Name: Creamy Shrimp Cheese Rolls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 10 –14 oz cooked shrimp (chopped); 1 sheet puff pastry or crescent roll dough (thawed); 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or blend); ½ cup cream cheese (softened); 2 –3 garlic cloves (minced); 2 –3 tbsp fresh parsley or chives (chopped); Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste); Optional: lemon zest or hot sauce for extra zing

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There’s something irresistibly comforting about soft, golden rolls filled with a creamy, savory shrimp and cheese mixture. Whether you’re craving a hearty snack or a satisfying appetizer, these Creamy Shrimp Cheese Rolls combine tender shrimp, melted cheese, and a hint of fresh herbs, wrapped in flaky puff pastry or soft crescent dough. Each bite offers a perfect balance of rich flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more.

Perfect for cozy evenings or entertaining guests, these rolls are easy to prep and bake, making them ideal when you want a delicious seafood treat without the fuss. The creamy filling is enhanced by garlic and a touch of peppery freshness from parsley or chives, creating a delightful bite every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and simple to prepare with store-bought dough for convenience.
Versatile as a snack, appetizer, or light meal any time of day.
Customizable cheese and seasoning options to suit your taste.
The combination of flaky pastry with creamy shrimp filling is truly indulgent.

Ingredients

Cooked shrimp (300-400 g / 10-14 oz): Finely chopped cooked shrimp provide a tender, flavorful seafood base for the filling.
Puff pastry or crescent roll dough (1 sheet): Thawed dough that forms the soft, flaky exterior wrapping the filling perfectly.
Shredded cheese (1 cup): A blend like mozzarella and cheddar melts smoothly to add gooey richness.
Cream cheese (½ cup, softened): Adds a luscious, creamy texture that binds the filling ingredients beautifully.
Garlic cloves (2-3, minced): Fresh garlic gives a subtle pungency and aromatic depth to the rolls.
Fresh parsley or chives (2-3 tbsp, chopped): Herbs bring bright, herbal notes and a pop of color to the filling.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors harmoniously.
Optional lemon zest or hot sauce: For an added zing or spicy kick tailored to your preference.

Instructions

Prep the Filling: Combine chopped cooked shrimp, shredded cheese, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, and chopped fresh parsley or chives in a medium bowl. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure every bite will have a balanced and creamy filling packed with seafood flavor.
Prepare the Dough: Preheat your oven to 190 °C (about 375 °F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for non-stick baking. Unroll your puff pastry sheet or crescent roll dough on a clean, flat surface. If using crescent dough, carefully pinch the seams together to avoid any filling leakage during baking.
Assemble the Rolls: Evenly spread the shrimp and cheese filling mixture over the dough, leaving a small margin at the edges for sealing. Starting from one edge, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log, ensuring the filling stays inside for a neat and compact roll.
Slice and Arrange: Using a sharp knife, slice the dough log into 8 to 10 equal pieces. Place each piece cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow even baking and browning.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp, and the cheese inside is fully melted and bubbling. This baking time ensures a crispy outside with a soft, flavorful filling.
Serve Warm: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving, so the filling sets a bit and is safe to eat. Optionally, drizzle fresh lemon juice or add a splash of hot sauce to each roll for an extra layer of brightness or heat.

You Must Know

The choice between puff pastry and crescent dough affects texture: puff pastry is flakier while crescent dough yields softer rolls.
Cheese options can be mixed—mozzarella for meltiness and pepper jack for a subtle spicy flavor.
You can assemble rolls ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake them fresh when ready to serve for convenience.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover rolls tightly wrapped in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 175 °C (350 °F) for 8-10 minutes to restore their crispness and melty filling.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these rolls with a side of marinara sauce, garlic butter dip, or your favorite ranch dressing for dipping. They pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a light soup for a complete meal.

Professional Tips

Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to easily blend into the filling for a smooth texture.
Don’t overfill the dough to prevent leakage and ensure neat, tidy rolls.
Use a sharp knife to slice the dough log cleanly without squashing the filling.
For a visually appealing finish, brush the tops lightly with an egg wash before baking to enhance browning.

FAQs

Can I use raw shrimp instead of cooked shrimp?: It is best to use cooked shrimp to ensure even baking and avoid excess moisture inside the rolls. Raw shrimp requires cooking time and may release water.
What cheeses work best in these rolls?: Good melting cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack work perfectly. You can blend different cheeses for enhanced flavor and texture.
Can I freeze these rolls before baking?: Yes, you can assemble the rolls and freeze them unbaked. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking for best results.
Is this recipe suitable for a party appetizer?: Absolutely! These rolls are bite-sized, flavorful, and easy to serve, making them ideal for gatherings and entertaining.
What can I add to boost the flavor?: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick. Fresh lemon zest also brightens the overall taste.
Can I make this gluten-free?: You can substitute dough with a gluten-free puff pastry or crescent dough alternative available in stores, keeping an eye on baking times.
How do I keep the rolls from being soggy?: Ensure your shrimp is well drained and avoid overfilling. Baking on parchment paper allows even heat circulation for a crisp exterior.