Hot Crab Rolls
Hot Crab Rolls are savory, cheesy appetizers featuring crab and cream cheese, wrapped in bread, baked to golden perfection—perfect for parties, gatherings, or a special treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove crusts from bread slices.
- Lightly roll each bread slice with a rolling pin.
- Drain the crab; crumble and mix with cream cheese.
- Spread the crab mixture onto each bread slice.
- Roll up the bread slices and fasten with toothpicks.
- Refrigerate the rolls or freeze for later use.
- Cut the rolls into thirds.
- Roll each piece in melted butter, then in grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes until lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother crab mixture, consider blending the cream cheese and crab together in a food processor. If you can't find canned crab, fresh crab meat or even imitation crab can work as a substitute. For added flavor, mix in some Old Bay seasoning or Worcestershire sauce. If you're short on time, pre-sliced bread can save you some effort.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these hot crab rolls as an appetizer at your next gathering or alongside a fresh salad for a light lunch. They pair beautifully with Elegant Oysters and can be complemented by a zesty cocktail or chilled white wine. For a full meal, consider serving with Biloxi (Batter Fried Shrimp).
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover crab rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it may make the rolls soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Crab Rolls contains roughly 124 calories, with 8g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value).
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 these crab rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls and either refrigerate them for a few hours or freeze them for longer storage. Just remember to bake them after thawing if frozen, and adjust the baking time as needed.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for cream cheese, adding a tangy flavor. Alternatively, a dairy-free cream cheese can be used for a vegan version.
How do I ensure the rolls stay together while baking?
Make sure to securely fasten the rolls with toothpicks before baking. If you're concerned about them unrolling, you can also wrap them in parchment paper or foil during the first half of baking to help maintain their shape.
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).