How to make Crab Crescent Triangles

During a captivating escapade to the New England coast, renowned for its rich seafood heritage, I was introduced to a delectable discovery that soon became a culinary obsession – the Crab Crescent Triangles. This exquisite appetizer masterfully combines the delicate sweetness of lump crabmeat with the creamy richness of cream cheese, enclosed within a golden, flaky crescent pastry. The crab offers a tender, succulent texture that melds beautifully with the smooth, tangy cream cheese, creating an irresistible harmony of flavors.

Inspired by this delightful find, I embarked on a quest to perfect the recipe in my own kitchen, aiming to replicate the balance of flavors and textures that had captivated me. After diligent experimentation and a few trials to refine the blend of ingredients, I succeeded in recreating the essence of the dish. It is with immense joy and a touch of pride that I now share this Crab Crescent Triangles recipe with you. Through it, I invite you to experience the warmth and comfort of a seaside journey, embracing the elegant simplicity and sublime taste of this coastal gem.

Crab Crescent Triangles Recipe

Crab Crescent Triangles

The Crab Crescent Triangles are an innovative and exquisite appetizer that emerged from an unforgettable journey to the New England coast, a region celebrated for its distinguished seafood tradition. This culinary creation skillfully pairs the delicate sweetness of lump crabmeat with the smooth, creamy texture of cream cheese, all encased within golden, flaky crescent pastry. The contrasting textures and the marriage of flavors result in an irresistible hors d'oeuvre that promises to captivate the palate. Driven by the discovery of this delightful dish, the author set out to recreate the experience in their own kitchen. After painstaking experimentation and refinement of the ingredients, they succeeded in capturing the essence of the original encounter. Sharing this recipe not only allows others to taste the enchanting blend of crab and cream cheese but also serves as an invitation to explore the broader world of culinary delights inspired by travel and adventure. The Crab Crescent Triangles stand as a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can transform into a dish that is both sophisticated and immensely satisfying, bridging the gap between casual dining and gourmet elegance.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Spanish

Servings 40 triangles

Calories 3568 kcal

Equipment

• 1 oven

Ingredients

  

• 1 can lump crabmeat
• 2 tubes dough sheet
• 2 green onions
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 package cream cheese
• 3/4 cup carrot
• 1/4 cup celery
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 cups Jack cheese
• 2 teaspoons mayonnaise

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Cream together cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Dijon in a large mixing dish.
• Combine the cheese, carrots, celery, fresh basil, and garlic in a mixing bowl. Fold in the crab gently.
• Using a heaping tablespoon of cream cheese mixture, spread half of each square horizontally to within 1⁄2 inch of the edges.
• Form a triangle by folding one corner of the dough over the filling to the other corner.
• To seal the seams, pinch them together and press the edges with a spoon.
• Place on baking sheets that haven’t been buttered.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Keyword dough sheet, lump crabmeat

Cooking tips about Crab Crescent Triangles

• Quality Ingredients: Start with high-quality lump crabmeat for the best flavor and texture. Ensure it’s fresh and carefully pick through it to remove any shells or cartilage without breaking up the large pieces of crab too much. Freshness is key to achieve the sweet crab flavor that characterizes these triangles.
• Properly Soften Cream Cheese: To ensure a smooth mixture that’s easy to blend with the crabmeat, allow your cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing. This prevents lumps and ensures an even distribution of the creamy cheese throughout the filling.
• Season to Taste: Crab meat can be naturally salty, so be cautious with additional salt. Season your mixture with a little salt and pepper, but also consider adding a small dash of Worcestershire sauce or lemon juice to enhance the crab flavor without overwhelming it.
• Work With Cold Pastry: If you’re using store-bought crescent dough, keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. Cold dough is easier to work with, as it doesn’t stick and tears less easily when you’re shaping your triangles.
• Seal Edges Well: When assembling your crescent triangles, make sure to seal the edges well to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking. A little water or egg wash along the edge can help create a seal.
• Brush with Egg Wash: For a beautifully golden and glossy finish, brush the tops of your crescent triangles with an egg wash (a beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water) before baking. This gives them a professional, appealing look.
• Don’t Overfill: It might be tempting to add lots of filling to each triangle, but overfilling can cause the pastry to burst open during baking. A small amount of filling will be sufficient, given the potent flavors of the ingredients.
• Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake your crescent triangles until they are puffed up and golden brown. Keep an eye on them as oven temperatures can vary, and the thin pastry can go from perfect to overdone quickly.
• Cool Slightly Before Serving: Let the Crab Crescent Triangles cool for a few minutes after taking them out of the oven. They’re best served warm rather than straight from the oven, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes them easier to handle.

Serving suggestions about Crab Crescent Triangles

• Elegant Plating: Arrange the Crab Crescent Triangles on a beautiful serving platter. Opt for a white or lightly colored platter to contrast the golden brown color of the pastries, making them stand out visually.
• Garnish: Accentuate the plate with lemon wedges and a sprinkling of finely chopped parsley or chives. This not only adds a pop of color but also hints at the flavors within the triangles.
• Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces to complement the rich flavors of the crab and cream cheese. A tangy cocktail sauce, a creamy dill sauce, or a zesty mustard dip can enhance the tasting experience, giving guests the option to customize their bite.
• Pair with Light Beverages: These appetizers pair wonderfully with light, crisp beverages. Consider serving with chilled white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, or a sparkling prosecco to balance the richness of the crescent triangles. Non-alcoholic options could include sparkling water garnished with lemon or lime for a refreshing touch.
• Serve Warm: Ensure the Crab Crescent Triangles are served warm to emphasize the contrast of the flaky pastry with the soft, creamy filling. This also maximizes the aroma, inviting everyone to indulge.
• Accompany with Salad: For a more rounded offering, pair the triangles with a light, green salad. A simple arugula or mixed greens salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements the appetizer without overshadowing its flavors.
• Timing: Serve these as a starter to a meal or as part of a wider appetizer spread during gatherings. Their size and richness make them perfect for whetting the appetite without being too filling before the main course.

Top 5 FAQs about Crab Crescent Triangles

• What are Crab Crescent Triangles? Crab Crescent Triangles are an elegant appetizer combining the sweet flavor of lump crabmeat with the creamy texture of cream cheese, all wrapped in golden, flaky crescent pastry. This dish is a testament to the power of simple ingredients coming together to create a sophisticated and irresistible hors d’oeuvre.
• How do I choose the best crabmeat? Begin with high-quality lump crabmeat for the best flavor and texture in your Crab Crescent Triangles. Freshness is crucial to achieving the characteristic sweet crab flavor. Carefully pick through the crabmeat to remove any shells or cartilage, taking care not to break up the larger pieces.
• Can I make Crab Crescent Triangles ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare Crab Crescent Triangles in advance. Assemble the triangles and refrigerate them until you are ready to bake. They can also be baked beforehand and warmed up in the oven before serving, though fresh baking is recommended for the best combination of flakiness and warmth.
• What are some tips for ensuring my crescent dough turns out perfectly? Keep your crescent dough cold until you’re ready to use it, as this makes it easier to handle and helps achieve that perfect golden flakiness. Also, seal the edges well to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking, and brush the tops with an egg wash for a beautiful glossy finish.
• What dipping sauces pair well with Crab Crescent Triangles? While delicious on their own, these triangles can be enhanced with a variety of dipping sauces. Options include a tangy cocktail sauce, a creamy dill sauce, or a zesty mustard dip. Choosing the right sauce can complement the rich flavors of the crab and cream cheese beautifully.

The journey of creating and perfecting the Crab Crescent Triangles recipe has been both a culinary exploration and a testament to the boundless possibilities that cooking offers. From the initial discovery on the New England coast, defined by its distinguished seafood heritage, to the trials in my own kitchen that followed, this experience underscores the joy of bringing a piece of travel back home through flavors and textures. The Crab Crescent Triangles themselves stand as a symbol of innovation and gastronomic delight, intertwining the tender sweetness of high-quality lump crabmeat with the luscious depth of cream cheese, all wrapped in a golden, flaky embrace of crescent pastry.