Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are a delightful and savory snack or appetizer that combines the rich flavors of ground sausage, creamy cheese, and buttery crescent rolls. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, from a casual family breakfast to a festive party platter. The combination of the crispy crescent exterior and the warm, cheesy sausage filling makes these crescents irresistible.
I first discovered this recipe at a holiday gathering where a friend brought these delicious morsels. They were the first to disappear from the appetizer table, and I couldn’t resist asking for the recipe. Since then, Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents have become a staple in my kitchen. They’re incredibly easy to make and always a hit with guests. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these crescents are sure to deliver.
Ingredients
1 lb. ground sausage (breakfast, Italian, or other)
1 cup shredded cheese of your choice
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls
Pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This ensures the oven is ready to bake the crescents to golden perfection.
Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until it is completely browned. Use a spatula to break up the sausage into small crumbles as it cooks. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
Once the sausage is fully cooked, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Sausage Filling
Mix the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, 8 oz. of softened cream cheese, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. You can use any shredded cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a cheese blend.
Add pepper to taste. The amount of pepper can be adjusted based on your preference for spice.
Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well combined and the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the sausage.
Step 3: Assemble the Crescents
Prepare the Crescent Rolls:
Open the cans of refrigerated crescent rolls and unroll the dough on a clean surface. Each can should contain eight triangles of dough.
Using a knife or a pizza cutter, cut each triangle in half lengthwise to create smaller triangles. You should now have 32 smaller triangles in total.
Fill the Crescent Rolls:
Spoon a small ball of the sausage mixture onto the widest part of each triangle. Aim for about a tablespoon of filling per triangle to ensure you have enough for all 32 pieces.
Starting at the widest end, roll the crescent roll dough over the sausage filling, tucking in the sides as you go, to form a mini stuffed crescent roll. Ensure the filling is enclosed within the dough to prevent it from leaking out during baking.
Step 4: Bake the Crescents
Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place the filled crescents on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Arrange them about an inch apart to allow for even baking.
Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and cooked through. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them.
Step 5: Serve
Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the crescents from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes them easier to handle.
Serve the Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents warm. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a dipping sauce such as marinara, ranch, or honey mustard.
Variations and Substitutions
Different Sausages: You can experiment with different types of sausage, such as spicy Italian sausage, chorizo, or turkey sausage, to change the flavor profile.
Cheese Variations: Try using different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick, gouda for a smoky flavor, or a combination of cheeses.
Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with a plant-based sausage or a mixture of sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions.
Add Herbs and Spices: Enhance the flavor by adding herbs such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary to the sausage mixture. You can also add spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crescent roll dough if available, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Conclusion
Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are an appealing and enjoyable dish that brings together the comforting flavors of sausage, cheese, and crescent rolls. They are quick to prepare, making them an excellent choice for busy mornings, casual get-togethers, or holiday gatherings.
The versatility of this recipe allows you to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you stick to the classic combination or try one of the suggested variations, these crescents are sure to be a hit.
Enjoy making and sharing these delicious Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents with your family and friends. Their savory, cheesy goodness is guaranteed to make any occasion special.
