Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents

by
Print Recipe

Introduction

Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are the ultimate savory comfort food, perfect for any occasion. Imagine buttery, golden crescent rolls wrapped around a rich filling of creamy cheese and perfectly seasoned sausage. The result? A flaky, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a brunch spread, or simply looking for a quick, indulgent snack, these crescents are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

The first time I made these, I was amazed at how effortlessly they came together. Cooking the sausage and mixing it with cream cheese took just minutes, and rolling it up in the crescent dough felt like a fun and creative process. The smell of these baking—savory and buttery—was absolutely irresistible, and when they came out of the oven, they were devoured in no time.

What I love most about Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents is their versatility. You can keep them classic or customize them by adding shredded cheese, a sprinkle of herbs, or even a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor. They’re perfect served fresh and warm, but they also reheat beautifully, making them an ideal make-ahead option. No matter when or how you serve them, these crescents are sure to become a favorite that everyone will be asking for again and again.

Perfect for:

  • Party appetizers
  • Brunch spreads
  • Breakfast on-the-go
  • Potlucks
  • Holiday gatherings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents will be your go-to recipe:

  • Rich and Creamy Filling: The combination of cream cheese and sausage creates a savory, indulgent filling.
  • Flaky Dough: Crescent roll dough bakes up golden, light, and buttery.
  • Quick and Easy: Requires minimal prep and uses simple ingredients.
  • Customizable: Add herbs, spices, or shredded cheese to make them your own.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for breakfast, appetizers, or snacks.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 8 crescents (1 batch)
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 6g, Carbs: 14g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents:

  • 1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
  • ½ lb ground breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Ingredient Highlights

  • Crescent Roll Dough: Provides the flaky, buttery base for the rolls.
  • Breakfast Sausage: Use mild, spicy, or maple-flavored sausage for different flavor profiles.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess to the filling.
  • Shredded Cheese: Optional, but adds extra cheesy goodness.
  • Seasonings: Garlic and onion powders enhance the filling’s flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

  1. Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked. Break it into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
  2. Combine with Cream Cheese: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage with the softened cream cheese. Mix until well blended.
  3. Add Seasonings: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. If using, mix in shredded cheddar cheese.

Assemble the Crescents:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into 8 triangles.
  3. Add the Filling: Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the sausage mixture on the widest part of each triangle.
  4. Roll the Crescents: Starting at the wide end, roll up each triangle toward the pointed end, encasing the filling. Place them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake the Crescents:

  1. Bake Until Golden: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescents are golden brown and cooked through.
  2. Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

  • Appetizer Platter: Arrange the crescents on a platter with small bowls of dipping sauces like marinara, honey mustard, or ranch.
  • Breakfast Spread: Pair them with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and coffee for an indulgent breakfast or brunch.
  • Game Day Snack: Serve them alongside other finger foods like wings, sliders, and chips with queso for a crowd-pleasing game day spread.
  • Brunch Board: Create a grazing board with crescents, cheeses, cured meats, fresh veggies, and fruit for an elegant brunch display.
  • Lunchbox Treat: Wrap the crescents individually in parchment paper and pack them in lunchboxes for a quick and satisfying meal.
  • Soup Companion: Serve them alongside creamy tomato soup or a hearty potato soup for a comforting and filling meal.
  • On-the-Go Snack: Wrap in foil or parchment for an easy snack to take to work, picnics, or road trips.
  • Holiday Gathering: Include them as part of a festive appetizer selection for holiday parties or family get-togethers.
  • Themed Party: Present them on a rustic wooden board with greenery for a farmhouse-style party or serve on elegant trays for a more formal event.
  • Mini Crescent Bites: Cut each crescent dough piece smaller and roll into bite-sized portions for easy, poppable servings at events.

Additional Tips

  • Use Pre-Cooked Sausage: Save time by using fully cooked breakfast sausage or crumbled cooked sausage.
  • Season the Filling: Enhance flavor by adding garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of Italian seasoning to the cream cheese mixture.
  • Add a Kick: For a spicy version, mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
  • Use Flavored Cream Cheese: Try flavored cream cheese, such as chive and onion or garden vegetable, for extra depth.
  • Chill the Dough: Keep crescent roll dough in the fridge until ready to use; warm dough can be harder to work with.
  • Don’t Overfill: Use a small spoonful of filling to prevent the crescents from bursting open during baking.
  • Seal Edges Well: Pinch the dough edges tightly to keep the filling from oozing out while baking.
  • Brush with Butter: Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder or Parmesan cheese for a golden, flavorful finish.
  • Line Your Baking Sheet: Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
  • Serve with a Dip: Pair with marinara, ranch, or honey mustard for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Recipe Variations

  1. Spicy Sausage Crescents: Use spicy sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  2. Bacon-Cheddar Crescents: Replace sausage with crumbled bacon and add extra cheddar.
  3. Herb and Cheese Crescents: Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the filling.
  4. Veggie Crescents: Mix in finely diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
  5. Sweet and Savory Crescents: Use maple sausage and add a drizzle of honey before serving.
  6. Pesto Sausage Crescents: Spread a thin layer of pesto on the dough before adding the filling.
  7. Turkey Sausage Crescents: Substitute pork sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
  8. Jalapeño Popper Crescents: Add diced jalapeños and shredded pepper jack cheese to the filling.
  9. Ham and Cheese Crescents: Swap sausage for diced ham and add Swiss cheese.
  10. Breakfast Crescents: Add scrambled eggs to the filling for a hearty breakfast option.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Freeze uncooked, assembled crescents on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the baking time.
  • Storage: Store leftover crescents in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.

Special Equipment

  • Baking Sheet: A large, non-stick baking sheet is essential for evenly baking the crescents.
  • Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Helps prevent the crescents from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup easier.
  • Mixing Bowl: Use a medium to large bowl for combining the sausage and cream cheese filling.
  • Spatula or Mixing Spoon: For stirring the filling until well blended.
  • Rolling Pin: Optional but useful if you want to flatten or reshape the crescent dough.
  • Pastry Brush: Handy for brushing melted butter or egg wash over the crescents for a golden finish.
  • Pizza Cutter or Sharp Knife: For cutting the crescent dough into smaller shapes, if desired.
  • Cooling Rack: Allows the baked crescents to cool evenly without becoming soggy on the bottom.
  • Sausage Chopper or Potato Masher: Helps break up cooked sausage into smaller, uniform pieces.
  • Small Cookie Scoop: Makes portioning the filling easier and ensures consistent sizes for the crescents.

FAQ

  1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese? Yes, but the filling may be slightly less rich.
  2. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
  3. What other dough can I use? Puff pastry or biscuit dough can be used as an alternative.
  4. Can I make them vegetarian? Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles or sautéed veggies.
  5. How can I make them gluten-free? Use gluten-free crescent roll dough if available.

Conclusion

Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both simple to make and bursting with flavor. With their buttery, flaky crescent dough and creamy, savory filling, these bites are perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a party appetizer, a satisfying breakfast treat, or a quick snack, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.

Versatile and easy to customize, these crescents can be adapted with different seasonings, cheeses, or even spicy sausage for a bolder flavor. Their golden-brown crust and creamy, cheesy interior make them irresistibly delicious, and they come together in no time—ideal for last-minute gatherings or meal prep.

I can’t wait to see how you make these Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents your own! Be sure to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your creations. Don’t forget to share your favorite variations or tips in the comments. Happy baking!

Leave a Comment