Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls Recipe
If you’re hunting for the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer or an easy, indulgent snack, let me introduce you to Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls! These golden, flaky rolls deliver everything: creamy cheese, sweet tender crab, a whisper of tangy lemon, and just a hint of that iconic Old Bay spice. Every bite practically melts in your mouth, and the whole thing bakes up in under half an hour. That means you get gourmet flavors with a casual, cozy feel, and you barely have to dirty a dish. Honestly, you’re going to want to make a double batch!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a quick scan of your shopping list and you’ll see—each ingredient here plays a distinct role in filling these Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls with big flavors and irresistible texture. Simple doesn’t mean boring; this is a combination where every piece counts!
- Crescent roll dough (8 oz can): Buttery, pre-cut triangles make these rolls not just delicious but a total breeze to assemble.
- Lump crab meat (1 cup): The star ingredient—go for fresh or good-quality canned for the sweetest, most delicate flavor.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): This magic ingredient keeps the filling extra creamy and rich.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (½ cup): Melty and mild, mozzarella adds stretch and cheesiness to every bite.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): A touch of mayo brings all the creamy pieces together and keeps the filling moist.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Just a bit of brightness that makes the crab flavor sing.
- Old Bay seasoning (1 teaspoon): That classic Chesapeake Bay flavor—spicy, savory, and fragrant.
- Green onion (1, finely chopped): For a pop of freshness and mild, savory crunch.
- Garlic powder (¼ teaspoon): Adds depth and subtle warmth to back up all the other flavors.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): For essential balance and zing.
- Melted butter (1 tablespoon, optional): Brush it on top for a glossy, golden finish that adds extra richness.
How to Make Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by prepping the dreamy filling that sets these rolls apart. In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, chopped green onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gently fold in the lump crab meat, taking care not to break up the sweet pieces. The filling should be creamy and a little chunky—it’s ok if it’s not perfectly smooth!
Step 2: Prep the Crescent Dough
Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a piece of parchment or a lightly floured surface. Separate along the perforated lines to form 8 triangles. Each little triangle is your ticket to a gooey, seafood-packed bite!
Step 3: Fill and Roll
Scoop a generous tablespoon of the crab and cheese mixture onto the wide end of each triangle. Then, starting at that wide end, roll each triangle up toward the point, gently shaping into a classic crescent. Make sure the seam is tucked snugly under the roll to help keep all that luscious filling inside.
Step 4: Arrange and Brush
Place your filled crescents seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. For an irresistibly golden exterior, give the tops a brush with melted butter. It’s optional, but who can say no to buttery shine?
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the tray into your preheated 375°F oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes. You’re looking for beautifully puffed, golden crescents. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a sprinkle of Old Bay right after baking sends this over the top!
How to Serve Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls
Garnishes
Right out of the oven, these rolls are begging for a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a dash of extra Old Bay, or even a little more chopped green onion. Each adds both a pop of color and a final layer of flavor, making these look as irresistible as they taste.
Side Dishes
While Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls truly shine on their own, they pair beautifully with a crisp green salad, a simple slaw, or a light, citrusy soup. If you’re serving a crowd, round out the spread with some roasted veggies or even a classic fruit platter for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, stack the rolls on a rustic wooden board with lemon wedges and sprigs of dill for a laid-back, coastal vibe. Or, for a more elegant feel, stand each roll upright in mini muffin cups and drizzle with a bit of lemon aioli. However you serve them, these rolls are bound to be the first thing to disappear!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (rare, but it happens!), pop them in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors meld beautifully, and the rolls reheat well without getting soggy.
Freezing
Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls are surprisingly freezer-friendly. Let the baked rolls cool, then wrap them tightly and freeze up to one month. When you’re ready, there’s no need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to your reheating time.
Reheating
Pop your crescent rolls back on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for about 6 to 8 minutes. This preserves the flaky texture and keeps the filling warm and gooey. The microwave works in a pinch, though the crescents may be slightly softer.
FAQs
Can I use imitation crab meat instead of lump crab?
Absolutely! While lump crab delivers the best flavor and texture, good quality imitation crab works too. Just chop it and use in place of the real thing for a wallet-friendly twist.
Can I make Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls in advance?
Yes—you can assemble the rolls and keep them tightly covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, pop them straight into the oven and add 1 or 2 extra minutes if needed.
Do these rolls taste fishy?
Not at all! The flavors here are creamy, cheesy, and gently seasoned; the crab brings a sweet, delicate seafood taste that’s never overwhelming.
What can I use instead of Old Bay seasoning?
If you can’t find Old Bay, any good seafood or Cajun seasoning will get you in the right flavor zone. Just be aware of the salt content, and adjust to taste!
Can I make these rolls gluten-free?
Absolutely! Look for gluten-free crescent dough at the grocery store or make your own using a gluten-free baking mix. The filling itself is naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
You honestly haven’t lived until you’ve experienced the flaky-cheesy-seafood comfort of these Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls. Whether you’re whipping them up for game day, a holiday party, or just a treat-yourself night in, these crescent rolls are always a hit. Give them a try—they’re about to become your new signature snack!
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Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 8 crescent rolls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls are a delicious appetizer featuring a creamy, savory filling wrapped in flaky crescent dough. Perfect for parties or a special snack!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
Filling:
- 1 cup lump crab meat (drained and picked over for shells)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 green onion (finely chopped)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare filling: In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, mozzarella, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, green onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gently fold in the crab meat.
- Assemble rolls: Unroll the crescent dough and separate into 8 triangles. Place a heaping tablespoon of the crab and cheese mixture near the wide end of each triangle, then roll up toward the point and shape into a crescent.
- Bake: Arrange on the baking sheet, seam-side down. Brush with melted butter if desired. Bake for 12–14 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle with a little extra Old Bay seasoning after baking.
- Rolls can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
