Easy Crab Crescent Bites: The Ultimate Party Appetizer

When you need an appetizer that looks impressive but is incredibly easy to make, these Easy Crab Crescent Bites are the perfect choice. They are savory, cheesy, and packed with a creamy crab filling, all wrapped in a flaky, golden-brown crescent roll.1 They are a true crowd-pleaser and a perfect last-minute addition to any party.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With a can of crescent roll dough and a few simple ingredients, you can create a warm, satisfying, and delicious appetizer that will disappear in minutes. They are the ultimate bite-sized delight.

Easy Crab Crescent Bites

Yields: 16 bites

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 12-15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened

  • 8 oz imitation crab meat (or real crab meat), finely chopped

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise

  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling & Dough

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).2

  2. Make Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it is smooth. Stir in the finely chopped crab meat, mayonnaise, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

  3. Unroll Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into 8 triangles.

2. Assemble and Bake

  1. Cut Dough: Cut each crescent roll triangle in half to create 16 smaller triangles.

  2. Fill: Place about a tablespoon of the crab filling onto the wide end of each dough triangle.

  3. Roll: Roll the dough from the wide end towards the tip, encasing the filling.

  4. Arrange: Place the filled crescent bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

3. Bake Until Golden

  1. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the filling is hot.

  2. Cool: Let the bites cool for a few minutes before serving.

Pro-Tips for a Perfect Bite

  • The Right Crab: While imitation crab meat is convenient and affordable, you can use real crab meat for a more authentic and gourmet flavor.

  • Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This will help you get a smooth, lump-free filling.

  • Don't Overfill: Be careful not to add too much filling to each crescent. About a tablespoon is the perfect amount to prevent the filling from oozing out.

  • Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake just before serving.

  • Serving Suggestions: These bites are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a simple side of lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.