Cheesy Crab-Stuffed Crescent Rolls (Easy Appetizer Recipe)
Flaky on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside—these Crab-Stuffed Crescent Rolls are the appetizer dreams are made of. Whether you’re entertaining guests or whipping up a quick snack just for yourself, these savory bites deliver serious flavor with minimal effort. The filling combines crab, cream cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, and classic seasoning for the perfect mix of creamy, tangy, and slightly briny.
Serve them with your favorite dip, and watch them disappear in minutes.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s elegant enough for holiday parties but easy enough to make on a weeknight. The refrigerated crescent roll dough makes assembly fast and foolproof, while the crab and cheese filling feels rich and indulgent.
It’s also versatile—you can use fresh, canned, or even imitation crab, and it’s easy to customize with your favorite seasonings or herbs.
Ingredients (Makes 8 Rolls)
- 1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (60g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (25g) shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (100g) lump crab meat (fresh, canned, or imitation)
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions or parsley
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash – optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, mayonnaise, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, and green onions until smooth and well blended.
- Gently fold in the crab meat, taking care not to break it apart too much.
Step 3: Assemble the Crescent Rolls
- Unroll the crescent dough and separate into 8 triangles.
- Place 1 tablespoon of crab mixture at the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll up the crescent dough, starting from the wide end, and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Brush with beaten egg for a glossy, golden finish (optional).
Step 4: Bake & Serve
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm with garlic butter, aioli, or cocktail sauce.
Tips for Success
- Use room-temp cream cheese so the filling mixes smoothly.
- Avoid overstuffing the crescents—1 tablespoon is just right.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs or parmesan on top before baking.
- Fresh herbs like dill or chives add brightness if you’re not a fan of parsley.
Serving Suggestions
These crab crescent rolls pair beautifully with a variety of dips and sides. Serve them as:
- A holiday appetizer
- A game-day snack
- A quick lunch with salad or soup
Pair with these crave-worthy recipes from Chef Maniac for a full party platter:
- Beer Cheese Dip – great for dipping
- Crockpot Nacho Dip – warm and cheesy
- Cheesy Hot Dip – perfect on chips or bread
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas – shareable and satisfying
- Totchos – a fun and crispy side
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes or air fryer for 3 minutes to keep the outside crispy.
- Freezing not recommended—cream cheese filling may separate.
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Crab-Stuffed Crescent Rolls are proof that you don’t need a long ingredient list or hours in the kitchen to make something that tastes spectacular. They’re warm, comforting, and downright addictive—perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you want to impress without stress.
Tried them? Let us know! Tag @ChefManiac and follow for more easy, delicious recipes that bring the flavor without the fuss.
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