These Crab Crescent Bites are golden, flaky little pastries filled with a creamy crab and cheese mixture. They make the perfect party appetizer or quick snack that looks impressive but takes minimal effort to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s quick, simple, and always a hit. The creamy crab filling pairs beautifully with the buttery crescent dough, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s impossible to resist. I often make them when I need something easy yet elegant for gatherings or family treats.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
1 cup cooked crab meat, chopped (fresh, canned, or imitation)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 green onions, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, crab meat, green onions, Old Bay seasoning, shredded cheese (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles.
Place about 1 tablespoon of the crab mixture on the wide end of each triangle.
Roll each triangle up from the wide end toward the point, enclosing the filling. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
Let the bites cool slightly before serving warm.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 8 servings (16 bite-sized rolls). Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
Substitute shrimp or tuna for the crab meat for a different flavor.
Add a pinch of garlic powder or Dijon mustard to the filling for extra zest.
Use puff pastry instead of crescent dough for a flakier result.
Sprinkle paprika or chopped parsley on top before baking for color.
Make mini muffin-style bites by pressing dough into muffin tins and filling each cup with crab mixture.
Storage/Reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until crisp and warm again. If I plan to freeze them, I freeze the unbaked rolls on a tray, transfer them to a freezer bag, and bake directly from frozen, adding 3–5 extra minutes to the baking time.
FAQs
What type of crab meat works best?
I usually use lump crab meat for the best flavor, but canned or imitation crab also works well for convenience.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare and assemble them a few hours ahead, then refrigerate until ready to bake. That way, they’re fresh and warm when served.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free crescent dough or puff pastry. Just make sure the crab meat and seasonings are also gluten-free.
Can I serve these cold?
While they taste best warm, I’ve enjoyed them chilled as well. The flavors stay creamy and savory even after cooling.
How can I prevent the filling from leaking out?
I make sure not to overfill the triangles and press the dough edges tightly to seal. Chilling the filled rolls for a few minutes before baking also helps keep everything intact.
Conclusion
I love how these Crab Crescent Bites deliver rich, savory flavor with such little effort. They’re creamy inside, crisp outside, and completely irresistible. Whether I’m entertaining or just craving something special, these bites are always a crowd-pleaser.
Golden, flaky crescent rolls filled with a creamy crab and cheese mixture—these Crab Crescent Bites make the perfect quick appetizer or elegant party snack.
Ingredients
1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
1 cup cooked crab meat, chopped (fresh, canned, or imitation)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 green onions, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, crab meat, green onions, Old Bay seasoning, cheese (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth.
Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles.
Place 1 tablespoon of crab mixture at the wide end of each triangle.
Roll up from the wide end to the tip, enclosing the filling. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
Cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
Swap crab for shrimp or tuna for variation.
Add garlic powder or Dijon mustard for more flavor.
Use puff pastry instead of crescent dough for a flakier texture.
Top with paprika or parsley before baking for color.
Press dough into mini muffin tins for bite-sized cups.
