The Crab Napoleon is a flaky layer of puff pastry filled with a mixture of crabmeat and creamy horseradish-infused cream cheese in an easy-to-handle bite-sized version. With crisp green onions, crunchy almonds & a light veil of paprika on them — these crab appetizer Napoleon’s provide excellent textural and flavor contrasts.
Perfect for a cocktail party or holiday feast in general, this recipe is good for serving 6–12 people as an appetizer, with each person eating a single to double napoleon (12 in total). Read on for the complete crab napoleon recipe, benefits of ingredients for health, presentation ideas, and variations you can do to level up your sushi game with this sophisticated seafood dish.
Crab Napoleon
Equipment
- 1 Oven Preheated to 400°F (200°C)
- 1 Cookie Cutter 2-inch round recommended
- 1 Mixing Bowl For crab filling
- 1 Baking sheet Lined or lightly greased
- 1 Wire Rack For cooling baked pastry
- 1 Knife To split pastry rounds
Ingredients
- 1/4 sheet 2.2 oz Pepperidge Farm® Puff Pastry (thawed) Cut into 4 rounds
- 2 oz Cream Cheese (softened) Use low-fat for lighter option
- 1 teaspoon Milk Low-fat or plant-based optional
- 1 teaspoon Prepared Horseradish Adjust for spiciness
- Pinch Ground Black Pepper Freshly ground preferred
- 1.5 oz Refrigerated Pasteurized Crabmeat (drained) Ensure fresh
- 1 medium Green Onion (sliced) Bright green, no yellowing
- 2 tablespoons Sliced Almonds Lightly toasted for crunch
- For sprinkling Paprika For garnish
Instructions
- Thaw the puff pastry at room temperature for 30 minutes until pliable.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Unfold thawed pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut 4 rounds using a 2-inch cookie cutter. Place rounds 2 inches apart on a baking sheet.
- Bake pastry rounds for 15 minutes or until golden and puffed. Cool on a wire rack.
- In a mixing bowl, stir 2 oz softened cream cheese until smooth. Add 1 tsp milk, 1 tsp horseradish, pinch of black pepper, and 1.5 oz drained crabmeat. Mix well.
- Split cooled pastry rounds into 2 layers each, creating 8 layers (4 bottoms, 4 tops).
- Spread 1–2 tbsp crab mixture on each of the 4 bottom layers. Top with a pinch of sliced green onion and a sprinkle of sliced almonds.
- Place top pastry layers over filling. Lightly sprinkle each napoleon with paprika.
- Arrange on a platter and serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
Notes
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
Enjoy in moderation, and crab napoleon is loaded with healthy ingredients like:
- Crab: 20g of crab meat (3 oz or so) is a good protein source and some omega-3s for heart health; calories, set low, and Zinc + Selenium for immunity.
- Almonds: Abound in vitamin E (50% daily value per ounce), magnesium & monounsaturated fats good for the heart, and help reduce brain inflammation.
- Green Onions: High in vitamin A and C, aiding immunity, vision, digestion, and are antioxidant-rich.
- Horseradish: Contains glucosinolates that counter cancer and enhance immunity. Also great for digestion and clearing sinuses.
- Paprika: Packed with antioxidants like vitamin A — good for eye health and reducing inflammation.
- Cream Cheese: High in calcium and protein, though also in saturated fat. Use low-fat versions for a lighter twist.
- Milk: Supports bone health via calcium and vitamin D. Use low-fat or plant-based alternatives as desired.
- Puff Pastry: While high in fat and calories, it provides that iconic “crispy on the inside, flaky on the outside” texture — best enjoyed on special occasions, alongside nutrient-dense sides.
Serving Ideas and Variations
Crab Napoleon is good for everything and will be enjoyed at any time of the day.
Serving Ideas:
- Cocktail Party: Place on a tiered stand with other elegant hors d’oeuvres like stuffed mushrooms or shrimp cocktail.
- Holiday Feast: Pair with a festive charcuterie board filled with cheeses, crackers, and olives.
- Brunch: Serve alongside a fruit platter and mimosas for a classy brunch starter.
Variations:
- Spicier Version: Add 1.5 tbsp horseradish or a dash of cayenne for heat.
- Other Fish: Use canned shrimp or smoked salmon for a different seafood twist.
- Nut Swap: Replace almonds with pecans or walnuts for a fresh texture.
- Vegetarian: Sub crabmeat with mashed avocado and finely chopped artichoke hearts.
Tips on Ingredient Selection and Storage
To get the best flavor and texture from your seafood recipes with ingredients and procedure, consider the following:
- Puff Pastry: Brands like Pepperidge Farm® deliver the right flakiness. Store in the freezer up to 6 months, defrost overnight in the fridge.
- Crab: Choose refrigerated, pasteurized crabmeat for freshness. Use within 2 days of opening.
- Cream Cheese: Opt for full-fat or non-fat based on preference. Store unopened up to 1 month; once opened, use within 2 weeks.
- Green Onions: Look for firm, bright green stalks. Store wrapped in damp paper towel in the fridge (lasts up to 2 weeks).
- Almonds: Dry-roasted or lightly toasted are best. Store airtight in a cool place (6 months) or refrigerate (1 year).
- Horseradish: Choose jarred varieties with minimal additives. Keeps for 3 months in the fridge once opened.
Prep Tip: Bake the puff pastry rounds a day ahead, but assemble napoleons just before serving to keep the texture crisp.
Beverage Pairings
This crab napoleon pairs beautifully with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages:
- White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay match perfectly with horseradish and cream cheese.
- Sparkling: Prosecco or Champagne cut through the richness with celebratory flair.
- Beer: Wheat beer or Pilsner complement the nuttiness and seafood elements without overwhelming the palate.
- Non-Alcoholic: A sparkling grapefruit spritzer or cucumber-infused water offers a refreshing contrast.
Best Time of Day to Consume
This elegant appetizer is ideal for:
- Late Afternoon or Evening: Great during cocktail hour, pre-dinner gatherings, or dinner parties.
- Special Occasions: Shine during holiday feasts, seasonal celebrations, or summer soirées.
Not typically suited for breakfast or lunch due to its richness, the crab appetizer napoleon’s are more at home in refined, festive settings.
Conclusion
So, what is crab napoleon? It’s more than just a seafood bite — it’s a refined and impressive crab appetizer napoleon’s with a balance of rich flavors and nutrient-rich ingredients. The crab napoleon recipe combines puff pastry, creamy filling, green onion crunch, and almond texture for a visually stunning, party-perfect plate.
Whether hosting an upscale cocktail event or simply celebrating life with friends, this sophisticated seafood dish is your next standout recipe. Follow the tips, explore the variations, and serve with your favorite drink pairing for a guaranteed guest favorite.
