Crab Puffs: A Crispy, Creamy Appetizer That Disappears Fast

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Crab puffs are the kind of appetizer that rarely makes it from kitchen to table without a few mysteriously vanishing along the way. Golden, flaky puff pastry wrapped around a creamy crab filling delivers everything you want in a party bite—rich flavor, irresistible texture, and elegant presentation with minimal effort.

These bite-sized crab puffs strike the perfect balance between indulgent and approachable. They feel special enough for holidays and celebrations but are easy enough for game day spreads, cocktail parties, or casual entertaining. Whether served warm from the oven or at room temperature, they’re guaranteed to be the first platter emptied.

Why Crab Puffs Are Always a Hit

Crab has a naturally sweet, delicate flavor that pairs beautifully with creamy cheeses and buttery pastry. Puff pastry does most of the heavy lifting here, baking up light, crisp, and golden while encasing a filling that stays soft and flavorful.

The contrast is what makes crab puffs irresistible:

  • Flaky exterior from the pastry
  • Creamy interior packed with crab and cheese
  • Savory finish balanced with herbs and seasoning

They’re rich without being heavy and satisfying without feeling greasy—everything you want in a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Perfect Occasions for Crab Puffs

Crab puffs fit seamlessly into nearly any menu:

  • Holiday appetizer spreads
  • Cocktail parties
  • Bridal and baby showers
  • Game day gatherings
  • Seafood-themed dinners
  • Potlucks and buffets

Because they’re hand-held and mess-free, they’re especially ideal for mingling-style events.

Ingredients

For the Crab Filling

  • Cream cheese, softened
  • Lump crab meat, picked over
  • Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
  • Green onions, finely sliced
  • Garlic powder
  • Old Bay seasoning
  • Black pepper

For Assembly

  • Puff pastry sheets, thawed
  • Egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Optional garnish: parsley or chives

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven
    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the Filling
    In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Fold in crab meat, shredded cheese, green onions, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, and black pepper.
  3. Prepare Puff Pastry
    Roll out thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into even squares.
  4. Fill the Pastry
    Place a spoonful of crab filling in the center of each pastry square.
  5. Seal the Puffs
    Fold pastry over filling into triangles or bring corners together. Press edges gently to seal.
  6. Brush with Egg Wash
    Place puffs on prepared baking sheet and brush tops with egg wash.
  7. Bake
    Bake 15–18 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
  8. Cool Slightly and Serve
    Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish if desired.

Crab Puffs

Flaky puff pastry filled with creamy crab and cheese, baked until golden and perfect for entertaining.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings: 16 puffs
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 190

Ingredients
  

Crab Filling
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 6 oz lump crab meat picked over
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp green onions sliced
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp Old Bay seasoning
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
Assembly
  • 1 sheet puff pastry thawed
  • 1 egg beaten

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet.
  2. Mix cream cheese, crab meat, cheese, green onions, and seasonings until combined.
  3. Cut puff pastry into squares and add filling to center.
  4. Fold and seal pastry, then place on baking sheet.
  5. Brush with egg wash and bake 15–18 minutes until golden.

Notes

Serve warm for best texture. Do not overfill pastry.

Pro Tips for Perfect Crab Puffs

  • Use lump crab meat for best texture
  • Drain crab well to avoid soggy filling
  • Do not overfill pastry
  • Seal edges firmly to prevent leaks
  • Serve warm for best flavor

Flavor Variations

Spicy Crab Puffs
Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

Lemon Herb Crab Puffs
Add lemon zest and fresh dill or parsley.

Cheesy Crab Puffs
Mix in Parmesan or Gruyère for deeper flavor.

Mini Crab Puffs
Cut pastry into smaller squares for bite-sized versions.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with lemon aioli or garlic butter
  • Pair with cocktail sauce or sweet chili sauce
  • Add to seafood appetizer boards
  • Serve alongside sparkling wine or white wine

Make-Ahead and Storage

  • Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate
  • Bake just before serving for best texture
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3 days
  • Reheat in oven to restore crispness

Why These Crab Puffs Belong on Your Table

Crab puffs combine elegance with comfort in a way few appetizers can. They’re rich, flaky, and full of flavor, yet easy enough to make even when entertaining a crowd. Once you serve them, they become a requested favorite—perfect for holidays, parties, and every celebration in between.

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