There’s something magical about the combination of flaky, buttery crescent rolls and a creamy, cheesy crab filling. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy but is actually super easy to whip up. Perfect for a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal, these rolls are packed with flavor in every bite. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll find yourself making them again and again!
Why You’ll Love Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls
Versatile: Whether you serve them as an appetizer, a party snack, or even a quick lunch, these rolls fit any occasion.
Budget-Friendly: You don’t need expensive ingredients to create a rich and indulgent flavor. A little crab goes a long way!
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have warm, cheesy, golden-brown rolls in no time.
Customizable: Add your favorite seasonings, swap the cheese, or even mix in some herbs for a personalized touch.
Crowd-Pleasing: These rolls disappear fast! They’re always a hit at gatherings, and even picky eaters will love them.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls
Here’s what makes these rolls so irresistible—each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering that creamy, cheesy, flaky perfection.
Crescent Roll Dough: The buttery, flaky base that makes these rolls so easy and delicious.
Crab Meat: Sweet, tender crab adds the perfect seafood touch. You can use fresh, canned, or imitation crab.
Cream Cheese: The creamy, tangy binder that holds everything together and adds a rich texture.
Shredded Cheese: A blend of cheeses melts beautifully inside, making the filling extra gooey and delicious.
Garlic Powder: Adds a touch of savory depth to the filling.
Green Onions: A mild onion flavor that complements the crab without overpowering it.
Lemon Juice: A little acidity brightens up the flavors and enhances the seafood taste.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance out all the flavors.
Instructions
Preheat Your Equipment
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure your crescent rolls bake to golden perfection.
Combine Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, cream cheese, shredded cheese, garlic powder, green onions, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well incorporated and creamy.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Assemble the Dish
Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Place a spoonful of the crab mixture onto the wider end of each triangle, then gently roll it up towards the tip, making sure the filling stays inside.
Cook to Perfection
Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Finishing Touches
Let the rolls cool for a couple of minutes before serving—this helps the filling set and prevents burning your mouth (tempting as it is to dig in right away!).
Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm and enjoy! These rolls are best when fresh, but they’re just as good as leftovers, too.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Servings: 8 rolls
Calories per serving: Approximately 200 calories
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 22-25 minutes
How to Serve Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls
These rolls are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with:
- A side of garlic butter or aioli for dipping
- A light salad to balance out the richness
- A bowl of soup, like creamy tomato or seafood chowder
- A sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for extra flavor
Additional Tips
- Use fresh crab for the best flavor, but imitation crab works well too.
- Let the cream cheese soften before mixing—it makes the filling smoother.
- Brush the tops with butter before baking for an extra golden, flaky crust.
- Make them ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Double the recipe because these disappear fast!
FAQ’s
1. Can I use canned crab meat?
Yes! Just make sure to drain it well before mixing it into the filling.
2. Can I freeze these crescent rolls?
Absolutely! Freeze them unbaked, then bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
3. What’s the best cheese to use?
A mix of cheddar and mozzarella works great, but you can also try parmesan for extra flavor.
4. Can I add extra spices?
Of course! A pinch of Old Bay seasoning or smoked paprika gives them an extra kick.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
6. Can I make these without cream cheese?
Yes, but the filling will be less creamy. You can substitute with ricotta or Greek yogurt.
7. Can I use homemade crescent dough?
Definitely! If you have a go-to dough recipe, it’ll make these even better.
8. Can I serve these at room temperature?
They’re best warm, but they’re still tasty at room temperature—perfect for parties!
9. What dipping sauces go well with these?
Try garlic butter, ranch, or a spicy sriracha mayo for a fun twist.
10. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free crescent dough or substitute with puff pastry.
Conclusion
Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls are the ultimate crowd-pleasing treat—flaky, cheesy, and packed with delicious crab flavor. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, they’re guaranteed to impress. So go ahead, give them a try—you’ll be hooked after the first bite!
Print
Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls recipe is a delightful appetizer that marries flaky, buttery crescent rolls with a savory, creamy crab and cheese filling. Perfect for parties or a quick snack, these rolls offer a blend of textures and flavors that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
– 1 can crescent roll dough (8 rolls)
– 4 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup lump crab meat, drained and picked over
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives (or green onions)
– 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Optional: 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into 8 triangles.
3. In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, lump crab meat, mozzarella, Parmesan, chives, garlic, salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning if using.
4. Spoon a generous amount of the mixture onto the wide end of each dough triangle.
5. Roll the dough from the wide end toward the tip, forming a crescent shape.
6. Place the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush the tops with the beaten egg.
7. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown.
8. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
– Ensure the crab meat is well-drained to avoid a soggy filling.
– Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends to suit your taste.
– Serve warm, optionally with a squeeze of lemon juice or your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (approx. 70g)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg