Crab & Cheese Crescent Rolls
Yields: 8 rolls
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Ingredients:
1 (8 ounce) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
6 ounces cooked crab meat, flaked (fresh or canned, well-drained)
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or cheddar, Swiss, or a blend)
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or other seafood seasoning)
Pinch of garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash, optional)
Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) according to the crescent roll dough package directions.
Prepare Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flaked crab meat, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until well combined. Be careful not to overmix the crab meat.
Unroll Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into the 8 triangles.
Fill the Rolls: Spoon an equal amount of the crab and cheese mixture onto the wide end of each crescent roll triangle.
Roll Up: Starting at the wide end, roll up each triangle towards the point. Tuck the point underneath to seal.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the filled crescent rolls on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
Apply Egg Wash (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and water. Brush the tops of the crescent rolls with the egg wash for a golden and shiny finish.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and puffed up.
Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the baked crab and cheese crescent rolls from the baking sheet and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh chopped chives, if desired. Serve warm.
Tips and Variations:
Type of Crab: You can use lump crab meat, claw meat, or imitation crab meat, depending on your preference and budget. Make sure canned crab is well-drained.
Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere, Parmesan, or a spicy pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
Add Herbs: Fresh dill, parsley, or tarragon would also be delicious additions to the filling. Use about 1-2 teaspoons of chopped fresh herbs.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a little heat.
Make Ahead: The filling can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the rolls just before serving for the best texture.
Freezing: Baked and cooled crescent rolls can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Enjoy these delectable Crab & Cheese Crescent Rolls! They are sure to be a hit!