Crab and Cheese Crescent rolls had no intention of being the star at Dana’s birthday brunch. The invite asked for something simple that could be prepped in under 20 minutes, and I nearly defaulted to a fruit tray like everyone else.
Instead, I grabbed a few things from the fridge crescent dough, leftover crab from a pasta night, cream cheese that had already softened on the counter and just rolled with it. As we packed up to leave, the smell still lingered in the kitchen, buttery and rich, with a hint of lemon and garlic.
While the kids scrambled to get their shoes on, the tray was cooling on the stovetop, warm and golden, with bubbling seams and just enough cheddar to catch the eye.
I didn’t have time to garnish, didn’t even slice parsley, but the aroma alone caught attention as soon as we arrived. Someone brought mini quiches, someone else made caprese skewers—but it was the crab rolls that disappeared before I’d even had a chance to grab one for myself.
They’re unassuming, those Crab and Cheese Crescent rolls. Nothing flashy, no tricky technique just a good filling wrapped in buttery dough and baked until crisp. But they hold their own on any table, even next to more elaborate dishes. That day, they earned more compliments than anything else I brought, and now they’ve made their way into that small mental file of recipes that show up again without needing a reason.
Short Description
Crab and Cheese Crescent rolls are golden, flaky pastries filled with a creamy blend of crab, cheeses, Dijon, and garlic baked until crisp and gooey for an irresistible appetizer or snack.
Key Ingredients
- 1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough
- ½ cup crab meat (canned, fresh, or imitation)
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Tools Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Oven
- Measuring spoons and cups
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, mix together crab meat, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth and evenly combined.
Step 3: Shape the Crescents
Unroll the crescent dough and separate into triangles. Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of crab filling onto the wide end of each triangle.
Step 4: Roll and Arrange
Roll each crescent from the wide end to the point, sealing edges gently. Place on the baking sheet with space between each.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and crisp on the outside.
Step 6: Cool and Garnish
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy appetizer
Uses convenient store-bought dough
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor
Ideal for parties, brunch, or snacks
Freezer-friendly before baking
Can be made with fresh or imitation crab
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Overfilling the dough
Filling leaks and prevents full baking.
Solution: Stick to 1–2 tablespoons of filling per roll and seal edges securely.
Not softening cream cheese
Filling won’t mix evenly.
Solution: Let cream cheese sit at room temp for 20 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds.
Baking too long
Can dry out the crab and make the pastry too dark.
Solution: Check at 12 minutes and pull when golden brown.
Too much liquid in the filling
Can cause soggy bottoms.
Solution: Drain canned crab meat and pat dry if needed before mixing.
Crowding the tray
Steam makes crescents less crispy.
Solution: Space them apart so they can crisp up evenly.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve on an appetizer platter with dipping sauces like aioli or lemon butter
Pair with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lime
Offer on a brunch buffet alongside fresh fruit
Great as party snacks or game day bites
Serve family-style on a wooden board with herbs for garnish
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
Reheat in the oven at 325°F for 8–10 minutes for best texture
Microwave for 20–30 seconds in a pinch, though pastry will soften
Freeze unbaked, filled crescents and bake from frozen, adding 3–4 minutes to bake time
FAQs
1. Can I use imitation crab?
Yes, it works well and is affordable. Just chop finely before mixing.
2. Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 12 hours before baking.
3. How do I keep the filling from leaking?
Don’t overfill and pinch the sides closed before rolling.
4. Are they good cold?
They taste best warm but can be served room temp for picnics or lunchboxes.
5. Can I make them gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free crescent dough substitute, available in some stores.
Tips & Tricks
Use a small cookie scoop for even filling
Chill the rolls for 10 minutes before baking for extra puff
Add a pinch of Old Bay seasoning for extra flavor
Brush tops with egg wash for a shiny finish
Mix in chopped green onions or red bell pepper for color
Recipe Variations
Spicy Crab Crescents
Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne or chopped jalapeños to the filling.
Herb & Garlic
Stir in 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill or chives.
Cheddar Ranch
Replace Dijon with ranch dressing and add extra cheddar.
Crab Rangoon-Style
Use only cream cheese, crab, and garlic powder, then serve with sweet chili sauce.
Mini Bites
Cut dough into smaller triangles and make bite-sized versions for parties.
Final Thoughts
Crab and Cheese Crescent rolls are small, but they show up big on the table. They’re warm, flaky, and full of flavor just the kind of thing people reach for without hesitation. These rolls come together quickly, but they deliver something satisfying and a little elegant, no matter the setting.
They’ve made it into school potlucks, quiet brunches, and holiday trays in our house. Every time, the tray clears faster than expected. Crab and Cheese Crescents are the kind of recipe you tuck in your back pocket for those “just bring something” moments and they always deliver.
Buttery Crab And Cheese Crescent Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 can 8 oz crescent roll dough
- ½ cup crab meat canned, fresh, or imitation
- ½ cup cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease it.
- Mix crab meat, cream cheese, cheddar, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
- Separate crescent dough into triangles and spoon 1–2 tablespoons of filling onto the wide end.
- Roll each crescent from wide end to point, seal gently, and space on the baking sheet.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
- Cool slightly, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve warm.
