Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Crescent Bombs
Get ready to impress your friends and family with these irresistible Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Crescent Bombs. Packed with a creamy and flavorful seafood filling, these golden crescent bites are the perfect appetizer or party snack that everyone will rave about. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or looking for a scrumptious treat to enjoy any day, these delightful pockets of goodness bring together the luscious tastes of shrimp and crab in a fun, handheld form that’s hard to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple yet sophisticated: Combines easy-to-find ingredients with an elegant seafood filling that tastes gourmet.
- Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for parties, game days, or family dinners, these crescent bombs satisfy all ages.
- Quick to prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a fantastic last-minute appetizer option.
- Versatile serving: Serve warm or at room temperature without losing any of that creamy seafood goodness.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the filling or seasoning to suit preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Crescent Bombs comes from a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, each playing an important role in providing flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden finish.
- Shrimp: Fresh or thawed, peeled and deveined shrimp form the base of the creamy filling.
- Crab meat: Lump or claw crab adds sweetness and a delicate seafood taste.
- Cream cheese: Provides a rich, smooth consistency that binds the filling together.
- Shredded mozzarella or cheddar: Adds gooey melty goodness inside each crescent bomb.
- Crescent roll dough: Store-bought dough that bakes to a flaky, golden outer shell.
- Lemon juice and zest: Brightens the seafood flavors with fresh citrus notes.
- Garlic and herbs: Minced garlic and fresh parsley or dill for an aromatic boost.
- Optional seasonings: A pinch of cayenne or Old Bay seasoning for a subtle kick and classic seafood flavor.
Variations for Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Crescent Bombs
You can easily customize these Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Crescent Bombs to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients or flavor profiles to make this recipe your own.
- Spicy twist: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for some heat in the filling.
- Cheese swap: Use pepper jack, gouda, or Swiss cheese to change the flavor profile.
- Seafood mix-up: Substitute crab with lobster or scallops for a more luxurious version.
- Herb variations: Try fresh basil, chives, or tarragon instead of parsley for a different herbal note.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free crescent dough or puff pastry to keep it friendly for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How to Make Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Crescent Bombs
Step 1: Prepare the seafood filling
Start by finely chopping cooked shrimp and crab meat, then mix them gently with softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh herbs, and your preferred seasonings in a bowl until creamy and well combined.
Step 2: Preheat the oven and prepare the dough
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the crescent roll dough on a clean surface and gently separate it into triangles as per package instructions, ready for filling.
Step 3: Assemble the crescent bombs
Place a generous spoonful of the seafood filling near the wider base of each triangle. Carefully roll the dough up toward the point, tucking in the edges as you go to fully enclose the filling.
Step 4: Bake until golden
Arrange the stuffed crescents on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with melted butter for extra richness and a beautiful golden color, then bake for 12-15 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Let the bombs cool for a few minutes before serving warm for the best creamy, melty experience that melts in your mouth.
Pro Tips for Making Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Crescent Bombs
- Use fresh seafood: Fresh or properly thawed seafood dramatically improves the flavor and texture.
- Don’t overfill: Avoid stuffing too much filling to prevent dough from tearing during baking.
- Chill the filling: If time allows, refrigerate the filling for 15-20 minutes to help it set for easier rolling.
- Butter brush: Brushing the tops with melted butter before baking promotes a shiny, golden crust.
- Serve warm: These bombs taste best fresh from the oven or gently reheated to keep the filling gooey.
How to Serve Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Crescent Bombs
Garnishes
Brighten up your presentation by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or dill on top, and consider a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving to enhance the seafood flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair your crescent bombs with crisp garden salads, tangy coleslaw, or a light cucumber and dill salad to balance out the richness of the filling.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these bites on a wooden platter surrounded by colorful dipping sauces like spicy aioli, remoulade, or a classic cocktail sauce for an inviting appetizer spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Crescent Bombs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the unbaked stuffed crescents on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to one month.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until warmed through to preserve their crispness and creamy filling.
FAQs
Can I use canned crab meat for the filling?
Yes, canned crab meat works well and is a convenient option, just be sure to drain it thoroughly to avoid watery filling.
Is it possible to make these vegan or vegetarian?
For a vegetarian option, substitute the shrimp and crab with finely chopped artichoke hearts or mushrooms and use vegan cream cheese and cheese alternatives.
How can I prevent the crescents from leaking during baking?
Avoid overfilling and press the edges securely when rolling to seal the filling inside, which will help prevent leaks.
Can I prepare the filling a day ahead?
Absolutely! Preparing the filling in advance allows the flavors to meld even better and makes assembly quicker when you’re ready to bake.
Are Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Crescent Bombs suitable for freezing after baking?
While you can freeze after baking, the texture may change slightly; freezing unbaked bombs is better for maintaining quality.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy-to-make, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing appetizer, Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Crescent Bombs are the perfect choice. Their creamy, cheesy seafood filling wrapped in flaky crescent dough creates a bite-sized treat that’s sure to become a household favorite. Grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself and your guests to these delightful crescent bombs—they’re simply irresistible!
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PrintShrimp & Crab Stuffed Crescent Bombs
Shrimp & Crab Stuffed Crescent Bombs are irresistible golden crescent-shaped bites filled with a creamy, flavorful seafood mixture of shrimp, crab, cream cheese, and shredded cheese. Perfect as an elegant yet simple appetizer or party snack, these quick-to-make crescent bombs combine fresh citrus, garlic, and herbs for a gourmet seafood experience that’s sure to impress at any gathering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 stuffed crescent bombs 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free dough is used)
Ingredients
Seafood Filling
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
- 1 cup lump or claw crab meat, finely chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper or Old Bay seasoning
Dough & Topping
- 1 package (8 oz) store-bought crescent roll dough
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Prepare the seafood filling: Finely chop the cooked shrimp and crab meat. In a mixing bowl, gently combine the seafood with softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh herbs, and your preferred seasonings until creamy and well blended.
- Preheat the oven and prepare the dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the crescent roll dough on a clean surface and carefully separate it into triangles as indicated on the package.
- Assemble the crescent bombs: Place a generous spoonful of the seafood filling near the wider base of each dough triangle. Roll the dough from the base toward the point, tucking the edges in as you roll to securely enclose the filling.
- Bake until golden: Arrange the stuffed crescents on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter for richness and a golden finish. Bake for 12-15 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
- Serve and enjoy: Allow the crescent bombs to cool for a few minutes before serving warm to enjoy their creamy, melty filling and flaky crust.
Notes
- Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp and crab for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not overfill the crescents to prevent tearing during baking.
- Chill the filling for 15-20 minutes if time allows to make rolling easier.
- Brushing tops with melted butter promotes a shiny, golden crust.
- Serve warm or reheat gently to maintain gooey filling and crisp crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed crescent bomb
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: shrimp appetizer, crab appetizer, stuffed crescent rolls, seafood crescent bombs, party snacks, easy seafood recipes
