Crab Crescents (Easy 3-Ingredient Appetizer!)

Flaky, buttery, decadent, and ready in just 25 minutes.

If you’re looking for a fast, elegant, and absolutely irresistible appetizer, these Crab Crescents belong at the top of your list. Tender crescent roll dough is wrapped around a savory blend of fresh crabmeat and vibrant basil pesto, creating warm, golden, bite-sized treats that taste restaurant-worthy—yet require almost no effort. With just three ingredients and 25 minutes, this recipe is proof that sometimes simplicity creates the most unforgettable flavor.

Perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, game days, Valentine’s Day appetizers, cocktail hours, or last-minute entertaining, these little crescent bites deliver big flavor with minimal prep. They’re portable, beautiful on a platter, and universally loved. Even better—no one will guess they took you less than half an hour from start to finish.

Whether you’re an experienced cook or a total beginner, this recipe guarantees success. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the best Crab Crescents ever, including variations, serving ideas, storage tips, and helpful step-by-step guidance.

Why You’ll Love These Crab Crescents

• Only 3 ingredients! Crescent dough, pesto, and fresh crab—nothing fancy or complicated.
• Ready in 25 minutes with almost no prep or cleanup.
• Perfect texture: flaky, buttery dough wrapped around creamy, delicate seafood.
• Crowd-pleasing flavor thanks to bright basil pesto and sweet crab.
• Ideal for parties because they’re bite-sized, easy to pick up, and stay delicious even as they cool.
• Easily scalable—double or triple the batch for larger gatherings.
• Test-kitchen approved and foolproof for cooks of any skill level.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple Ingredients, Incredible Flavor

You only need three ingredients to create these warm, savory crescent bites. Each one brings something unique and essential to the recipe.

1. Refrigerated Crescent Rolls

1 tube (8 ounces)
Crescent dough is buttery, flaky, and perfectly tender when baked. It provides structure while keeping everything light enough for an appetizer. Any brand works—Pillsbury is the classic choice.

2. Prepared Pesto

3 tablespoons
Pesto brings rich basil flavor, garlicky depth, Parmesan notes, and a touch of oil that keeps the filling moist. Use store-bought pesto for convenience or homemade if you have some on hand.

3. Fresh Crabmeat

1/2 cup
Crab adds sweetness and a delicate seafood richness that pairs beautifully with buttery pastry and aromatic pesto. Fresh crab is ideal, but refrigerated or high-quality canned crab also works.

How to Make Crab Crescents

This recipe could not be simpler, but following these steps ensures perfectly shaped crescents every time—golden, sealed, and packed with flavor.

Step 1 — Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). A hot oven ensures crispy, golden crescent rolls with beautiful lift.

Step 2 — Prepare the Crescent Dough

Unroll the dough gently onto a clean work surface.
Separate into the 8 perforated triangles.

Then, using a knife or dough cutter, slice each triangle lengthwise to create two smaller triangles.
You should now have 16 triangles, each ready to be filled.

Step 3 — Add the Pesto

Spread 1/2 teaspoon of pesto over each triangle.
You want a thin layer—not too much—so the rolls stay intact while baking.

The pesto creates the moisture and richness that makes these crescents unbelievably flavorful.

Step 4 — Add the Crab Filling

Place 1 rounded teaspoon of fresh crabmeat at the wide end of each triangle.

Press down lightly so the crab adheres to the dough.

Step 5 — Roll the Crescents

Starting at the wide end, gently roll each triangle into a crescent shape.

Place each one point-side down on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving at least 1 inch of space between each.

Step 6 — Bake

Bake the crescents for 10–12 minutes, or until:

• golden brown
• flaky
• cooked through
• lightly crisped on the edges

Your kitchen will smell incredible—warm butter, basil garlic notes, and sweet seafood.

Step 7 — Serve Warm

Transfer immediately to a platter and serve warm.
Serve them as-is, or pair with your favorite dipping sauce (see ideas below!).

Nutrition Information (Per Crescent)

• Calories: 74
• Fat: 4g (1g saturated)
• Cholesterol: 5mg
• Sodium: 144mg
• Carbohydrates: 6g (1g sugar)
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g

A perfectly portioned appetizer that won’t weigh guests down.

Tips for the Best Crab Crescents

✔ Use fresh crab for maximum flavor

Fresh lump crab gives the best texture and sweetness. If using canned, drain well and avoid overly shredded varieties.

✔ Be careful not to overfill

A heaping teaspoon is perfect. Too much crab or pesto may cause the crescents to burst open.

✔ Keep the dough cold

Warm dough becomes sticky and hard to roll. If the dough softens too much, refrigerate it for 5 minutes.

✔ Seal the tips

Place crescents point-side down to prevent unrolling in the oven.

✔ Bake until deeply golden

Color equals flavor. A lightly golden color is good, but a richer brown indicates perfect flakiness.

Variations

These crescents are extremely customizable. Try one of these fun twists:

1. Lemon Herb Crab Crescents

Mix 1 teaspoon lemon zest into the crab for a bright, fresh flavor.

2. Spicy Cajun Crab Crescents

Add a pinch of Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes to the crab mixture.

3. Cheesy Crab Crescents

Sprinkle a little shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on the dough before rolling.

4. Garlic Butter Glaze

Brush finished crescents with melted garlic butter and parsley.

5. Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

Swap classic pesto for a tomato-based version—rich, sweet, and savory.

6. Creamy Crab Filling

Mix crab with 1 tablespoon cream cheese for extra richness.

Serving Suggestions

Crab Crescents are versatile enough for any occasion. Serve them with:

Dips & Sauces

• Lemon aioli
• Garlic butter
• Marinara
• Spicy mayo
• Basil cream sauce

Party Pairings

• Sparkling wine or Prosecco
• A crisp Sauvignon Blanc
• Light cocktails
• Holiday spreads
• Game-day trays

They also pair beautifully with other appetizers like shrimp cocktail, cheese boards, or stuffed mushrooms.

How to Store and Reheat

Store:

Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat:

Warm in a 325°F oven for 8–10 minutes.
Avoid microwaving—it softens the pastry.

Freeze:

These freeze beautifully!
Place cooled crescents in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheat from frozen at 350°F for 12–15 minutes.

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prep these crescents up to 6 hours ahead:

• Roll them
• Arrange on a baking sheet
• Cover with plastic wrap
• Refrigerate

Bake just before serving for maximum freshness and flakiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use imitation crab?

Yes—but fresh crabmeat has far superior flavor and texture.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe scales perfectly for parties.

Can I use homemade pesto?

Yes! Homemade basil pesto adds beautiful brightness and depth.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Use gluten-free crescent dough if available.

Final Thoughts

These Crab Crescents are everything you want in a party appetizer—rich, flaky, savory, and unbelievably easy. They’re elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough for busy weeknights or last-minute guests. With only three ingredients and a quick 25-minute prep, this recipe is a true time-saving gem that never fails to impress.

One bite of the warm, buttery crescent pastry stuffed with sweet crab and aromatic pesto, and you’ll understand why this recipe is so beloved. Try them once, and they’ll become a go-to appetizer for holidays, entertaining, and cozy nights in.

Print