What’s a party without a delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizer that everyone can’t get enough of? These Crab Crescent Bites are the ultimate solution. They take the flaky, buttery goodness of crescent roll dough and fill it with a rich, savory crab mixture, creating a warm, golden, and absolutely irresistible bite.1

This recipe is the perfect combination of simple and elegant. It requires minimal prep time and a handful of ingredients, but the result is a gourmet-tasting appetizer that is perfect for a holiday gathering, a game day party, or any time you need a quick and easy snack that feels special.

Easy Crab Crescent Bites

The Ultimate Party Appetizer

Yields: 16 bites

Prep time: 10 minutes2

Cook time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough3

  • 4 ounces imitation crab meat, finely shredded

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature4

  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ¼ teaspoon paprika

  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling

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

  2. Mix: In a medium bowl, use a fork to combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard until smooth.

  3. Add Flavor: Stir in the shredded crab meat, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

2. Assemble the Crescent Bites

  1. Unroll: Unroll the crescent roll dough on a clean surface.7 Do not separate the triangles. The sheet should be a single large rectangle.

  2. Spread: Spread the crab mixture evenly over the entire surface of the crescent roll dough, leaving a small border around the edges.8

  3. Roll: Starting from one of the long sides, carefully and tightly roll the dough into a log.

3. Slice and Bake

  1. Slice: Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 16 equal, bite-sized slices.

  2. Arrange: Place the slices, cut-side up, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

  3. Bake: Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and puffed up.9

  4. Garnish: Immediately remove from the oven and sprinkle with the chopped fresh chives.

Pro-Tips for a Perfect Bite

  • Soften the Cream Cheese: This is a crucial step for a smooth, lump-free filling. Let it sit on the counter for at least 30 minutes before you start.

  • The Right Crab: While real crab meat will work, imitation crab meat is the perfect choice for this appetizer. Its mild flavor and firm texture hold up beautifully in the filling.

  • Don't Overfill: Spread a thin, even layer of the crab mixture.10 Overfilling can make the bites messy and prevent them from baking properly.

  • Cut with a Sharp Knife: Use a very sharp knife to slice the log into pieces. This will help you get clean cuts and prevent the bites from getting squished.

  • Serve Warm: These bites are best served warm, right out of the oven, when the pastry is flaky and the filling is gooey.11