Introduction
These crab crescent bites delight are everything you want in an easy appetizer—flaky, creamy, and full of flavor. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe combines buttery crescent dough with a rich filling of crab, cheese, and herbs. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply want a comforting snack, these warm, golden bites will win over any crowd. The crab crescent bites delight recipe uses simple ingredients and delivers big taste in small portions—perfect for effortless entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ready in under 30 minutes
Requires only a few simple ingredients
Elegant presentation with zero fuss
Customizable with your favorite herbs or cheeses
Great for parties, game nights, or holiday spreads
Recipe Origins
This recipe draws inspiration from classic American party snacks. Crescent dough, a staple in U.S. kitchens, wraps beautifully around creamy fillings for easy finger food. The crab and Old Bay combination pays homage to East Coast seafood traditions, especially in Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay area.
Ingredients
1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
1 cup cooked crab meat chopped
4 oz cream cheese softened
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 green onions finely chopped
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional garnish chopped parsley or paprika
Instructions
1- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
2- In a bowl, mix cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth
3- Gently fold in crab meat, green onions, Old Bay, shredded cheese, salt, and pepper
4- Unroll the crescent dough and separate into triangles
5- Spoon 1 tablespoon of filling onto the wide end of each triangle
6- Roll dough from the wide end to the tip, sealing the filling inside
7- Place on baking sheet, seam-side down, spacing evenly
8- Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown
9- Sprinkle with parsley or paprika if desired, and cool slightly before serving
Nutrition Information
Calories: 140
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 6g
Sodium: 310 mg
Quick Facts
Preparation Time: 15 min
Cooking Time: 15 min
Servings: 8
Difficulty: ⭐
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to preserve the flaky texture. You can prepare the filling a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
Garlic aioli
Cocktail sauce
Lemon wedges
A side of fresh salad or vegetable crudité
Drinks:
Crisp white wine or sparkling prosecco
Lager or pilsner
Sparkling water with lemon for a nonalcoholic option
Common Mistakes
Using cold cream cheese: Leads to a lumpy filling
Overstuffing the dough: Causes leaking during baking
Underbaking: Results in soggy bottoms
Skipping parchment paper: Makes cleanup harder
Recipe Variations
Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce
Cheesy: Try Gruyère, pepper jack, or a mix of cheeses
Tangy: Mix in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard
Fresh: Add lemon zest or fresh dill
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh crab instead of canned?
Yes! Fresh crab delivers the best flavor. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and drained before use.
Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
How do I keep crescents from unrolling?
Roll tightly and place seam-side down on the tray. You can also pinch the seams slightly to secure.
What dipping sauces work best?
Garlic aioli, lemon butter, and cocktail sauce are all excellent pairings.