Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls: A Flaky, Savory Delight
These Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls are the perfect combination of flaky pastry, creamy cheese, and succulent crab meat. Whether you’re looking for an elegant appetizer for your next dinner party or a savory snack to enjoy with your family, these crescent rolls deliver on both flavor and presentation. The rich, buttery layers of the crescent dough encase a luscious filling of crab meat, cream cheese, and seasonings, creating a bite-sized treat that’s impossible to resist.
The aroma of golden-brown crescent rolls fresh from the oven is simply irresistible. As you take your first bite, the delicate crunch of the pastry gives way to a creamy, savory filling with just the right amount of sweetness from the crab. This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile—perfect for brunch, game day snacks, or even a quick weeknight indulgence. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you’ll have these crowd-pleasing rolls ready in under 30 minutes.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A perfect balance of rich cream cheese, sweet crab meat, and savory seasonings wrapped in buttery, flaky pastry.
- Texture: Crispy on the outside, creamy and tender on the inside with a slight chew from the crab.
- Aroma: Warm, buttery pastry with hints of garlic and Old Bay seasoning.
- Visual Appeal: Golden-brown crescents with a slightly flaky crust, perfect for plating.
- Skill Level Needed: Beginner-friendly with minimal prep work.
- Special Equipment: Just a baking sheet and mixing bowl—no fancy tools required!
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: This recipe is easy enough for beginners but delivers restaurant-quality results. The filling comes together quickly, and the crescent dough does most of the work.
- Category: Appetizer, snack, or light meal.
- Cuisine: Inspired by American seafood flavors with a touch of French pastry influence.
- Cost: Affordable, especially if using imitation crab, but still luxurious with real crab meat.
- Season: Perfect year-round, but especially great for summer gatherings or holiday parties.
- Occasion: Ideal for potlucks, game day, brunch, or as an elegant hors d’oeuvre.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The combination of crab and cheese in a flaky crescent roll is pure comfort food. The cream cheese adds a velvety richness, while the crab provides a delicate sweetness that pairs beautifully with the buttery pastry. These rolls are incredibly satisfying, whether served warm or at room temperature.
One of the best things about this recipe is how quick and easy it is to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have a gourmet-style appetizer ready in no time. It’s a fantastic option for last-minute guests or when you need a fuss-free dish that still impresses.
Nutritionally, crab is a great source of lean protein and essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids. When paired with whole-grain crescent dough (if available), this dish can be a slightly healthier indulgence compared to other fried appetizers.
These Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls are also incredibly versatile. Serve them as an appetizer with a dipping sauce, pair them with a salad for a light lunch, or enjoy them as a savory snack. They’re always a hit at parties and gatherings.
Best of all, this recipe is budget-friendly. Whether you use fresh crab, canned crab, or imitation crab, the results are delicious. It’s a great way to enjoy seafood flavors without breaking the bank.
The Recipe
Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls
Serves: 8 rolls
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 27 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Knife or spatula for mixing
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup crab meat (fresh, canned, or imitation)
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, crab meat, mozzarella, mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix until well blended.
- Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles.
- Spoon about 1 tbsp of the crab mixture onto the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll up each crescent, starting at the wide end and tucking in the sides to seal the filling.
- Place rolls on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with egg wash if desired for a golden finish.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if using, and serve warm.
Recipe Notes
- For extra flavor, add a dash of lemon juice or hot sauce to the filling.
- Substitute crab with cooked shrimp or lobster for a different twist.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.