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Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
Start Your Culinary Adventure
Are you searching for an appetizer or snack that consistently hits the mark, drawing rave reviews from every guest? With an average search volume of over 10,000 queries per month for “easy crescent roll recipes,” it’s clear that convenient, delicious, and crowd-pleasing baked goods are always in demand. Look no further than these Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls. This recipe masterfully combines the savory depth of cooked sausage with the luxurious, tangy creaminess of cream cheese, all hugged by flaky, golden-brown crescent dough. They’re perfect for game days, holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply a delightful weekend treat. Get ready to impress yourself and everyone around you with these unbelievably tasty rolls.
Gather Your Goodies
The magic of these rolls lies in their simplicity and the quality of their components. Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage: Choose your favorite. Mild, hot, or even a maple-flavored sausage adds a unique twist. Fully cooked Italian sausage works wonderfully too, offering a more robust flavor profile.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: This is the luscious binder. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing; a cold block will lead to lumps. Greek yogurt or Neufchâtel cheese can be used as lighter alternatives, though the creaminess will vary.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (optional but recommended): Adds a subtle aromatic depth and a hint of sweetness. Red onion or green onions can be used for a milder or sharper bite, respectively.
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar provides a nice tang, while a milder Colby Jack or Monterey Jack melts beautifully and offers a creamy texture.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: For that umami kick that ties all the savory flavors together.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory notes without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- 2 cans (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll dough: The classic flaky layers are key. Use full-size crescent rolls for easier handling, or the perforated ones if that’s what you have. Ensure they are fresh for maximum flake factor.
- 1 large egg, beaten: For that beautiful, golden-brown sheen and crisp crust.
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, for topping): Add a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
The Rhythm of the Recipe
20 minutes
18-22 minutes
40 minutes
Compared to many appetizer recipes that can take upwards of an hour, these Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are impressively quick to prepare. The active prep time is minimal, making them a perfect last-minute addition to any spread. Baking time is standard for crescent-based items.
Crafting Your Crescent Masterpieces
Step 1: Prep the Sausage
Begin by cooking your breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Crumble it as it cooks until it’s fully browned and no pink remains. A good rule of thumb is to cook it slightly longer than you think necessary to ensure all excess moisture is evaporated, which prevents a soggy filling. Drain off any excess grease thoroughly using a slotted spoon or by carefully tilting the skillet. This step is crucial for the texture and longevity of your rolls. For extra flavor, if you’re using onions, you can sauté them in the sausage drippings for a few minutes until softened before draining.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. A hand mixer or a sturdy fork works well for this. Add the cooked and drained sausage to the cream cheese mixture and stir until it’s evenly distributed. The goal here is a cohesive, flavorful filling that’s spreadable.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Carefully unroll the crescent dough. If you’re using perforated triangles, gently press the seams together to form larger rectangles. Spread a generous layer of the sausage and cream cheese mixture evenly over each rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges. Avoid overfilling, as this can cause the filling to ooze out during baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll up each rectangle. Pinch the seams to seal them. Place the rolled logs seam-side down onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops of the rolls with the beaten egg wash. If desired, sprinkle with sesame seeds or poppy seeds for added texture and visual appeal. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and puffed up. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely incredible!
Nutritional Spotlight
While individual results will vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes, a typical serving of 1-2 rolls (depending on how you cut them) offers approximately:
- Calories: 200-300 kcal
- Protein: 10-15g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
Please note: This is an estimated nutritional breakdown and not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
Mindful Modifications
For those looking to lighten up this delicious treat without sacrificing flavor:
- Use a lower-fat breakfast sausage or turkey sausage.
- Substitute half of the cream cheese with non-fat Greek yogurt for tanginess and a protein boost.
- Incorporate finely chopped spinach or bell peppers into the filling for added vegetables and fiber.
- Opt for whole wheat crescent roll dough if available, though it can be harder to find.
Serving Style Symphony
These Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm as an appetizer with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. They also make a fantastic side dish for chili, soup, or a brunch spread. For breakfast lovers, they’re a step up from plain croissants and pair beautifully with scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad.
Avoiding Kitchen Calamities
Overproofing or Underproofing: Ensure your crescent dough is at room temperature (but not warm) for optimal handling. If it’s too cold, it will tear. If it’s too warm, it will be sticky and difficult to work with.
Soggy Filling: Make sure to drain the sausage and any added vegetables (like onions) thoroughly. Excess moisture is the enemy of a crisp crescent.
Underbaking: Resist the urge to pull them out too early. The inside needs to be cooked through and the dough golden brown for the best texture.
Savoring the Flavor Later
Store any leftover Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes until warmed through to restore some of their crispness. For longer storage, you can freeze cooled rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a moderate oven.
The Final Flourish
There you have it – a recipe for Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls that’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen. They are a perfect balance of comfort food and elegant appetizer, surprisingly easy to make but delivering sensational flavor. The combination of savory sausage, creamy cheese, and flaky pastry is simply irresistible. Don’t just take our word for it; try them yourself and taste the magic! We’d love to hear how your rolls turned out! Share your creations, your favorite variations, or any tips you discovered in the comments below. And don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family on social media!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the sausage and cream cheese filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before assembling the rolls to make it easier to spread.
What kind of sausage works best?
Any type of breakfast sausage (mild, hot, maple) works wonderfully. Fully cooked Italian sausage, like mild or sweet, can also be used for a different flavor profile. Ensure it’s crumbled and well-drained.
Can I use biscuit dough instead of crescent rolls?
You can, but the texture will be different. Biscuit dough will result in a softer, chewier product, whereas crescent rolls provide that signature flaky crispness.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Carefully seal the seams of the rolled dough by pinching them together. Also, avoid overfilling the dough, as this can cause pressure to build and force the filling out during baking.
Can these be made vegetarian?
Yes! You can omit the sausage entirely, or replace it with crumbled plant-based sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or a mixture of finely diced vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn for a vegetarian filling.
Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents
These buttery crescent rolls are stuffed with a creamy, spicy mixture of beef sausage, cream cheese, and Rotel tomatoes with green chilies. Perfect for parties, snacks, or appetizers, they’re irresistibly delicious and easy to make!
Ingredients
- 1pound beef sausage, cooked and crumbled1(8-ounce) package of cream cheese, softened1(10-ounce) can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, well drained2(8-ounce) cans of refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1(8-ounce) package of cream cheese, softened1(10-ounce) can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, well drained2(8-ounce) cans of refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1(10-ounce) can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, well drained2(8-ounce) cans of refrigerated crescent rolls
- 2(8-ounce) cans of refrigerated crescent rolls
Instructions
- 1️⃣Preheat the Oven:Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2️⃣Prepare the Filling:In a large bowl, combine the cooked and crumbled beef sausage, softened cream cheese, and well-drained Rotel tomatoes. Mix until fully combined.3️⃣Prep the Crescent Dough:Unroll the crescent rolls and separate them into individual triangles. Cut each triangle in half lengthwise to create smaller triangles.4️⃣Fill and Roll:Using a cookie scoop or spoon, place a small amount of the sausage and cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each crescent triangle. Gently roll the dough, starting from the wide end and tucking the filling inside as you go.5️⃣Bake:Place the crescents on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the crescents are golden brown.6️⃣Serve:Remove the crescents from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These are best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven!
- 3️⃣Prep the Crescent Dough:Unroll the crescent rolls and separate them into individual triangles. Cut each triangle in half lengthwise to create smaller triangles.4️⃣Fill and Roll:Using a cookie scoop or spoon, place a small amount of the sausage and cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each crescent triangle. Gently roll the dough, starting from the wide end and tucking the filling inside as you go.5️⃣Bake:Place the crescents on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the crescents are golden brown.6️⃣Serve:Remove the crescents from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These are best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven!
- 4️⃣Fill and Roll:Using a cookie scoop or spoon, place a small amount of the sausage and cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each crescent triangle. Gently roll the dough, starting from the wide end and tucking the filling inside as you go.
- 5️⃣Bake:Place the crescents on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the crescents are golden brown.6️⃣Serve:Remove the crescents from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These are best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven!
- 6️⃣Serve:Remove the crescents from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These are best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven!
Notes
Customizations:Add shredded cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, to the filling for an extra cheesy kick.Make-Ahead Tip:Assemble the crescents and refrigerate them covered until ready to bake.Spice Level:For a milder version, use mild Rotel or swap with diced plain tomatoes.
Make-Ahead Tip:Assemble the crescents and refrigerate them covered until ready to bake.Spice Level:For a milder version, use mild Rotel or swap with diced plain tomatoes.
Spice Level:For a milder version, use mild Rotel or swap with diced plain tomatoes.
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