Creamy Crab Pinwheels Recipe (Freeze & Bake)

These crab meat pinwheels are one of my favorite make-ahead easy appetizer recipes. You can make and freeze a batch for a hot, bubbly snack when the company drops in. To serve these yummy crab swirls, you just have to remove them from the freezer and bake.

These make ahead cream cheese pinwheels will be a hit with everyone as a party snack or an upscale appetizer.

Ingredient Notes

All you need are seven simple ingredients to make these easy cream cheese and crab pinwheels! Let’s take a look at the main ones:

• Cream cheese: Adds flavor but also makes up the spreadable crab filling for the tortillas.
• Crab: Using canned crabmeat saves time and is an inexpensive option for real crab meat that’s perfect for groups and a special occasion.
• Red pepper and green onions: Adds flavor, crunch, and color these easy crab pinwheels. 
• Shredded cheese: Use sharp cheddar cheese for the BEST flavor!
• Creole seasoning: I recommend using Tony Chacheres seasoning blend. Adjust to your tastes and if you like it real spicy, add two teaspoons.
• Flour tortillas: Use 10-inch sized tortillas. These larger tortillas work great for this make ahead appetizer.

Making these little crab meat bites is easy. Here’s an overview of the main steps. Be sure to check the recipe card for detailed instructions.

Step 1: Make the Crab and Cream Cheese Mixture

1. Beat the cream cheese with a mixer until smooth and creamy. 
2. Stir in the red pepper, green onions, and shredded cheese.

3. Next add Tony’s seasoning and the canned crab meat.
4. Stir the crab mixture together until everything is combined.

Step 2: Assemble the Pinwheels

1. Layout the tortillas and divide up the mixture evenly among them.
2. Use the back of a spoon to spread the mixture evenly over the tortillas, leaving an inch from the edges clear of the mixture.
3. Using both hands, roll the tortillas tightly up like a cigar. Place on the baking sheet seam side down.
4. Cut off the ends of each tortilla roll just enough to make the ends even.

Step 3: Freeze the premade pinwheels

1. Place the pinwheel rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Freeze the crab rollups on the pan for 24 hours. Once frozen, transfer the rolls to a labeled and dated freezer bag. In a tightly sealed freezer container, they will remain fresh for up to 3 months.

Step 4: How To Bake Frozen Pinwheels

When you’re ready to serve them, prepare a large cookie sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 

1. Place the frozen rolls on a cutting board. Cut off the ends of each tortilla roll just enough to make the ends even. Then, cut evenly into seven pieces.

10. Place the frozen cut pinwheel slices onto the cookie sheet with enough space between them so they do not touch.
11. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until they just start to brown and bubble a bit.

Variation Ideas

Here are a few variations that you might enjoy when making crab pinwheels.

• Cheddar cheese: The cheddar cheese works great, but these cheesy pinwheels also work with Monterey Jack, Pepper jack cheese, or a blend of cheeses. Just make sure it’s a good melting cheese with a sharp flavor.
• Canned crab: I find canned crab a convenient and budget-friendly option for making this recipe, but you can also use frozen crab meat or even imitation crab if you want. No matter which you use, be sure to drain well before mixing it into the cheese.
• Flavored tortillas: You can use colored tortillas, flavored with different ingredients, for variety and a different look. Use red and green when making these for Christmas appetizers you can make-ahead.