Crab Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe

The Fluffiest Crab Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe Ever

Creamy and delectable crab cream cheese crescent rolls dance with irresistible flavors that promise a delightful culinary adventure.

Soft pastry wraps melt around rich seafood and smooth cheese, creating a perfect handheld treat.

Coastal inspirations shine through in this simple yet elegant appetizer.

Mediterranean influences blend seamlessly with classic comfort food techniques.

Light, flaky layers complement the luxurious filling that feels indulgent without overwhelming your palate.

Each bite promises a delicate balance of textures and tastes that will surprise and delight.

You’ll want to savor every morsel of this crowd-pleasing dish that comes together in minutes.

Prepare to impress with these elegant yet effortless rolls that elevate your appetizer game.

All About Crab & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls

  • Is crab meat expensive?

Crab meat can be pricey, especially fresh or lump varieties. Canned or imitation crab meat are more budget-friendly alternatives that work well in this recipe.

  • Can I use other seafood instead of crab?

Yes, you can substitute crab with cooked shrimp, chopped salmon, or even flaked white fish for a similar texture and flavor profile.

  • How do I know the crescent rolls are fully cooked?

Look for a golden brown color and puffy texture. The dough should be firm and not look doughy or raw when you take them out of the oven.

  • What kind of green onions work best?

Both green and white parts of the green onion can be used. Chop them finely to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the filling.

Why Crab & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Hit The Spot

Why Crab & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Hit The Spot
  • Craft with Ease: Minimal cooking skills required, making this recipe perfect for beginners and home cooks seeking a hassle-free culinary adventure.
  • Quick Party Pleaser: Impressive appetizer that comes together rapidly, ideal for spontaneous gatherings, game nights, or unexpected guests wanting something delicious.
  • Versatile Crowd-Warmer: Adaptable recipe that works brilliantly as a starter, snack, or light meal, appealing to various tastes and dietary preferences with simple ingredient swaps.
  • Flavor Explosion: Combines creamy cream cheese, delicate crab meat, and zesty green onions, creating a mouthwatering blend that tingles taste buds and elevates traditional crescent rolls.

What’s Needed For Crab & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls

Main Ingredients:

Protein Base:
  • Crab Meat: A delicate seafood protein that provides a rich and delicious filling for the crescent rolls.
  • Cream Cheese: A smooth and creamy ingredient that binds the filling together and adds luxurious texture.
Dough:
  • Crescent Roll Dough: A convenient and flaky pastry that serves as the perfect wrapper for the savory filling.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Green Onions: Fresh herbs that add a mild, sharp flavor to the filling.
  • Bell Pepper: A colorful vegetable that introduces a subtle crunch and sweetness to the mixture.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Aromatic and classic seasonings that elevate the overall taste of the filling.
  • Lemon Juice: A bright, acidic ingredient that brings freshness and balance to the crab mixture.
Preparation Aids:
  • Cooking Spray or Butter: A non-stick agent used to prepare the baking sheet and prevent sticking.

Making Crab & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls With Ease

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Grab a baking sheet and lightly coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Crab meat
  • Chopped green onions
  • Diced bell pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Lemon juice
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Thoroughly mix the ingredients until well blended, ensuring all flavors are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Unroll Crescent Dough

Carefully separate the crescent roll dough into individual triangles on a clean, flat surface.

Step 4: Fill and Roll Crescents

Place about a tablespoon of the crab and cream cheese mixture at the wide end of each dough triangle. Gently roll from the wide end towards the point, carefully encasing the filling. Pinch the edges to seal and prevent the filling from leaking.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the filled crescent rolls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each roll. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the rolls turn a beautiful golden brown and become wonderfully puffy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the crescent rolls to cool slightly before serving. These delectable bites are perfect for sharing with loved ones and will likely vanish quickly from the serving plate.

Tips To Make Crab & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Even Better

  • Prevent Leakage: Seal crescent roll edges tightly by pinching and folding to keep creamy crab filling inside during baking.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Add a dash of Old Bay seasoning or fresh dill to the crab mixture for an extra zesty seafood punch.
  • Control Moisture: Pat crab meat dry with paper towels to remove excess liquid and prevent soggy crescent rolls.
  • Texture Enhancement: Use fresh lump crab meat instead of canned for a more luxurious and authentic seafood experience.
  • Smart Substitution: Replace crab with cooked shrimp or imitation crab for budget-friendly or alternative protein options.

Fun Changes For Crab & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls

  • Seafood Sensation: Replace crab meat with shredded cooked shrimp or imitation crab for a different seafood flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Veggie Rolls: Swap crab with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and ricotta cheese for a plant-based alternative that's equally tasty.
  • Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and swap bell peppers for roasted green chiles to create a zesty southwestern version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crescent roll dough and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.

Tasty Pairings For Crab & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls

  • Elevate Seafood Flavor Companions: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the delicate crab's sweetness and cuts through the creamy richness.
  • Refresh with Citrus Salad: Create a light lemon-dressed mixed green salad with segments of orange to brighten the roll's rich filling and add zesty contrast.
  • Enhance with Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick remoulade or tangy aioli using mayonnaise, capers, chopped herbs, and a splash of lemon juice to intensify the seafood's maritime profile.
  • Match with Chilled Appetizer: Serve alongside a cucumber-dill salad that provides cool, refreshing notes against the warm, creamy crescent rolls.

How To Keep Crab & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Fresh

  • Store leftover crescent rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and preserve freshness.
  • Wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label with the date to track storage time.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed rolls at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Spread rolls on a baking sheet and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Remove foil for the last 2 minutes to crisp the edges.
  • Reheat rolls in 15-second intervals, checking to avoid overheating. Microwave works best for quick warm-up but may slightly soften the crispy texture.
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Crab Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe

Crab Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe


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4.7 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 to 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Delightful crab cream cheese crescent rolls bring coastal comfort to your table with a creamy, luxurious filling wrapped in golden, flaky pastry. Quick and elegant appetizers promise to impress guests with their rich flavors and irresistible texture.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 5 ounces (142 grams) crab meat (cooked and shredded)
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 can (8 ounces/226 grams) crescent roll dough

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1/4 cup green onions (chopped)
  • 1/4 cup bell pepper (finely chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Ingredients:

  • Cooking spray or butter (for greasing)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking sheet to ensure smooth baking and prevent sticking.
  2. In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine cream cheese, crab meat, green onions, bell pepper, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until the mixture is evenly blended and all ingredients are well incorporated.
  3. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into individual triangles on a clean, flat surface, preparing for filling.
  4. Place approximately one tablespoon of the crab and cream cheese mixture at the wide end of each dough triangle.
  5. Carefully roll each triangle from the wide end toward the point, gently encasing the filling and ensuring no mixture escapes by pinching the edges to seal completely.
  6. Arrange the filled rolls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow room for expansion during baking.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, watching for a golden brown color and puffy texture that indicates they are perfectly cooked.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow the crescent rolls to cool briefly before serving, allowing the filling to set and preventing potential burns.

Notes

  • Swap seafood for dietary needs by using shredded chicken, tofu, or plant-based alternatives to accommodate vegetarian and protein preferences.
  • Reduce filling moisture by patting crab meat dry with paper towels to prevent soggy crescent rolls and maintain crispy texture.
  • Enhance flavor complexity by experimenting with fresh herbs like dill or chives, or adding a pinch of cayenne for subtle heat and depth.
  • Control portion sizes by using smaller crescent roll triangles or mini-crescents for elegant appetizer-style presentation at gatherings.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 to 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 202
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 432 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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