If you’re looking for an appetizer that’s creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly flaky, these Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls are your new go-to. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create a dish that tastes like it came from a gourmet seafood restaurant—yet takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.
Perfect for parties, holidays, or quick snacks, these golden crescent rolls deliver the luxurious flavor of crab paired with rich, melted cheese inside buttery pastry.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Elegant enough for parties, simple enough for weeknights.
- Customizable: Works with real crab meat, imitation crab, or even shrimp.
- Comfort + Luxury: Creamy filling wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust.
🥘 Ingredients (with Substitution Tips)
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough (8-count) Can substitute with puff pastry sheets for a more layered, bakery-style texture.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened For a lighter option, use Neufchâtel cheese. For richer flavor, try mascarpone.
- 1 cup crab meat (fresh lump, canned, or imitation) Fresh lump crab gives the most authentic flavor, but imitation crab works for budget-friendly cooking.
- ½ cup shredded cheese (Cheddar, Mozzarella, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack) Cheddar for sharpness, Mozzarella for stretch, Gruyère for gourmet flavor.
- 2 green onions, finely chopped Optional, adds freshness and mild onion flavor.
- ½ tsp garlic powder Can substitute with roasted garlic paste for a deeper flavor.
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: Fresh parsley, paprika, or sesame seeds
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the filling: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, crab meat, shredded cheese, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until creamy and well combined.
- Prepare the dough: Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles.
- Fill & roll: Place 1–2 tablespoons of crab mixture at the wide end of each triangle. Roll dough tightly toward the tip to form a crescent shape.
- Bake: Arrange rolls on the baking sheet, seam-side down. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, then serve warm with dipping sauce of choice.
🔥 Pro Tips for Success
- Seal edges: Pinch dough edges lightly to prevent filling from leaking.
- Chill filling: If mixture is too soft, refrigerate 15 minutes before stuffing.
- Add spice: Mix in a dash of Old Bay, cayenne, or hot sauce for a kick.
- Crispier crust: Brush tops with beaten egg before baking.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- Pair with cocktail sauce, garlic aioli, or sriracha mayo.
- Serve as a starter for seafood dinners, holiday buffets, or game-day snacks.
- Plate with fresh lemon wedges for brightness.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap unbaked rolls in plastic wrap + foil. Bake directly from frozen (add 4–5 minutes to cook time).
- Reheating: Best reheated in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes to restore crispiness.
🥗 Variations
- Spicy Crab Rolls: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
- Luxury Version: Use lump crab + Gruyère cheese + a touch of truffle oil.
- Kid-Friendly: Use mild cheddar + imitation crab for a softer flavor.
- Shrimp Twist: Replace crab with small cooked shrimp pieces.
📊 Nutrition (per roll, approx.)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 14g
- Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
(Varies depending on ingredients used)
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use canned crab for this recipe?
Yes! Just drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
Q: Can these be made ahead of time?
Absolutely—assemble them a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake fresh before serving.
Q: What cheese works best?
Cream cheese is essential for creaminess, while Cheddar or Gruyère adds bold flavor. Mozzarella works for a mild, melty texture.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes—use gluten-free crescent dough available in specialty stores.
🧑🍳 Final Thoughts
Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls are the perfect balance of luxury and simplicity—bringing seafood indulgence into an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe. Whether you’re hosting guests, preparing for the holidays, or just craving a cheesy snack, these rolls are guaranteed to disappear fast.
👉 Make a double batch—you’ll thank yourself later!
