Irresistible Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls Recipe

Crispy golden crescent rolls stuffed with succulent crab meat and melted cheese promise an irresistible appetizer that sparks conversation.

Seafood lovers will adore this quick and elegant bite-sized treat.

Delicate crab chunks nestle perfectly inside flaky pastry, creating a luxurious texture contrast.

Creamy cheese binds the filling, adding richness to every delectable morsel.

Weekend gatherings or casual parties become extraordinary with these elegant rolls.

Simple ingredients combine for an impressive dish that looks complex but comes together effortlessly.

FAQs

• Can I use imitation crab meat instead of real crab?

Yes, imitation crab works perfectly and is a more budget-friendly option that still delivers great flavor and texture.

• How can I prevent the filling from leaking out during baking?

Make sure to seal the edges of the crescent rolls tightly and tuck in the sides when rolling to keep the delicious filling inside.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

These crescent rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. Just add 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

• What if I don't have Old Bay seasoning?

You can substitute with a mix of paprika, celery salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to create a similar flavor profile for your crab filling.

Crescent Rolls Filled With Crab and Creamy Cheese

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up these delectable crescent rolls in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a gourmet-style appetizer without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor-Packed Delight: Combines the rich, creamy taste of seafood with melted cheeses and zesty seasonings, creating an irresistible bite that will impress guests and satisfy taste buds.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Adaptable for various occasions like game day snacks, potlucks, or elegant appetizers, these rolls can be prepared ahead and quickly heated before serving.

Crab and Cheese Crescent Rolls Filled to Perfection Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• Crab Meat: Delicate seafood protein that brings a sweet, ocean flavor to the filling.
• Cream Cheese: Smooth, rich base that helps bind the filling together.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Mild cheese that adds stretch and creamy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that enhances overall flavor profile.

• Crescent Roll Dough: Flaky, buttery pastry that serves as the crispy exterior wrapper.
• Egg: Provides golden brown finish and helps seal the crescent rolls.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy ingredient that adds moisture and richness to the filling.
• Garlic Powder: Provides subtle, aromatic seasoning throughout the mixture.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Classic seafood spice blend that complements the crab meat.
• Lemon Juice: Bright acid that helps balance and lift the seafood flavors.
• Green Onions: Fresh herb that adds mild onion flavor and color to the filling.

Crab & Cheese Crescent Rolls Prep

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375°F and grab a baking sheet.

Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create The Seafood Blend

• Fresh crab meat
• Cream cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Garlic powder
• Old Bay seasoning
• Fresh lemon juice
• Chopped green onions

Stir everything together until the mixture looks creamy and well-blended.

Step 3: Wrap Up The Goodness

Gently unroll the crescent dough and separate into triangle shapes.

Scoop a generous spoonful of the crab mixture onto the wide end of each triangle.

Roll each triangle tightly, carefully tucking in the sides to keep the tasty filling inside.

Step 4: Golden And Crispy Baking

Brush each rolled crescent with beaten egg to create a beautiful golden shine.

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the rolls look perfectly golden and wonderfully flaky.

Step 5: Serve And Savor

Let the crescent rolls cool just a bit.

Serve warm and enjoy!

For extra pizzazz, add a side of tangy tartar sauce or a fresh squeeze of lemon.

Crescent Roll Tips with Creamy Crab Cheese Centers

• Pinch crescent roll edges firmly to prevent filling from oozing out during baking, ensuring a neat and tidy presentation.
• Select high-quality, fresh lump crab meat for the most authentic and delicious flavor profile.
• Adjust Old Bay and garlic powder to match your personal taste preferences, making the dish uniquely yours.
• Allow crescent rolls to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes after baking to maintain their crispy texture and prevent moisture buildup.
• Prepare filling mixture in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, saving time on busy cooking days.

Reheat Crab & Cheese Crescent Rolls

• Store cooled crescent rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to enjoy later without losing flavor or texture.
• Warm rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, which helps restore their crispy exterior and keeps the filling warm and gooey.
• For a quick reheat, zap rolls on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds, but be careful not to overheat and make the pastry soggy.

Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls Matches

• Elevate Seafood Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the delicate crab and rich cheese flavors, cutting through the creamy texture.
• Sauce Sidekick Strategy: Create a zesty homemade remoulade or tangy tartar sauce using mayonnaise, chopped pickles, capers, and fresh herbs to enhance the crescent rolls' seafood profile.
• Refreshing Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped chives or dill over the baked rolls to add brightness, lift the creamy filling, and introduce a subtle green freshness that balances the rich ingredients.
• Crisp Salad Companion: Serve alongside a light mixed green salad with a citrus vinaigrette to provide a crisp, acidic counterpoint to the rich, cheesy crab-filled crescents.

Crab Cheese Crescent Rolls with Filling Variants

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace crescent roll dough with gluten-free crescent pastry or almond flour-based dough, ensuring the same delicious flavor for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap cream cheese and mozzarella with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream cheese and plant-based mozzarella, maintaining the creamy texture and rich taste.
• Seafood Alternative: Substitute crab meat with cooked and shredded chicken or imitation crab for those who prefer different protein options or have shellfish allergies.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Use thinly sliced zucchini or egg wraps instead of crescent rolls, creating a lighter version that reduces carbohydrate content while preserving the original recipe's essence.

Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Savory Crab & Cheese Crescent Rolls deliver a delightful coastal flavor fusion that elevates classic appetizers. Crisp golden pastry wraps around rich, creamy seafood filling, promising a delectable bite you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 can (8-count) refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) lump crab meat, drained and flaked
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened

Cheese Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and cover a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring an even surface for the crescent rolls.
2. Create a creamy seafood mixture by blending crab meat, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, mayonnaise, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, fresh lemon juice, and chopped green onions until thoroughly incorporated.
3. Gently unroll the crescent dough and separate each triangle, preparing a clean workspace for assembly.
4. Deposit a generous spoonful of the seafood mixture at the wider end of each dough triangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Carefully roll each triangle from the wide end toward the point, slightly tucking in the sides to prevent potential filling leakage during baking.
6. Delicately brush the exterior of each rolled crescent with beaten egg, creating a golden, glossy finish.
7. Position the prepared rolls on the parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring minimal contact between each piece.
8. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the crescents develop a rich, golden-brown color and achieve a perfectly flaky texture.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the rolls to cool slightly, which helps the filling set and prevents potential burns.
10. Serve warm, accompanied by optional tartar sauce or a fresh lemon wedge for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Notes

• Swap crab with plant-based alternatives like hearts of palm or artichoke for a vegetarian version that maintains similar texture and flavor profile.
• Reduce fat content by using low-fat cream cheese and part-skim mozzarella without compromising the creamy, rich taste of the filling.
• Boost protein and nutrition by incorporating finely chopped spinach or kale into the crab mixture for added vitamins and minerals.
• Enhance gluten-free options by using certified gluten-free crescent roll dough or creating homemade dough with alternative flour blends like almond or rice flour.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg