Crispy Crab & Cheese Stuffed Crescent Puffs Recipe

Flaky, Cheesy Crab Crescent Puffs Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Crispy, golden crescent puffs loaded with delectable blue crab & cheese filling burst with flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance.

These elegant appetizers blend creamy cheese and succulent seafood in a perfectly flaky pastry shell.

Guests won’t be able to resist these irresistible bite-sized treats that come together in minutes.

The combination of tender crab meat and rich, melted cheese creates a luxurious starter for any occasion.

Simple ingredients merge into an impressive dish that looks like you spent hours preparing.

Serve these delightful puffs at your next gathering, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!” Dive into this mouthwatering recipe that promises to become your new favorite party appetizer.

Baking Crab & Cheese Puffs Easily

  • Oven Preparation

Warm up the oven to a toasty 375°F. Grab a baking sheet and give it a quick spray or line with parchment paper to keep things from sticking.

  • Flavor Creation

Dive into a mixing bowl and blend cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, green onions, parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper. Gently fold in delicate crab meat, making sure not to break the tender flakes.

  • Dough Transformation

Unroll the crescent dough into triangle shapes. Scoop a dollop of the creamy crab mixture onto the wide end of each triangle. Roll from the chunky side to the pointy tip, tucking the filling inside.

  • Golden Baking

Slide the baking sheet into the heated oven. Watch these little puffs turn a beautiful golden brown in about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye out to prevent burning.

  • Serving Magic

Pull out the crispy, puffy treats and let them cool just a bit. Sprinkle some extra parsley on top for a fresh touch. Enjoy these warm, cheesy crab delights right away.

Add More Zing to Your Crescent Puffs

  • Seafood Swap Magic: Replace crab meat with shredded cooked shrimp or imitation crab for a budget-friendly twist that still delivers incredible flavor.
  • Spice It Up: Add a dash of Old Bay seasoning or cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture for those who love a little extra kick and warmth in their appetizers.
  • Herb Garden Boost: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill, chives, or tarragon to create unique flavor profiles that complement the delicate crab meat perfectly.
  • Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare the filling and assemble the crescent puffs up to 24 hours in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving to ensure maximum freshness and crispy texture.

Serve Them Hot, Crisp, and Golden

  • Elegant Appetizer Platter: Arrange the crab and cheese stuffed crescent puffs on a beautiful wooden board surrounded by fresh herb sprigs, creating a stunning visual presentation that will impress guests at any gathering.
  • Dipping Delight Companions: Serve alongside zesty remoulade sauce, tangy cocktail sauce, or creamy garlic aioli to elevate the flavor profile and provide delicious complementary dipping options for these savory puffs.
  • Coastal Brunch Centerpiece: Feature these crescent puffs as a star attraction during a seafood-themed brunch, pairing them with light mixed greens, fresh fruit salad, and a crisp white wine to create a sophisticated morning meal.
  • Wine and Cheese Pairing: Match these cheesy crab puffs with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which will beautifully highlight the delicate crab meat and rich cheese flavors, making for an elegant appetizer experience.

Crescent Puff Storage for Next-Day Enjoyment

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover crab and cheese crescent puffs in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Seal them carefully to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
  • Freezing Flavor Lock: Wrap individual puffs in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe bag. These delightful treats can stay frozen for 2 weeks without losing their delectable taste and texture.
  • Reheating Revival Technique: Warm refrigerated or frozen puffs in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. This method restores their crispy exterior and ensures the cheese remains melty and appetizing.
  • Ingredient Freshness Check: Monitor crab meat's expiration date before preparing the recipe. Always use fresh, high-quality seafood to guarantee the best flavor and food safety for your crescent puffs.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 160 kcal

Servings: 9

Crab & Cheese Stuffed Crescent Puffs Ingredient List

For The Cheese Mixture:
  • Cream Cheese: Creamy base that binds the filling with rich, tangy flavor and smooth texture.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Adds delightful stretchiness and mild, milky notes to the stuffing.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Introduces sharp, nutty undertones that elevate the overall taste profile.
For The Protein and Herbs:
  • Crab Meat: Delicate, sweet seafood protein that provides luxurious maritime essence to the appetizer.
  • Green Onion: Provides subtle oniony sharpness and fresh, bright crunch to the mixture.
  • Parsley: Delivers fresh, clean herbal notes that complement the seafood's richness.
For The Pastry and Seasoning:
  • Crescent Roll Dough: Buttery, flaky vessel that creates golden, pillowy exterior for the stuffing.
  • Garlic Powder: Introduces deep, aromatic savory dimension without overwhelming other ingredients.
  • Black Pepper: Adds gentle warmth and subtle spiciness to enhance the overall flavor complexity.

Kitchen Tools to Shape Those Crescent Puffs

  • Mixing Bowl: Essential for blending cheese, herbs, and crab filling smoothly.
  • Baking Sheet: Crucial for holding and baking crescent puffs evenly.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup super easy.
  • Measuring Spoons: Perfect for portioning out precise amounts of spices and filling.
  • Cheese Grater: Helps create fresh, fluffy cheese for the perfect texture.
  • Spatula or Spoon: Great for stirring and folding ingredients gently.
  • Sharp Knife: Useful for chopping green onions and parsley finely.
Print
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Crispy Crab & Cheese Stuffed Crescent Puffs Recipe

Crispy Crab & Cheese Stuffed Crescent Puffs Recipe


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4.6 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Creamy crab & cheese stuffed crescent puffs deliver an elegant appetizer with rich seafood flavors. Simple ingredients combine for a luxurious party snack you won’t be able to resist.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package (8 oz / 226 g) refrigerated crescent rolls
  • 1 can (6 oz / 170 g) crab meat, drained and flaked
  • 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 green onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp parsley, fresh and chopped
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Optional: additional parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease to prevent sticking.
  2. Filling Creation: Blend cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, green onions, parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper into a smooth, cohesive mixture. Delicately fold in crab meat, maintaining its tender texture and ensuring even distribution.
  3. Dough Assembly: Carefully separate crescent dough triangles and place a generous portion of the crab-cheese filling at the wider end of each triangle. Roll from the broad base to the point, creating elegant spiral parcels with the pointed tip tucked underneath to seal the filling securely.
  4. Baking Process: Position the assembled puffs on the prepared baking sheet and transfer to the center rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, watching carefully to achieve a golden-brown exterior without burning.
  5. Finishing Touch: Remove the puffs from the oven and allow a brief cooling period. Garnish with a light sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve immediately while warm and at peak flavor.

Notes

  • Seal Carefully: Ensure the pointed end of each crescent triangle is tucked underneath to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
  • Crab Quality Matters: Use fresh or high-quality canned lump crab meat for the most delicate and flavorful filling.
  • Cheese Tip: Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for easier blending and smoother filling texture.
  • Avoid Overstuffing: Use a moderate amount of filling to prevent bursting and ensure even cooking of the crescent puffs.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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