Description: A delightful appetizer or light meal featuring flaky crescent rolls filled with a creamy, savory mixture of shrimp and crab, seasoned to perfection. These are incredibly easy to make and sure to be a hit at any gathering or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped into small pieces
- 1 cup imitation crab meat (or real crab meat), shredded or flaked
- 4 oz (1/2 cup) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: Lemon wedges, for serving
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Optional: Hot sauce, for serving
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the crescent bombs from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Prepare the seafood filling. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped cooked shrimp, shredded crab meat, softened cream cheese, sliced green onions, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, and black pepper.
Step 3: Mix the ingredients thoroughly. Use a fork or a rubber spatula to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed and the cream cheese is fully incorporated into the shrimp and crab mixture. Taste the filling and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You might want to add a pinch of salt or a dash more Old Bay, depending on your preference.
Step 4: Unroll the crescent roll dough. Carefully unroll the crescent roll dough on a clean, lightly floured surface. Separate the dough into the individual triangles.
Step 5: Fill the crescent roll triangles. Place a generous spoonful (about 2-3 tablespoons) of the shrimp and crab mixture at the wide end of each crescent roll triangle. Be careful not to overfill, or the filling might leak out during baking.
Step 6: Roll up the crescent bombs. Starting at the wide end, roll up each triangle towards the tip, forming a crescent shape. Gently pinch the edges to seal and prevent the filling from escaping during baking.
Step 7: Place the crescent bombs on the prepared baking sheet. Arrange the filled crescent rolls on the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for even baking.
Step 8: Brush with egg wash. In a small bowl, whisk the egg until smooth. Use a pastry brush to lightly brush the tops of the crescent bombs with the beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly glossy finish.
Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent bombs are golden brown and the filling is heated through. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 10: Cool slightly and serve. Once the crescent bombs are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm with lemon wedges and your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
These Shrimp and Crab Stuffed Crescent Bombs are incredibly versatile. They work perfectly as a party appetizer, a satisfying snack, or even a light lunch or dinner. The combination of flaky crescent dough with the creamy, savory seafood filling is simply irresistible. They’re also quick and easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and readily available ingredients. They are incredibly delicious and customizable to individual preferences.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer at parties or gatherings.
- Serve as a light lunch or dinner with a side salad.
- Pair with lemon wedges for a touch of brightness.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or a spicy aioli.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.
Tips:
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Don’t overfill the crescent rolls, or the filling might leak out during baking.
- Pinch the edges of the crescent rolls to seal them and prevent the filling from escaping.
- Brush the tops with egg wash for a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste.
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
- Use real crab meat for an even more luxurious flavor (and be mindful of shells!).
- If you don’t have Old Bay seasoning, you can substitute it with a mixture of paprika, celery salt, and black pepper.
- You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Leftover crescent bombs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 220-250 per serving
- Protein: Approximately 10-12 grams per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 300-400 mg per serving
Conclusion
Shrimp and Crab Stuffed Crescent Bombs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures in a convenient and easy-to-make package. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a tasty snack, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. The creamy seafood filling paired with the flaky crescent dough makes for an irresistible treat that everyone will love.
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use imitation crab meat instead of real crab meat?
- Yes, you can definitely use imitation crab meat. It’s a more budget-friendly option and works well in this recipe. Just make sure to shred it or flake it before adding it to the filling. Real crab meat will provide a richer flavor, but imitation crab meat is a perfectly acceptable substitute.
- Can I prepare these ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake the crescent bombs, simply fill the crescent rolls and bake as directed.
- Can I freeze these crescent bombs?
- It’s not recommended to freeze these after they are baked as the texture of the crescent dough may change. You can freeze the unbaked, filled crescent bombs on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?
- If you don’t have Old Bay seasoning, you can substitute it with a mixture of paprika, celery salt, and black pepper. A good starting point is to use equal parts of each spice, but feel free to adjust the amounts to your taste.
- Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
- Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile, and you can customize the filling to your liking. Some other ingredients you could add include:
- Diced red bell pepper
- Chopped celery
- A squeeze of lemon juice
- A dash of hot sauce
- Shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese
- Fresh dill or parsley
- Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile, and you can customize the filling to your liking. Some other ingredients you could add include:
