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An Irresistible Party Favorite: Crab & Cream Cheese Snacks
Get ready to wow your guests with this hot crab and cheese dip, the ultimate party snack! Imagine chunky crabmeat enveloped in a luxurious sauce made from cream cheese, sour cream, sharp cheddar, and a hint of hot sauce. As the New Year approaches, this decadent treat is perfect for celebrating with a touch of elegance.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is all about indulgence. It’s cheesy, rich, and pairs perfectly with your favorite New Year’s Eve drinks, whether it’s champagne, cocktails, or a refreshing iced tea. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for your holiday gathering.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Oven
- Cookie sheet
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 tube of croissant dough (8 oz)
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup cooked crabmeat, chopped
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray.
- Unroll the croissant dough on a work surface. Pinch the seams to seal and use a rolling pin to create a regular rectangle.
- Cut the dough into 6 rows by 4 rows, making 24 squares.
- In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, crabmeat, green onions, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Evenly distribute the crab mixture among the squares, placing a spoonful near one corner of each square.
- Starting at the corner with the filling, fold the dough over the filling, tucking the end under, and continue rolling until 1/2 inch from the opposite corner.
- Roll the opposite corner of the dough over the roll and press to seal. Place each roll on the prepared cookie sheet.
- If desired, brush with egg white for a glossy finish.
- Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the cookie sheet and serve warm.
Tips for Success
- Ensure your cream cheese is softened to make mixing easier.
- Use fresh crabmeat for the best flavor, but canned crabmeat can also work in a pinch.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your taste preference for a milder or spicier kick.
Additional Tips and Variations
- Try adding a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top before baking for extra cheesiness.
- For a different flavor profile, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or some chopped dill to the crab mixture.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Each serving is packed with protein from the crabmeat and healthy fats from the cream cheese. It’s a satisfying and decadent treat to enjoy during the festivities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I prepare these snacks in advance? Yes, you can prepare them up to the baking step and refrigerate for a few hours before baking.
- What if I don’t have croissant dough? Puff pastry can be a good substitute, offering a flaky texture.
Conclusion
These Crab & Cream Cheese Snacks are too good to resist! Perfect for your New Year’s Eve celebration or any gathering, they’re sure to impress. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out. We’d love to hear your thoughts and any creative twists you might have added!
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The amount of Red Bell Pepper has been omitted.