There’s something instantly irresistible about warm, flaky Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls fresh from the oven. Each golden roll bursts with creamy, cheesy filling and tender crab meat, wrapped inside pillowy crescent dough. This recipe truly elevates your usual appetizer game, combining classic comfort with a dash of coastal flair. Whether you’re hosting a laid-back game night, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply treating yourself to a little indulgence, these rolls deliver huge flavor with minimal fuss. Bringing the magic of fresh seafood to your kitchen has never been this easy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls don’t require a long shopping list—all you need are a handful of easy-to-find ingredients that work together in perfect harmony. Each component plays a starring role, lending its own unique taste, texture, or richness to the final dish.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough (1 can, 8 oz): Delivers that signature buttery, flaky crust in minutes, no dough rolling or fussing required.
- Lump crab meat (1/2 cup, fresh, canned, or imitation): Brings delicious seafood sweetness and satisfying texture to every bite.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Creates a luxuriously smooth, creamy filling that melts beautifully inside the dough.
- Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (1/4 cup): Adds that ooey-gooey, melty cheese factor for even more indulgence.
- Mayonnaise (1 tablespoon): Rounds out the filling with a bit of tang and extra creaminess.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Infuses a punch of zippy flavor to cut through the richness.
- Old Bay seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Classic seafood spice that turns the flavor dial up to eleven.
- Green onion (1, finely chopped): Gives you a pop of color and freshness in every roll.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Adds savory depth without overpowering the delicate crab.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Brightens and balances all the flavors in the filling.
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Brings a flash of green and a fresh finish right before serving.
How to Make Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by diving into the most important part—the luscious filling! In a medium mixing bowl, combine your lump crab meat, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, finely chopped green onion, garlic powder, and a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir gently but thoroughly, making sure every bite will have a bit of everything. You want the filling creamy and well blended, but don’t overmix, especially if using real lump crab—those big chunks are the prize!
Step 2: Shape the Crescent Rolls
Now for the fun part: assembly! Unroll your can of crescent dough and carefully separate it into eight triangles. Lay them flat, widest side facing you. Place a generous tablespoon of the crab and cheese mixture onto the wide end of each triangle. Then, starting from that wide base, gently roll each triangle towards the tip so the filling gets tucked inside layer after layer of doughy goodness. Try to pinch the sides a little as you go to seal in all that creamy filling.
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, and arrange your filled crescent rolls with just a bit of space between each one. Pop them into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 12 to 14 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the rolls are puffed, golden brown, and the mouthwatering aroma starts wafting through your kitchen. Let them cool slightly on the pan—just enough to avoid that “too-hot-to-handle” rush—before serving.
How to Serve Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls
Garnishes
A little flourish can turn Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls from tasty to truly tantalizing. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley right before serving adds brightness and color, while a squeeze of lemon brings out the best in both the cheese and crab. For a finishing touch, consider a pinch of extra Old Bay or even a light dusting of smoked paprika for a hint of smoky depth.
Side Dishes
Since these rolls are rich and creamy, pair them with something crisp and vibrant. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. For a party spread, lay them out alongside crunchy veggies, a zesty slaw, or even a fresh fruit platter to balance the creamy, savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls are eye-catching on any platter, but you can really have fun with the presentation. Arrange them in a wreath shape for festive occasions, or stack them pyramid-style on a rustic wooden board for crowd-pleasing snacking. Tuck little labels or toothpicks beside each roll for easy party picking, or serve with small individual bowls of aioli or cocktail sauce for dipping action.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you miraculously have leftovers, keep your Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls tasting their best by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, and still reheat nicely for a quick snack or lunch.
Freezing
Want to get ahead on party prep? After baking and cooling, crab & cheese filled crescent rolls freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a resealable bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to a month, ready to be revived in your oven whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your rolls in a 325°F (165°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes, or until warmed through and the outside gets its crisp back. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the pastry chewy instead of flaky.
FAQs
Can I use imitation crab for Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls?
Absolutely! While real lump crab brings the best flavor and texture, imitation crab is a budget-friendly alternative that works well in these rolls. Just chop it roughly before mixing it into the filling.
Can I make the filling in advance?
Yes, you can mix up the filling up to two days ahead of time. Keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake your crescent rolls just before you plan to serve them for the freshest taste.
What’s the best dip to serve with these rolls?
A simple squeeze of lemon is delicious, but you can also serve Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls with a tangy aioli, spicy remoulade, or classic cocktail sauce. Each adds a different kind of flair—try a few and see what you love best!
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Definitely! This recipe easily multiplies to feed a crowd—just be sure to give each roll enough space on the baking sheet so they cook evenly. Baking in batches is a great idea for big gatherings.
Can I use other cheeses in the filling?
Yes, feel free to get creative! Try sharp white cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan in your mixture. Each cheese brings its own character, so pick one that makes your taste buds happy.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tried these Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls, it’s hard to imagine a party or cozy night in without them. They’re endlessly adaptable, quick to make, and sure to be met with happy smiles and clean plates. So pop a batch in the oven and get ready for the kind of warm, melty, irresistible goodness you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for any gathering. Creamy cheese, lump crab meat, and flavorful seasonings all wrapped up in a flaky crescent roll – what’s not to love?
Ingredients
Crescent Roll Dough:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
Filling:
- 1/2 cup lump crab meat (fresh, canned, or imitation)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, cream cheese, shredded cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, green onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Assemble the rolls: Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 8 triangles. Spoon 1 tablespoon of the crab mixture onto each triangle. Roll up the dough, starting from the wide end.
- Bake: Place the filled rolls on the baking sheet and bake for 12–14 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Best served warm but can be reheated
- Real lump crab meat is recommended for best flavor
- Imitation crab can be used as a budget-friendly option
- Serve with lemon or aioli for dipping
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
