Crab Roll-Ups

Introduction

There’s something about a crab roll that feels so decadent yet completely approachable. These Crab Roll-Ups, with their crispy golden crust and creamy, savory filling, are the perfect treat to serve at your next gathering—or even for a cozy night in. I remember the first time I tried these at a family reunion. They were such a hit, everyone kept asking for more. And I get it—crispy, cheesy, and packed with the delicate sweetness of crab, these roll-ups hit all the right notes.

What I love most about these Crab Roll-Ups is that they are super easy to make but still feel impressive enough to serve at any event. You don’t have to be a gourmet chef to pull them off—just a little patience and a few simple ingredients, and you’ll have an appetizer that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!).

The combination of crab, cream cheese, and fresh herbs rolled into a crispy tortilla is not just delicious—it’s addictive. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer at a family gathering, a game-day snack, or as part of a bigger meal, Crab Roll-Ups are a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. Trust me, after you make these once, they’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love These Crab Roll-Ups

• Easy to make: With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these crab roll-ups are a breeze to make.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a quick snack, these roll-ups are the perfect choice.
• Crowd-pleasing: They’re light yet full of flavor, and the combination of creamy crab and crispy tortilla will make everyone’s taste buds dance.
• Customizable: You can tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences, from adding a bit of heat with jalapeños to swapping in fresh crab for canned.

You might think that making crab roll-ups could be a bit tricky, but trust me, this recipe is easier than you think. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about rolling them up just right and seeing them crisp up beautifully in the oven. They’re the kind of dish that impresses without any stress. Let’s dive into the details!

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: This recipe makes about 10-12 crab roll-ups, serving 4-6 people as an appetizer.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 15g
• Carbs: 15g
• Fat: 14g

Ingredients

This recipe uses some pretty basic ingredients, which makes it perfect for when you’re short on time but still want something impressive.

• 2 cups cooked crab meat (fresh, imitation, or a mix of both—whatever you prefer)
• 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (you can use Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed for the best flavor)
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onion
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (this gives it that signature crab flavor, but you can leave it out or substitute with Cajun seasoning if you like)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 large flour tortillas (whole wheat or gluten-free work too)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra creaminess and flavor)
• Butter or cooking spray (for brushing the roll-ups before baking)

Each ingredient here plays a key role. The crab provides that delicious, delicate sweetness. The cream cheese and mayo create a smooth, velvety filling, while the Old Bay seasoning adds a little zing. Fresh parsley and green onions lend brightness and crunch, making every bite a delight. And, of course, the tortillas get crispy when baked, turning each roll-up into a perfect bite-sized snack.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we’ve got our ingredients lined up, let’s get into the easy-to-follow steps for making these irresistible Crab Roll-Ups. Follow these, and you’ll be snacking in no time!

1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). You want it nice and hot so the roll-ups crisp up beautifully when they bake.
2. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine your cooked crab meat, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, parsley, green onions, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well-combined. Don’t be afraid to use a fork to break up any larger pieces of crab—this mixture should be spreadable but not too runny. If you like a more decadent roll-up, feel free to add some shredded cheddar to the mixture for an extra creamy filling.
3. Assemble the roll-ups: Lay out your flour tortillas on a clean surface. Spread a generous portion of the crab filling over each tortilla, leaving about an inch of space around the edges. Be sure to spread the mixture evenly so every bite has the same delicious crab flavor.
4. Roll them up: Carefully roll each tortilla, making sure the filling stays inside. You don’t want to overfill them, or they might burst open while baking. Once rolled, place them seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you’re feeling fancy, you can cut the roll-ups into smaller bite-sized pieces before baking, but I like to keep them whole for a hearty appetizer.
5. Brush with butter or cooking spray: To get that golden, crispy crust, lightly brush the tops of the roll-ups with melted butter or spray them with cooking spray. This will help them bake up beautifully.
6. Bake: Place the roll-ups in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them toward the end to make sure they don’t burn. You’ll know they’re done when the filling is bubbling and the tortillas are crisp.
7. Serve: Once baked, remove the roll-ups from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Slice them into bite-sized pieces if you didn’t do so earlier, and serve warm.

How to Serve

Here’s where you can get creative! Crab Roll-Ups are versatile, so you can serve them in a variety of ways. Here are a few suggestions to complement these tasty treats:

• As an appetizer: Serve them with a simple dipping sauce like cocktail sauce, garlic butter, or a spicy sriracha mayo. These roll-ups are perfect for dipping!
• With a side salad: Pair them with a light, fresh salad—think arugula, mixed greens, or a simple cucumber salad with lemon vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad balances the richness of the roll-ups.
• On a charcuterie board: Add these roll-ups to a seafood-themed charcuterie board along with smoked salmon, shrimp cocktail, and some crispy crackers for a fun twist.

Additional Tips

To ensure your Crab Roll-Ups turn out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:

1. Don’t overstuff the tortillas: A little filling goes a long way, so don’t try to overfill your tortillas. Too much filling can make them difficult to roll and may cause the filling to leak out during baking.
2. Use fresh crab for the best flavor: While imitation crab works well for this recipe, nothing beats the taste of fresh crab. If you’re lucky enough to have access to fresh crab, go for it!
3. Make ahead: If you’re short on time, you can make the roll-ups ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.
4. For a crispy finish, broil them: If you want an extra crispy finish, you can broil the roll-ups for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Just be sure to watch them closely so they don’t burn.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Option: You can swap out the crab for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a combination of both for a delicious vegetarian alternative. The creamy filling still works beautifully with these ingredients.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas to make this recipe gluten-free. You can also serve the filling as a dip with gluten-free crackers if you prefer.
• Spicy Version: For a little kick, add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the filling. This will give the roll-ups a zesty heat that pairs well with the creamy crab filling.
• Cheese Lovers: If you can’t get enough cheese, add more shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the crab mixture, or sprinkle it on top of the roll-ups before baking.

Freezing and Storage

If you have leftovers (which is rare with how delicious these are!), you can store them for later:

• Storage: Keep any leftover Crab Roll-Ups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, place the roll-ups on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, just pop them in the oven at 375°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use store-bought crab?
   Yes! Store-bought imitation crab works just as well in this recipe. Just make sure to break it into small pieces, so the filling stays smooth.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare the roll-ups the night before, store them in the fridge, and bake them when you’re ready to serve. They’ll still turn out crispy and delicious.
3. How do I keep the roll-ups crispy?
   Make sure to brush them with butter or cooking spray before baking to get that golden, crispy crust. And don’t forget to bake them at a high temperature (375°F) for the best results.

Crab Roll-Ups

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• Author: Dianna
• Total Time: 45 minutes

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups cooked crab meat (fresh, imitation, or a mix of both—whatever you prefer)
• 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (you can use Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed for the best flavor)
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onion
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (this gives it that signature crab flavor, but you can leave it out or substitute with Cajun seasoning if you like)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 large flour tortillas (whole wheat or gluten-free work too)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra creaminess and flavor)
• Butter or cooking spray (for brushing the roll-ups before baking)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). You want it nice and hot so the roll-ups crisp up beautifully when they bake.
2. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine your cooked crab meat, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, parsley, green onions, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well-combined. Don’t be afraid to use a fork to break up any larger pieces of crab—this mixture should be spreadable but not too runny. If you like a more decadent roll-up, feel free to add some shredded cheddar to the mixture for an extra creamy filling.
3. Assemble the roll-ups: Lay out your flour tortillas on a clean surface. Spread a generous portion of the crab filling over each tortilla, leaving about an inch of space around the edges. Be sure to spread the mixture evenly so every bite has the same delicious crab flavor.
4. Roll them up: Carefully roll each tortilla, making sure the filling stays inside. You don’t want to overfill them, or they might burst open while baking. Once rolled, place them seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you’re feeling fancy, you can cut the roll-ups into smaller bite-sized pieces before baking, but I like to keep them whole for a hearty appetizer.
5. Brush with butter or cooking spray: To get that golden, crispy crust, lightly brush the tops of the roll-ups with melted butter or spray them with cooking spray. This will help them bake up beautifully.
6. Bake: Place the roll-ups in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them toward the end to make sure they don’t burn. You’ll know they’re done when the filling is bubbling and the tortillas are crisp.
7. Serve: Once baked, remove the roll-ups from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Slice them into bite-sized pieces if you didn’t do so earlier, and serve warm.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 220
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 15g

Conclusion

Crab Roll-Ups are the perfect mix of simple and indulgent, making them a go-to recipe for any occasion. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try them. I can’t wait for you to make these at home—trust me, they’ll be gone in no time! Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram with your finished Crab Roll-Ups, and let me know how they turned out. I love seeing your delicious creations!