Introduction
These golden, buttery Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are the ultimate comfort food perfect as a party appetizer, easy breakfast bite, or indulgent snack. Savory sausage, creamy cheese, and a flaky crescent roll exterior make each bite irresistible. They come together quickly and disappear just as fast!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls (8-count per can)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. - Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess grease. - Prepare the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy. - Assemble the Crescents:
Unroll the crescent dough and separate into 16 triangles. Spoon the filling onto the wide end of each triangle. Roll them up gently toward the narrow end, tucking the sides to help seal in the filling. - Bake the Crescents:
Arrange crescents on the prepared baking sheet with space in between. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and delicious-looking. - Serve:
Let them cool for a few minutes, then sprinkle with chopped parsley (if using). Serve warm and watch them disappear!
Variation
- Use Spicy Sausage for a Kick:
Switch out mild sausage for hot or spicy Italian sausage if you want a little extra heat. The spiciness pairs really well with the richness of the cream cheese and makes these crescents more flavorful and bold perfect for spice lovers! - Add Vegetables to the Mix:
Chopped green onions, diced bell peppers, or sautéed mushrooms can be mixed into the filling for added flavor, texture, and color. This not only stretches the filling a bit further but also sneaks in a few veggies, which is great if you’re feeding kids. - Make It Breakfast-Style:
Stir in a scrambled egg or two with the sausage mixture before filling the crescents. This turns them into a hearty breakfast option, ideal for busy mornings or brunch spreads.
Cooking Notes
- Don’t Overfill the Crescents:
It can be tempting to load up each triangle with a big scoop of filling, but too much can cause them to burst open while baking. A rounded tablespoon is just the right amount to keep everything neat and contained. - Drain the Sausage Well:
After browning the sausage, make sure to drain off all the excess grease. Leaving it in can make the filling too greasy and may cause the dough to get soggy instead of crisp and golden. - Use Cold Dough for Easier Rolling:
If your crescent roll dough has warmed up and become too soft, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes. Cold dough is easier to handle and less likely to tear as you roll it around the filling.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with Dipping Sauces:
Offer a variety of dips on the side, like ranch, spicy mustard, marinara, or a creamy sriracha mayo. These dips bring extra flavor and make the crescents feel like a party-ready finger food. - Pair with a Simple Side Salad or Fruit:
If you’re serving these for brunch or lunch, pair them with a crisp green salad or a bowl of fresh fruit. It helps balance out the richness of the crescents and turns it into a more complete meal. - Make It a Brunch Board:
Arrange the crescents on a wooden board with hard-boiled eggs, fresh berries, sliced cheese, and some pastries for a beautiful and satisfying brunch spread that looks as good as it tastes.
Tips
- 1Soften Cream Cheese Ahead of Time:
Let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing. This makes it easier to blend smoothly with the sausage and seasonings, ensuring the filling is creamy and evenly combined. - Use Pre-Shredded Cheese to Save Time:
Shredding your own cheese melts better, but in a pinch, pre-shredded cheddar is totally fine for this recipe. It saves a step and still adds that cheesy goodness to the mix. - Make Ahead and Reheat:
You can fully bake the crescents ahead of time, let them cool, and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to bring back their fresh-baked texture and warmth.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 7g
- Sodium: 390mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these crescents ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and bake them ahead, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes to regain that flaky, fresh-out-of-the-oven texture. - Can I freeze Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents?
Absolutely. Bake them first, let them cool completely, and then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat straight from the freezer at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, or until heated through. - Can I use other types of dough instead of crescent rolls?
Yes! Puff pastry or biscuit dough can work, but the texture and bake time may vary. Crescent rolls are ideal because they bake up golden and flaky while sealing the filling nicely.
Conclusion
Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are the kind of easy, feel-good recipe everyone needs in their back pocket. With just a few simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you’ll have warm, flaky, cheesy bites that are perfect for any occasion whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself. Customize them, prep ahead, and watch them disappear every time. Enjoy!
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Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 crescents 1x
Description
These golden, buttery Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are the ultimate comfort food perfect as a party appetizer, easy breakfast bite, or indulgent snack. Savory sausage, creamy cheese, and a flaky crescent roll exterior make each bite irresistible. They come together quickly and disappear just as fast!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls (8-count per can)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. - Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess grease. - Prepare the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy. - Assemble the Crescents:
Unroll the crescent dough and separate into 16 triangles. Spoon the filling onto the wide end of each triangle. Roll them up gently toward the narrow end, tucking the sides to help seal in the filling. - Bake the Crescents:
Arrange crescents on the prepared baking sheet with space in between. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and delicious-looking. - Serve:
Let them cool for a few minutes, then sprinkle with chopped parsley (if using). Serve warm and watch them disappear!
Notes
- For extra flavor, try mixing in chopped green onions or a pinch of crushed red pepper.
- These crescents can be made ahead and reheated in the oven or air fryer.
- Great for holiday mornings, potlucks, or game day snacks!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crescent
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: <0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: sausage crescents, cream cheese crescent rolls, easy appetizer, crescent roll recipe