An appetizer so elegant, no one will believe it’s homemade! With just a handful of everyday ingredients, these Crab Puffs are sure to win everyone over.
Holidays in my house always involve warm appetizers while we play games. Some of our favorites included Pepperoni Pizza Dip as well as Buffalo Chicken Dip.
Why Make Crab Puffs
A puffed pastry wrapping stuffed with succulent crab meat, a creamy mayo sauce and plenty of spices is my idea of a perfect finger food.
I’ve seen Crab Puffs served everywhere from elegant cocktail parties, where they’re passed around by black-tie clad waiters, to informal board game nights with old friends.
Crab Puffs are universally loved and ever so versatile. Even my friends who aren’t big seafood lovers enjoy a well made crab puff. They’re an ideal party food because you can hold one on your hand while sipping a glass of Apple Cider Sangria.
For this recipe, I used ready made crescent dough and canned crab leg meat. It was easy, quick and the results did not disappoint!
These have the perfect crab-to-puff ratio with an extra explosion of flavor from garlic and dijon mustard. I also loved that they’re not swimming in grease, since they’re baked and not fried.
We’ll be making these for our holiday parties this year for sure!
Ingredient Notes
Crescent Roll Dough– easy and affordable. You could always use phyllo cups (from the freezer section) as well as puff pastry!
Crab Meat– I like to keep the canned stuff on hand, as my fridge is always packed during the holidays. But imitation or real crab meat is equally delicious!
Mayonnaise– Use the real stuff.
Seasonings– I use salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika. For a spicy kick add some cajun seasoning. You won’t regret it.
Dijon Mustard– if you’re not a fan you can skip it, swap for dry mustard, or use yellow mustard. The dijon just adds a depth of flavor, not necessarily a mustard taste.
Step by Step Instructions
STEP 1. Grease a muffin tin
You need a miniature muffin tin to make this recipe and you need to grease it very well! Rub a thin coating of oil or cooking spray along every part of the tin, even the top!
STEP 2. Make the filling
Place the crab in a bowl and mix with mayonnaise, dijon mustard, garlic, paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
STEP 3. Assemble the puffs
Unroll the dough and cut it as evenly as you can into 24 equal square pieces. Press each piece into a section of the mini muffin tin.
Fill the cups with the crab mixture evenly.
Bake for 11-13 minutes until golden brown.
Let cool for a couple minutes in the tin, then transfer to a wire rack to cool until ready to eat.
Garnish with more chopped parsley for a little color and freshness!
That’s it. So simple and full of flavor!
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely. Thawed puff pastry, rolled and cut into 24 slices will work wonderfully too and make an extra crispy puff. Wonton wrappers would make a great alternative for the pastry too.
YES! After baking and cooling, freeze them on a baking sheet for 1 -2 hours until solid, then transfer to a freezer safe ziploc bag for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw in refrigerator and reheat your crab puffs in the oven.
Chances are good you aren’t going to want to go through the hassle of cooking your own crab meat from scratch. Canned crab claw meat is what I use but any kind of cooked ready made crab meat will do in your homemade crab puffs. You can even use imitation crab meat.
More Tips & Tricks
- Press the crescent dough (or puff pastry) into the muffin tin with your fingers, making sure the dough forms to the shape of the pan.
- Be careful not to overfill the muffin tins. A spoonful of filling in each puff will do to make sure they aren’t overflowing and you have enough filling for all the crab puffs.
- Swap out different flavors of mayo for a different taste. If you love spice, chipotle or sriracha mayo would be good options to try, as would garlic mayonnaise!
More Appetizer Recipes
- Artichoke Dip
- Queso Recipe
- Cannoli Dip
- Pimento Cheese Dip
- Rotel Dip– reader favorite!
- Grape Jelly Meatballs
Game Day Favorites
See all Appetizers recipes
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Crab Puffs
Ingredients
- 8 ounces crab meat*
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon fresh chopped parsley plus more for optional garnish
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh black pepper
- 1 can crescent dough sheet
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a mini muffin tin all over, even the top, set aside.
- Place the crab, mayonnaise, dijon, garlic, paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper in a medium-sized bowl. Gently mixed together until combined, set aside.
- Unroll the dough onto a clean work surface and cut as evenly as you can into 24 equal square pieces. Press each piece into a section of the mini muffin tin, pressing down to form into the tin.
- Fill the cups with the crab mixture evenly. Bake for 11-13 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool for a couple minutes in the tin, then transfer to a wire rack to cool until ready to eat.
- Garnish with more chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Can crab puffs be made with puff pastry? Absolutely. Thawed puff pastry, rolled and cut into 24 slices will work wonderfully too and make an extra crispy puff. Wonton wrappers would make a great alternative for the pastry too.
- Can you freeze crab puffs? YES! After baking and cooling, freeze them on a baking sheet for 1 -2 hours until solid, then transfer to a freezer safe ziploc bag for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw in refrigerator and reheat your crab puffs in the oven.
- What kind of crab meat should you use in crab puffs? Chances are good you aren’t going to want to go through the hassle of cooking your own crab meat from scratch. Canned crab claw meat is what I use but any kind of cooked ready made crab meat will do in your homemade crab puffs. You can even use imitation crab meat.
Nutrition
You don’t need to hit the town or throw a party to share a platter of Crab Puffs with those you love. Make these for your family this holiday season and turn any night of the week into a celebration!
Hi, can i make these in a regular size muffin tin? I think they would be great for a brunch menu .
I haven’t tested it, but I would just bake a little longer (keep your eye on them). Enjoy!
I’m allergic to shell fish can you use imitation crab?
You can!
I made these tonight but substituted salt for Old Bay and added some sharp shredded cheddar cheese. Delicious!
Bet this crab filling would work well in crescent roll pinwheels.
I tried them tonight – delicious! I think I may make them again and try putting chicken in them. Do you think that would work?
A little shredded (cooked) chicken should be delicious!
Hello-I’m
Wondering if I could make them w/wonton wraps?
Aimee, Recipe says to cool on a rack until ready to serve. Are these served at room temperature?
Thanks, Vickie
I prefer them room temperature. But it’s a taste preference. If it’s going to be more than an hour to serving, you can refrigerate and warm up before serving.
Do these taste ok cold or room temperature
This looks delicious and so easy for pre dinner appetizers could I make this up before company arrives, keep them in the fridge then pop in the oven when ready? Thank you!
Just read one of your comments regarding this question. Sorry!
Hi Aimee! Looking forward to making these for my mother-in-law’s birthday lunch on Sunday! Can I prepare the dip ahead of time (Saturday night) and refrigerate overnight or or would you recommend preparing it right before assembling them? Thank you!
You can make the filling the night before, but I wouldn’t assemble until ready to bake.
Could I use puff pastry sheets instead of crescent roll dough?
Can you use wonton wraps instead of dough?
I made with wonton wrappers and they were delish!
Did you bake the wonton wrapper before filling ?
I remember this recipe from my childhood- 40+ years ago! But, I could have sworn there was cheese (Swiss?) included too? Anyone know a variation of this recipe with cheese?
There’s no reason you couldn’t add some shredded swiss cheese before filling them 🙂 Sounds delicious!
Could you use a little cream cheese?
I can’t wait to make this recipe. If I cannot find crescent rolls, what would be a good substitute?
Puff pastry works too!
Can you freeze these before cooking and then cook them later?
I love crab cakes I used to make them with my mother but she is gone so I have the recipe from donna
Being from Baltimore I will use fresh lump crab meat. These will go to my Mom’s for Thanksgiving! Thank you so much!
I would totally use fresh if I had access 🙂 Enjoy!!
This is one of the best appetizers I have ever made! We loved it, it was an easy recipe to follow and absolutely delicious!
I love crab dishes, especially appetizers like this. So yummy and easy to make. 🙂
My daughter is going to love this recipe! I can’t wait to give this a try! Looks so good and yummy! So excited!