Name: Crab & Cheese Crescent Delight Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough; 1/2 cup crab meat (canned, fresh, or imitation); 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tbsp mayonnaise; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp black pepper

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve been on the hunt for something that’s rich, decadent, and delightfully easy to whip up, allow me to introduce my go-to for parties, brunches, and cozy snack nights: the Crab & Cheese Crescent Delight. Imagine velvety crab and tangy cheese, wrapped in a flaky, golden crescent—each bite bursts with flavor and comfort! It’s the perfect union of simplicity and wow-factor, making it a crowd-pleaser whether you’re entertaining friends or just treating yourself. This crave-worthy pastry will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Crab & Cheese Crescent Delight Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this recipe is how accessible and straightforward the ingredients are. Each one brings something special to the table, whether it’s pops of color, creamy richness, or that irresistible savory touch. Here’s what you’ll need to make your own batch of Crab & Cheese Crescent Delight:

Crescent roll dough: Buttery and perfectly flaky, canned crescent dough is the backbone of this recipe and creates that irresistible golden shell.
Crab meat: Whether you choose canned, fresh, or imitation crab, it delivers that briny, sweet seafood flavor we all crave.
Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese adds unmatched creaminess and body to the filling.
Shredded cheddar cheese: A touch of cheddar brings color and a hint of sharpness to balance the crab and cream cheese.
Mayonnaise: This sneaky addition makes everything richer and binds the filling together beautifully.
Dijon mustard: Just a tablespoon zips up the flavors and keeps things vibrant, not heavy.
Lemon juice: Fresh and tart, lemon cuts through the richness and brightens each bite.
Garlic powder: The subtle base note of garlic infuses the filling with savory depth.
Black pepper: A pinch of freshly ground black pepper wakes up all the other flavors.
Fresh parsley: (Optional) Adds a burst of color and fresh flavor as a final garnish.

How to Make Crab & Cheese Crescent Delight

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light grease to prevent sticking—the key to a golden, crisp finish for your Crab & Cheese Crescent Delight!

Step 2: Unroll and Separate the Crescent Dough

Pop open your can of crescent dough and carefully unroll it on your work surface. Gently separate along the perforated lines so you have 8 triangles. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect; once baked, the flavor will steal the show!

Step 3: Mix the Crab & Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the crab meat, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is creamy, well-blended, and flecked with delicious crab throughout. This is your magic filling for the Crab & Cheese Crescent Delight.

Step 4: Fill Each Crescent Triangle

Scoop about 1–2 tablespoons of filling onto the wide end of each dough triangle. Be generous, but don’t overload—you want to be able to roll them up without the filling spilling out.

Step 5: Roll, Seal, and Arrange

Carefully roll each triangle from the wide end to the tip, tucking in the sides as you go. Seal the edges as best you can to keep all that creamy crab goodness inside. Place each roll on your prepared baking sheet, giving them a little space so they bake evenly.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your baking sheet into the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. Watch for crescents that are puffed and richly golden brown. The aroma will let you know they’re almost done!

Step 7: Cool Briefly

Once your Crab & Cheese Crescent Delight rolls are done baking, take them out and let them cool for 2–3 minutes. This gives the filling a chance to set up—plus you won’t scorch your tongue when you dig in!

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

If you’d like, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top just before serving. The bright green flecks are a beautiful contrast to the rich, cheesy filling and crispy bread.

How to Serve Crab & Cheese Crescent Delight

Garnishes

A little garnish makes your Crab & Cheese Crescent Delight look restaurant-worthy. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. A touch of lemon zest on top is also lovely if you want something extra-bright.

Side Dishes

These crescents shine alongside crisp green salads, tangy coleslaw, or a bowl of creamy tomato soup. For a brunch spread, serve with fresh fruit or a simple cucumber salad. Their rich, savory filling pairs beautifully with anything light and refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile them high on a tiered cake stand for parties, or arrange in a wreath shape on a platter with parsley tucked between each roll. For elegant gatherings, plate each Crab & Cheese Crescent Delight on a small dish with a lemon wedge and parsley sprig.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you miraculously have leftovers, store baked crescents in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to three days, still maintaining their creamy inside and buttery crust.

Freezing

Crab & Cheese Crescent Delight freezes wonderfully. Once baked and cooled, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat chilled or thawed crescents in a 325°F (163°C) oven for about 7–10 minutes, or until heated through and the pastry is crisp again. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the dough a bit soft.

FAQs

Can I use real crab instead of imitation crab?

Absolutely! Real crab meat makes the Crab & Cheese Crescent Delight extra luxurious. Just make sure to pick over the meat for any bits of shell if you’re using fresh crab.

What’s the best way to keep the filling from leaking out?

Don’t overfill the crescents, and make sure to firmly press the seams closed as you roll. A little oozing is normal, but sealing well helps keep the goodness inside.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Definitely! The crab and cheese filling can be mixed up to a day in advance and stored, tightly covered, in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble your crescents.

What other cheeses can I use?

Feel free to swap the cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even Gruyère—each change will make your Crab & Cheese Crescent Delight uniquely delicious.

Can I prepare these in advance and bake later?

Yes, you can assemble the filled crescents up to a few hours ahead. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving for the freshest flavor and flakiest texture.

Final Thoughts

Treat yourself and your loved ones to the joy of Crab & Cheese Crescent Delight—you might just find it becomes your signature party snack or comfort food. It’s creamy, flaky, and totally irresistible, so don’t be surprised if it disappears in minutes. Happy baking!

Crab & Cheese Crescent Delight Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 13 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 crescents 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Crab & Cheese Crescent Delight is a delightful appetizer that combines the rich flavors of crab meat, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough. These savory crescents are perfect for any gathering or as a special treat for yourself.

Ingredients

Scale

Crescent Roll Dough:

1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough

Crab Filling:

1/2 cup crab meat (canned, fresh, or imitation)
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
Prepare the Dough: Unroll the crescent dough and separate the triangles.
Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine crab meat, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Fill the Dough: Spoon the crab mixture onto each crescent triangle and roll them up, starting from the wide end.
Bake: Place the rolled crescents on the baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Cool and Garnish: Let the crescents cool slightly, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

You can use fresh, canned, or imitation crab meat based on your preference.
Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste, adding more or less garlic powder and pepper.
These crescents are best served fresh but can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American