Elevate your next gathering with these elegant Crab and Cream Cheese Crescent Bites, the perfect amuse-bouche for any occasion. Imagine the irresistible aroma of buttery, flaky pastry giving way to a warm, rich, and savory crab filling in a single, perfect bite. This recipe proves that the most impressive appetisers can also be the easiest to create.
Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated apéritif, celebrating a holiday, or simply indulging in a delicious snack, these golden-brown bites are guaranteed to disappear from the platter in minutes.
Recipe at a Glance
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yields: 8 crescent bites
Ingredients:
- 1 can (235g) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 110g cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 170g crab meat (imitation or real, drained and flaked)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4teaspoon garlic powder1/2teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or paprika)- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 large egg, beaten with 1 teaspoon of water (for egg wash, optional)
Equipment:
- Medium mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Pastry brush (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375∘F(190∘C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Create the Savory Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, flaked crab meat, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, and fresh parsley. Stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble the Bites: Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 8 triangles along the perforated lines. Place about a tablespoon of the crab filling onto the wide end of each triangle. Be careful not to overfill.
- Roll and Seal: Starting from the wide end, roll up each triangle toward the point, enclosing the filling. Curve the ends slightly to create the classic crescent shape. Pinch the seams to seal the filling inside.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Arrange the rolled bites on the prepared baking sheet. For a professional, glossy finish, brush the tops with the optional egg wash. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescents are puffed, golden brown, and cooked through.
Ingredient Notes & Customisations
- Choosing Your Crab Meat:
- For Convenience (Imitation Crab): Imitation crab (or surimi) is budget-friendly, readily available, and works wonderfully. Chop it finely for the best texture.
- For Superior Flavour (Canned or Fresh Crab): For a more delicate and authentic taste, use canned lump crab meat (drained well) or fresh crab meat.
- Flavour Variations:
- Add finely chopped green onions or chives for a mild onion flavour.
- Introduce a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a gentle heat.
- Stir in a tablespoon of grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese for extra savory depth.
Tips for Entertaining & Storage
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the crescent bites up to 4 hours in advance. Arrange them on the baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake them straight from the fridge when your guests arrive.
- Freezing Guide: To freeze, assemble the bites but do not bake. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen bites to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the baking time.
- Reheating Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350∘F(175∘C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their flaky texture. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the dough soggy.
- Serving Suggestions: Arrange the warm bites on a platter. They are fantastic on their own but are even better paired with a dipping sauce like sweet chili sauce, cocktail sauce, or a spicy aioli. They are the perfect feature for an apéritif hour served alongside a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a celebratory glass of Champagne.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How do I prevent the filling from leaking during baking? The key is not to overfill the crescents and to pinch the seams and edges of the dough firmly to create a good seal.
2. Can I use a different filling? Absolutely. This recipe is very versatile. Try it with finely chopped cooked shrimp, shredded chicken mixed with buffalo sauce, or a vegetarian filling of spinach and feta cheese.
3. Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, several brands now offer gluten-free crescent roll dough. Simply substitute it and ensure your other filling ingredients are certified gluten-free.
4. What are the best dipping sauces to serve with these? A sweet chili sauce offers a lovely sweet and spicy contrast. A creamy dill dip, ranch dressing, or a zesty lemon aioli are also excellent choices that complement the crab filling beautifully.
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Elegant Crab and Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
These Crab Crescent Bites are an irresistible appetizer that combines flaky crescent dough with a creamy, savory crab filling. Perfect for parties, game days, or any occasion where you need a quick and delicious bite, these little savory pockets are packed with flavor and sure to impress your guests!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 bite (based on 10 bites)
Ingredients
1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup cooked crab meat (or imitation crab), chopped
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Prepare the crab mixture:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped crab meat, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Roll out the crescent dough:
Unroll the crescent dough onto a flat surface and separate it into individual triangles along the perforated lines.
Fill the crescent dough:
Spoon a generous amount of the crab mixture onto the wider end of each crescent triangle. Gently roll up the dough around the filling, starting at the wider end, and place each roll on the prepared baking sheet.
Optional cheese topping:
If desired, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each crescent bite for added flavor and a golden finish.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and puffed up.
Serve:
Remove from the oven and let the crab crescent bites cool slightly. Serve warm as an appetizer or snack.
Notes
You can use imitation crab if fresh crab meat is not available.
For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling mixture.
If you want a creamier texture, you can add a little sour cream to the filling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite (based on 10 bites)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 3mg
