Crawfish Stuffed Pistolettes Recipe: A Holiday Showstopper
It’s that time of year again—when the kitchen fills with delicious aromas, family and friends gather, and everyone eagerly awaits their favorite holiday dishes. For me, nothing says Christmas parties like crawfish stuffed pistolettes.
These crispy golden bites are stuffed with a rich, cheesy crawfish filling that will have your guests coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Best of all, with a little practice, you can whip up two dozen pistolettes in under an hour. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party or as a special appetizer, this recipe is guaranteed to wow the crowd.
What Are Pistolettes?
Pistolettes are small, crispy bread rolls with a soft, fluffy interior, often used as a vessel for rich, flavorful fillings. In this recipe, we fry them to perfection before stuffing them with a decadent crawfish mixture made from Louisiana crawfish tails, Velveeta cheese, cream cheese, and just the right amount of spice.
Frying the pistolettes gives them an unbeatable crispy texture, making this dish an indulgent holiday treat worth every calorie.
Ingredients for Crawfish Stuffed Pistolettes
For the Filling:
- 10 oz. trinity seasoning blend (chopped onions, celery, bell pepper)
- 5 cloves garlic, smashed and finely chopped
- 2 (12 oz.) packages of frozen Louisiana crawfish tails, rinsed and drained
- ¾ (16 oz.) block Velveeta cheese, cubed
- ¾ (8 oz.) package cream cheese, cubed
- ½ (5 oz.) can evaporated milk
- ½ cup jarred diced jalapeños
- 2 tablespoons Italian bread crumbs
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
- Garlic powder, for sprinkling
For the Pistolettes:
- 2 bags of pistolettes (24 rolls)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Crawfish Filling
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the trinity seasoning blend for about 7 minutes, or until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Reduce the heat to low and add Velveeta, cream cheese, and evaporated milk. Stir until the cheeses melt into a smooth, creamy mixture.
- Mix in the diced jalapeños and bread crumbs.
- Rinse and drain the crawfish tails, squeezing out any excess water to remove the fishy smell. Add them to the sauce and simmer on low while you fry the pistolettes.
2. Fry the Pistolettes
- Pour vegetable oil into a pan to about 1 inch deep and heat over medium-high heat. (The oil should be hot enough to fry but not smoking.)
- Fry the pistolettes in batches, flipping them with a fork to brown evenly on all sides until golden.
- Place the fried pistolettes on a paper towel-lined tray to cool.
3. Stuff the Pistolettes
- Once the pistolettes are cool enough to handle, use a small spoon to make a hole in one end of each roll. Gently wiggle the spoon to create space for the filling.
- Scoop 3–4 spoonfuls of the crawfish filling into each pistolette, packing it gently so it doesn’t spill out.
- Stand the stuffed pistolettes upright with the open end facing up to prevent the filling from leaking.
4. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle the stuffed pistolettes with finely chopped fresh parsley and a light dusting of garlic powder.
- Serve warm and watch your guests swoon over every bite!
Tips for Perfect Crawfish Stuffed Pistolettes
- Choose the Right Bread: Cobblestone Mill pistolettes have a crispy cornmeal coating that makes them ideal for frying and stuffing. If you can’t find this brand, look for similar rolls with a sturdy crust.
- Don’t Skip the Frying: While baking is an option, frying the pistolettes gives them a crispiness that takes this dish to the next level.
- Experiment with Fillings: If crawfish isn’t your thing, try shrimp, crab, or even a vegetarian filling like mushrooms or broccoli.
- Make Extra Sauce: The cheesy crawfish filling is so good, you’ll want to save some for crackers or to toss with noodles.
Why Frying Makes All the Difference
Let’s talk about frying versus baking. While you could bake these pistolettes, the flavor and texture just don’t compare. Frying creates a crispy exterior that perfectly complements the creamy, cheesy filling. It’s worth the extra effort—and your guests will thank you!
A Holiday Tradition Worth Sharing
Beki’s Crawfish Stuffed Pistolettes aren’t just a dish—they’re a holiday tradition. From the sizzling sound of frying rolls to the creamy, Cajun-spiced filling, this recipe is all about indulgence and celebration.
So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to wow your guests with these irresistible bites. Whether it’s your first time making them or part of your annual holiday routine, this recipe is sure to bring smiles and full bellies to your table.
