Crab & Cream Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls

Crab & Cream Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls are an elegant yet easy appetizer that will impress your guests at any gathering. Combining the delicate flavors of crab meat and the creamy richness of cream cheese, these crescent rolls offer a delightful culinary experience in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, a holiday celebration, or simply want to enjoy a gourmet snack, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 can crescent rolls
• 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup crab meat (cooked, imitation is fine)
• 2 green onions, chopped
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
2. Prepare the dough: Lay the crescent roll dough out on the counter. Pinch the pre-cut seams closed to create a single, smooth sheet of dough.
3. Shape the dough: Roll out the dough into an even rectangle. Cut the rectangle into 24 smaller squares.
4. Mix the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, crab meat, chopped green onions, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
5. Fill the crescent rolls: Evenly distribute the cheese and crab mixture among the crescent roll squares.
6. Seal the rolls: Overlap the opposite corners of each crescent roll square over the filling and pinch them closed to seal.
7. Bake: Place the filled crescent rolls on a cookie sheet or baking stone. Bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips

1. Garnish for Presentation: Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives on top of the baked crescent rolls for a pop of color and extra flavor.
2. Serving Temperature: Serve these crescent rolls warm for the best taste experience. If they cool down, you can reheat them in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes.
3. Accompaniments: Pair the crescent rolls with a dipping sauce like garlic aioli, spicy mustard, or a light lemon-herb dressing to enhance the flavors.
4. Plating: Arrange the rolls on a serving platter with lemon wedges and extra green onions for a beautiful presentation.
5. Occasions: These rolls are perfect for a variety of occasions, including cocktail parties, holiday gatherings, brunches, or as a special appetizer before a seafood dinner.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover crescent rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Freezing: To freeze, place the baked and cooled crescent rolls on a baking sheet in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
3. Reheating:
   • Refrigerated Rolls: Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
   • Frozen Rolls: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven at 300°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy.
4. Avoid Microwave: Reheating in the microwave can make the crescent rolls soggy. It’s best to use the oven for reheating to maintain their crispiness.
5. Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling and assemble the rolls a day in advance. Store the unbaked rolls in the refrigerator, covered, until ready to bake. Bake them just before serving for the freshest taste.

These serving and storage tips ensure that your Crab & Cream Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls remain delicious whether you’re serving them fresh out of the oven or enjoying them as leftovers.

Variations:

1. Spicy Crab & Cream Cheese Rolls

• Ingredients Addition: Add 1 finely chopped jalapeño pepper to the filling mixture for an extra kick.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of sriracha or spicy mayo for dipping.

2. Garlic Herb Crab & Cream Cheese Rolls

• Ingredients Addition: Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs (such as dill, parsley, or thyme) to the filling mixture.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with a garlic butter dipping sauce.

3. Cheddar Crab & Cream Cheese Rolls

• Ingredients Addition: Mix in ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the filling for a richer, cheesier flavor.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with a creamy ranch dipping sauce.

4. Lemon Dill Crab & Cream Cheese Rolls

• Ingredients Addition: Add 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill to the filling mixture.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with lemon wedges and a dill dip made from sour cream and dill.

5. Bacon Crab & Cream Cheese Rolls

• Ingredients Addition: Add ¼ cup of cooked and crumbled bacon to the filling mixture for a smoky, savory twist.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with a maple mustard dipping sauce.

6. Spinach & Artichoke Crab & Cream Cheese Rolls

• Ingredients Addition: Mix in ½ cup of chopped cooked spinach and ½ cup of chopped artichoke hearts into the filling for a more substantial and flavorful bite.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

7. Old Bay Crab & Cream Cheese Rolls

• Ingredients Addition: Add 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning to the filling mixture for a classic seafood flavor.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with a lemon aioli dipping sauce.

8. Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Crab & Cream Cheese Rolls

• Ingredients Addition: Add ¼ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil to the filling mixture.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with a basil pesto dipping sauce.

9. Avocado Crab & Cream Cheese Rolls

• Ingredients Addition: Add 1 small ripe avocado, mashed, to the filling mixture for a creamy, buttery texture.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with a tangy lime-cilantro dipping sauce.

10. Mushroom & Swiss Crab & Cream Cheese Rolls

• Ingredients Addition: Add ½ cup of finely chopped sautéed mushrooms and ½ cup of shredded Swiss cheese to the filling mixture.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with a creamy mushroom sauce.

These variations offer a range of flavors and ingredients to customize your Crab & Cream Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls, making them perfect for any palate or occasion.

FAQs:

1. Can I use fresh crab meat instead of imitation crab meat?

• Yes, you can use fresh crab meat instead of imitation crab meat. Fresh crab meat will give a more authentic and richer flavor to the filling.

2. Can I make these crescent rolls ahead of time?

• Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the crescent rolls a day in advance. Store them unbaked in the refrigerator, covered, until you’re ready to bake them. Bake them just before serving for the best results.

3. Can I freeze the filled crescent rolls?

• Yes, you can freeze the baked and cooled crescent rolls. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

4. How do I reheat leftover crescent rolls?

• Reheat leftover crescent rolls in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes if refrigerated or 15-20 minutes if frozen (after thawing overnight in the refrigerator). This helps maintain their crispiness.

5. What can I use instead of mayonnaise in the filling?

• You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.

6. Can I add other ingredients to the filling?

• Absolutely! You can customize the filling by adding ingredients such as shredded cheese, finely chopped bell peppers, or other herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.

7. Can I use different types of dough for this recipe?

• Yes, you can use puff pastry or phyllo dough instead of crescent roll dough for a different texture. Follow the same filling and baking instructions, adjusting the baking time as needed.

8. What dipping sauces pair well with these crescent rolls?

• Some great dipping sauces include garlic aioli, spicy mustard, lemon-herb dressing, ranch, or a simple marinara sauce. Choose a sauce that complements the flavors you enjoy.

9. How many servings does this recipe make?

• This recipe makes 24 crescent roll bites, which can serve 12 people as an appetizer (2 bites per person) or fewer people if served as part of a larger spread.

10. How can I make the rolls look more appealing for serving?

• For a more attractive presentation, garnish the baked crescent rolls with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. You can also serve them on a decorative platter with lemon wedges and additional green onions.

These FAQs provide helpful information to ensure that your Crab & Cream Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls turn out perfectly and are enjoyed to the fullest by you and your guests.

Crab & Cream Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls are a versatile and delicious appetizer that can elevate any meal. The creamy, savory filling encased in the flaky crescent roll dough creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Easy to prepare and bake, this recipe is ideal for both novice and experienced cooks. Serve these delightful rolls at your next event and watch them disappear quickly. Enjoy the compliments and the satisfaction of serving a dish that’s as delicious as it is elegant.