and get ready for smiles all around the table!

Baked Imitation Crab Chimichangas Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need