Easy Crab Pinwheels Appetizer Recipe

Need a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer? These Easy Crab Pinwheels are exactly what you’re looking for. With a creamy crab filling wrapped in soft tortillas, they’re delicious, colorful, and so simple to make. Whether it’s a party, game day, or just a snack, these pinwheels are guaranteed to be a hit!

The combination of tender crab meat and cream cheese gives these bites a rich flavor. Plus, they’re as easy to prep as they are to eat—just roll, chill, and slice. Arrange the pinwheels on a platter, and watch them disappear in no time.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This easy crab appetizer recipe uses just a handful of ingredients.

• Cream Cheese: Softened to room temperature for easy mixing, it’s the creamy base that holds everything together.
• Imitation Crab Meat: Shredded for a seafood flavor that blends perfectly with the other ingredients. You can also use lump crab meat if you prefer.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: It adds flavor and richness, complementing the creamy filling perfectly.
• Red Pepper: Diced for a little crunch, a pop of color, and a sweet, mild flavor.
• Green Onions: Thinly sliced for fresh, oniony goodness and a bit of visual appeal.
• Flour Tortillas: Soft and pliable, they’re perfect for rolling up all the deliciousness inside.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Here's how to make these easy crab pinwheels.

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Chop the crab meat, red pepper, and green onions.
2. Spread the Cream Cheese: Divide it evenly and spread it over the tortillas.
3. Add the Fillings: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the cream cheese, followed by the crab meat. Scatter the red pepper and green onions evenly.
4. Roll Them Up: Starting at one edge, roll each tortilla tightly. Wrap each roll in plastic wrap.
5. Chill: Refrigerate for about an hour to firm them up.
6. Slice and Serve: Remove the plastic wrap, trim the ends, and slice each roll into 1-inch pieces. Arrange on a serving plate and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

These pinwheels are great on their own—just arrange on a platter or parchment-lined cutting board. They’re perfect for pairing with cocktails for happy hour or elevated football watching snacks.

Variations To Try

• Add Herbs: Fresh dill, tarragon or chives add a fresh, herby twist.
• Turn Up the Heat: Mix in hot sauce, cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Swap the Seafood: Shrimp or even lobster make fun, delicious substitutes for crab.
• Add More Veggies: Diced green bell peppers, shredded carrots, or thinly sliced cucumbers add crunch and color.
• Try Different Cheeses: Goat cheese or spicy pepper jack can switch up the flavor profile.
• Use Flavored Tortillas: Spinach or sun-dried tomato tortillas add an extra layer of taste and color.

These Easy Crab Pinwheels are a simple yet elegant cold appetizer that’s perfect for any get-together. Whether it’s a holiday party, game day, or just hanging out, they’re quick to make, full of flavor, and always a hit.

More Seafood Appetizers to Try

If you’re a fan of seafood-inspired bites, here are some other easy recipes you’ll love:

• Easy Tuna Tortilla Pinwheels: Creamy tuna salad and cheese rolled up in a tortilla—great for lunches or parties.
• Salmon Cucumber Pinwheels: Smoked salmon, cream cheese, and fresh dill rolled in thinly sliced cucumber for a refreshing twist.
• Shrimp Deviled Eggs: Classic deviled eggs with a seafood spin—think perfectly cooked shrimp and a touch of Old Bay seasoning.