Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls
These Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls are a flaky, cheesy delight with a savory seafood twist. They’re quick to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for appetizers, snacks, or even a light meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flaky & Cheesy: Buttery crescent rolls wrap around a gooey, savory filling.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with store-bought crescent dough.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or festive gatherings.
- Customizable: Add spices, herbs, or extra ingredients to suit your taste.
- Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, snack, or light meal.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8–12 rolls
- Category: Appetizers & Snacks
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Seafood-Inspired
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- ½ cup cooked crabmeat, flaked (imitation crab works too)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Rolls:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough (or sheet dough for easier handling)
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine crabmeat, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, green onion, garlic, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
- Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. (If using sheet dough, cut it into 8–12 rectangles.)
- Place a spoonful of the crab mixture onto the wider end of each dough piece.
- Roll up each piece from the wide end to the narrow end, pinching the edges to seal.
Step 4: Bake
- Arrange the filled rolls on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down, leaving space between each.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Let the rolls cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a fresh, zesty touch.
Why This Recipe Works
- Crescent Dough Convenience: Store-bought dough makes this recipe effortless.
- Cheese Magic: Mozzarella and cream cheese create a rich, creamy filling.
- Flavor Boost: Old Bay seasoning and smoked paprika add a signature seafood flair.
Variations to Try
- Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Herbaceous Twist: Stir in fresh dill, chives, or parsley.
- Extra Cheesy: Swap mozzarella for cheddar, Swiss, or a cheese blend.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crescent dough or puff pastry.
- Mini Rolls: Cut the dough into smaller pieces for bite-sized appetizers.
Tips for Success
- Use Quality Crab: If using real crabmeat, check for shells before mixing.
- Don’t Overfill: Use about 1–2 teaspoons of filling per roll to prevent leaks.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday Appetizer: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s parties.
- Elegant Touch: Plate with a drizzle of garlic butter or aioli.
- Party Platter: Serve with dips like tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or lemon-dill aioli.
Final Thoughts
These Crab & Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls are a quick, easy, and elegant appetizer that will impress any crowd. With their flaky crust, creamy filling, and delicious seafood flavor, they’re perfect for any occasion—or just because you’re craving something indulgent!