Crab Cheese Stuffed Puffs: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide

Crab cheese stuffed puffs: Prepare to be utterly captivated by these delectable morsels! Imagine biting into a golden, flaky puff pastry, only to be greeted by a creamy, savory explosion of crab and cheese. It’s an experience that’s both comforting and utterly irresistible. These aren’t just appetizers; they’re tiny packages of pure joy, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a little indulgence.

While the exact origins of crab and cheese stuffed pastries are difficult to pinpoint, the combination of seafood and dairy has a long and rich history in coastal cuisines around the world. Think of creamy crab dips served with crusty bread, or elegant seafood gratins. These crab cheese stuffed puffs are a delightful evolution of these classic pairings, offering a convenient and elegant way to enjoy these flavors.

What makes these puffs so universally loved? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The crisp, buttery pastry gives way to a warm, cheesy filling bursting with the sweet, delicate flavor of crab. They’re incredibly easy to make, too, especially if you use pre-made puff pastry (our little secret!). Whether you’re hosting a fancy cocktail party or simply craving a sophisticated snack, these crab cheese stuffed puffs are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors in every bite!

Ingredients:

• For the Puff Pastry:
• 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
• For the Crab and Cheese Filling:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 4 ounces imitation crab meat, finely chopped (or lump crab meat for a more luxurious experience!)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick!)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• For the Egg Wash:
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon milk or water
• Optional Garnishes:
• Everything bagel seasoning
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped parsley

Preparing the Crab and Cheese Filling:

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped crab meat, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and green onions. Make sure your cream cheese is really soft; otherwise, you’ll end up with a lumpy filling, and nobody wants that!
2. Add the lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). The lemon juice brightens up the filling, and the Worcestershire sauce adds a lovely savory depth. Don’t skip them!
3. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember to start with a little salt and pepper and then adjust as needed. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
4. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined. I like to use a rubber spatula to ensure everything is evenly distributed. You want a smooth and creamy mixture with the crab meat nicely incorporated.
5. Taste the filling and adjust the seasonings as needed. This is your chance to make it perfect! Maybe you want a little more lemon juice, a touch more garlic powder, or a pinch more cayenne. Go for it!
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the filling for at least 30 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together and make the filling easier to work with when assembling the puffs. Chilling the filling is a crucial step, trust me!

Assembling the Crab Cheese Puffs:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper is your best friend when baking; it prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Lightly flour a clean work surface. This will prevent the puff pastry from sticking.
3. Unfold one sheet of thawed puff pastry onto the floured surface. If the pastry is still a little frozen, let it sit for a few more minutes until it’s pliable but still cold.
4. Using a rolling pin, gently roll out the puff pastry to slightly enlarge it. Be careful not to roll it too thin, or the puffs won’t rise properly. We want them nice and puffy!
5. Cut the puff pastry into equal-sized squares. I usually aim for about 2-inch squares, but you can adjust the size to your preference. A pizza cutter or a sharp knife works well for this.
6. Repeat steps 3-5 with the second sheet of puff pastry. Now you should have a bunch of lovely puff pastry squares ready to be filled.
7. Remove the crab and cheese filling from the refrigerator.
8. Place a spoonful (about 1-2 teaspoons) of the crab and cheese filling in the center of each puff pastry square. Don’t overfill them, or the filling will ooze out during baking.
9. Fold one corner of each square over to the opposite corner to form a triangle.
10. Press the edges of the triangle together firmly to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure they are well sealed. Sealing the edges is super important to prevent the filling from escaping.
11. Place the assembled puffs onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.

Preparing the Egg Wash and Baking:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk (or water) to create the egg wash. The egg wash will give the puffs a beautiful golden-brown color and a lovely sheen.
2. Brush the tops of the puffs with the egg wash. Be sure to get an even coating for that perfect golden hue.
3. Sprinkle the tops of the puffs with everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or chopped parsley (optional). This adds a nice visual appeal and extra flavor. I personally love everything bagel seasoning!
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and puffed up. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
5. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the puffs cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from getting soggy.

Serving and Storage:

1. Serve the crab cheese puffs warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own as an appetizer or snack.
2. You can also serve them with a dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, sweet chili sauce, or a creamy dill sauce.
3. Store any leftover puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
4. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat them in a microwave, but they may not be as crispy.

Tips and Variations:

• Crab Meat: Feel free to use real lump crab meat for a more decadent treat. Just be sure to pick through it carefully to remove any shell fragments.
• Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese in the filling. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a little bit of pepper jack would be delicious.
• Spices: Adjust the spices to your liking. A pinch of Old Bay seasoning would add a nice seafood flavor.
• Vegetables: Add some finely diced red bell pepper or celery to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the puffs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing: These puffs can also be frozen before baking. Place the assembled puffs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When ready to bake, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Crab Cheese Puffs! They’re perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a special treat for yourself.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These crab cheese stuffed puffs are truly a must-try for your next gathering, a cozy night in, or even just a delightful afternoon snack. I know, I know, I might be biased, but the combination of the flaky, golden puff pastry with the creamy, savory, and slightly sweet crab filling is simply irresistible. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more. Why are these little bites so special? Well, beyond the sheer deliciousness, they’re surprisingly easy to make. Seriously! Don’t let the “stuffed” part intimidate you. With pre-made puff pastry, the process is streamlined and straightforward, leaving you with more time to enjoy the finished product (and maybe even sneak a few while you’re at it – I won’t tell!). Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the amount of crab meat to your liking, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick, or even incorporate other seafood like shrimp or lobster for a truly decadent experience. But the real magic lies in the balance of flavors. The richness of the cream cheese is perfectly complemented by the delicate sweetness of the crab, while the herbs add a touch of freshness that cuts through the richness. And that golden, flaky crust? It’s the perfect vessel for all that goodness. Looking for serving suggestions? These crab cheese stuffed puffs are fantastic as appetizers for a party. Imagine presenting a platter of these warm, golden puffs to your guests – they’ll be gone in minutes! They also make a wonderful addition to a brunch spread, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication. For a more casual meal, serve them alongside a simple salad for a light and satisfying lunch. Here are a few variations to get your creative juices flowing:

• Spicy Crab Puffs: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the crab mixture for a fiery kick.
• Garlic Herb Crab Puffs: Sauté some minced garlic and fresh herbs like parsley and thyme in butter before adding them to the crab mixture.
• Seafood Medley Puffs: Combine crab meat with cooked shrimp, scallops, or lobster for a truly luxurious filling.
• Mini Crab Puffs: Cut the puff pastry into smaller squares for bite-sized appetizers.
• Crab Rangoon Inspired Puffs: Add a touch of soy sauce and ginger to the filling for an Asian-inspired twist.

I truly believe that these crab cheese stuffed puffs will become a new favorite in your household. They’re perfect for any occasion, easy to make, and utterly delicious. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience a taste sensation. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! And I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? Did you serve them at a party? What did your family think? Please, please, please come back and leave a comment below to let me know how they turned out. Your feedback is invaluable, and I can’t wait to hear your stories. Happy baking (and eating)! I am sure you will enjoy this crab cheese stuffed puffs recipe.

Print