Crab-Cream Cheese Bake
Crab-Cream Cheese Bake offers a rich, creamy filling with tender crabmeat, wrapped in flaky crescent dough. Perfect as an appetizer or light main, its savory flavors and golden crust make it a crowd-pleaser for gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, chopped green onions, and dried dill weed.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a greased baking pan.
- Do not separate the dough; press it into an 8 x 11-inch rectangle.
- Spoon crabmeat lengthwise along the center of the dough.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the crabmeat.
- Fold the long edges of the dough over the filling, slightly overlapping, and pinch together to seal.
- Place the dough seam side down on a baking sheet.
- Lightly brush the top of the dough with beaten egg yolk.
- Cut slits in the top of the dough.
- Bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until golden brown and flaky.
- Cut into 1-inch slices and serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some grated Parmesan cheese with the cream cheese mixture. If you don't have crabmeat, cooked shrimp can be a great substitute, giving a different but equally delicious taste. For a touch of heat, a dash of hot sauce can be added to the cream cheese mixture. Ensure the crescent rolls are well sealed to prevent leakage during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the crab-cream cheese bake warm, garnished with additional chopped green onions for freshness. It pairs beautifully with a light green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a more filling option, serve alongside rice or pasta. This dish also makes a great appetizer for gatherings or as part of a seafood recipes spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual pieces for 30-60 seconds, but the oven method will help maintain the flaky texture of the dough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab-Cream Cheese Bake contains roughly 290 calories, with 9g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the dish up to a day in advance. Keep the unbaked bake covered in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, just brush with egg yolk and bake as directed. This is a great time-saver for entertaining!
What type of crabmeat is best to use?
Using lump crabmeat will provide the best texture and flavor, but you can also use canned or imitation crabmeat as a more budget-friendly option. Just ensure to drain any excess liquid to avoid a soggy bake.
Can I freeze the crab-cream cheese bake?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked assembled dish. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as instructed for a quick meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).