Crab Cheese Filled Crescent Rolls : Easy & Delicious Appetizer

Craving a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer? Crab cheese filled crescent rolls are the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness wrapped in a golden, flaky crescent roll. These savory seafood pastries are incredibly simple to prepare and make a fantastic snack, party appetizer, or even a light meal.

The filling features real crab meat, cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh herbs—creating a rich, flavorful bite in every roll. The buttery crescent dough bakes to perfection, delivering a crispy yet tender texture that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling.

These stuffed crescent rolls with crab are a great way to impress guests with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving them for game nights, family gatherings, or holiday parties, they are sure to disappear fast! Plus, they can be made ahead and baked fresh when needed.

Ready to make cheesy crab crescent rolls at home? Let’s get started!

Why You Will Love Making This Recipe

1. Quick & Easy

With just 10 minutes of prep time, these cheesy crab crescent rolls are perfect for last-minute appetizers.

2. Only a Few Ingredients

All you need is crescent roll dough, crab meat, cheeses, and seasonings—simple and delicious!

3. Packed with Flavor

The combination of savory crab, creamy cheeses, and aromatic herbs creates an unforgettable taste.

4. Perfect Party Appetizer

These rolls are ideal for game nights, parties, potlucks, and holidays—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

5. Make-Ahead Friendly

You can prepare them in advance and bake fresh when needed for a warm, crispy treat.

6. Customizable

Swap the crab for shrimp, lobster, or even chicken to create different variations!

7. Kid-Friendly

Even picky eaters love the cheesy, buttery goodness of these crescent rolls.

8. Restaurant-Quality at Home

They taste just like something from a fancy seafood restaurant—but at a fraction of the cost!

Save

Ingredients

1 (8 oz) package refrigerated crescent rolls
1 (6 oz) can lump crab meat, drained & flaked
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 green onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing, optional)

Equipment Used

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Mixing bowl
Spatula
Measuring cups & spoons

Directions & 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, Parmesan, green onion, parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
Gently fold in the flaked crab meat, making sure it’s evenly combined.

Save

Step 3: Assemble the Crescent Rolls

Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles.
Place about 1 tablespoon of crab cheese filling onto the wide end of each triangle.
Roll the dough from the wide end to the tip, enclosing the filling inside.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Arrange the rolls seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Optional: Brush with melted butter for extra flavor and crispiness.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and flaky.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce!

Save

Nutritional Information

Each crab cheese filled crescent roll (1 of 8 servings) contains approximately:

Calories: 190
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 11g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 320mg

Health Benefits

Crab Meat – A lean protein source rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Cheese – Provides calcium and adds creaminess.
Crescent Dough – A delicious, flaky base for this indulgent appetizer.

Prep Time and Cook Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Spicy Crab Rolls – Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Garlic Butter Rolls – Brush with garlic butter before baking.
Seafood Mix Rolls – Use a combination of crab, shrimp, and lobster.
Cheddar Crab Rolls – Swap mozzarella for sharp cheddar cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh crab meat?

Yes! Fresh crab meat adds even better flavor—just make sure it’s fully drained.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare and refrigerate unbaked rolls for up to 24 hours before baking.

What dipping sauces go well with these rolls?

They taste amazing with garlic butter, ranch dressing, or cocktail sauce.

Can I freeze them?

Yes! Freeze unbaked rolls on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes.

Pro Tips By Lynda

Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling.
Don’t overfill the rolls—too much filling can cause them to burst open.
Bake until golden brown for the best flaky texture.
Let them cool slightly before serving—the filling will be piping hot!

Serving Suggestions

As an appetizer for holiday parties and gatherings.
With a side salad for a light and delicious lunch.
Dipped in marinara or garlic butter for extra flavor.
Paired with a glass of white wine for an elegant touch.