Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents: The Perfect Savory Snack for Any Occasion
When it comes to quick, crowd-pleasing appetizers, Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are an unbeatable choice. These delicious bites combine the rich flavors of seasoned sausage, creamy cheese, and buttery crescent rolls to create a snack that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for an easy snack for game day, or simply want a savory treat to enjoy with your family, these crescents deliver on taste and simplicity.
Ingredients: Simple and Flavorful
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that’s packed with flavor and texture.
1 lb. Ground Sausage
The sausage is the star of the show in this recipe. You can choose from various types of sausage depending on your taste preferences. Breakfast sausage offers a mild and savory flavor, while Italian sausage brings a touch of spice and complexity. For those who like something different, you might even consider trying chorizo for a bit of a kick.
1 Cup Shredded Cheese of Choice
Cheese is the perfect complement to the sausage, adding a creamy, melty texture to the filling. Cheddar is a popular choice due to its sharp flavor, but you can experiment with other types of cheese like mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for a spicy twist. The cheese helps bind the filling together while providing a rich, gooey center for each crescent roll.
8 oz. Cream Cheese, Softened
Cream cheese plays a crucial role in creating a smooth, creamy texture in the filling. It not only adds richness but also helps to bind the sausage and shredded cheese together, ensuring that the filling stays intact inside the crescent rolls.
2 Cans Refrigerated Crescent Rolls
Crescent rolls are the perfect vessel for this savory filling. Their buttery, flaky texture contrasts beautifully with the creamy, cheesy filling. The rolls bake up golden brown and crispy, making them irresistible.
Pepper, to Taste
A dash of pepper adds just the right amount of seasoning to enhance the flavors of the sausage and cheese. You can adjust the amount of pepper based on your personal preference.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
Making these crescent rolls is a breeze, even for novice cooks. Here’s how you can create these tasty treats in just a few simple steps:
Preheat Your Oven
Before you begin assembling your crescents, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the oven is at the right temperature for baking, allowing your crescents to cook evenly and turn a beautiful golden brown.
Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough
Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean surface. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, carefully cut each triangle of dough in half lengthwise. This will give you smaller triangles that are perfect for making bite-sized crescents.
Cook the Sausage
In a medium skillet, cook the ground sausage over medium heat until it’s fully browned and cooked through. Stir occasionally to break up the sausage into small, crumbled pieces. Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and allow the sausage to cool slightly. Cooling the sausage is important because it will prevent the cream cheese from melting too much when you mix the filling.
Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled sausage, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, and a pinch of pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated, and the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be the filling for your crescent rolls.
Fill the Crescents
Take a small spoonful of the sausage mixture and place it on the widest part of each crescent roll triangle. Be careful not to overfill the crescents, as this could cause the filling to leak out during baking.
Roll the Crescents
Starting at the widest end of the triangle, gently roll the crescent dough over the filling, tucking in the sides as you go. This will help to keep the filling enclosed within the dough. Continue rolling until you reach the narrow end of the triangle, forming a neat, compact crescent.
Bake the Crescents
Place the filled crescents on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in your preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the crescents are golden brown and fully cooked. The crescent rolls should be crisp and flaky, with a deliciously warm and gooey filling inside.
Cool and Serve
Once the crescents are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet. Serve them warm for the best flavor and texture. These crescents are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a breakfast treat.
Tips for Making the Best Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
While this recipe is straightforward, there are a few tips and tricks you can follow to ensure that your crescents turn out perfectly every time.
Use Quality Sausage
The type of sausage you use will significantly impact the flavor of your crescents. Choose a sausage that you enjoy and that complements the other ingredients. For a milder flavor, stick with breakfast sausage. If you prefer something spicier, Italian sausage or even chorizo can add an exciting twist.
Experiment with Different Cheeses
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese in this recipe. Cheddar and mozzarella are great options, but you can also try using Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even blue cheese for a more intense flavor. Mixing two types of cheese can also create a more complex and delicious filling.
Don’t Overfill the Crescents
While it may be tempting to stuff as much filling as possible into each crescent roll, it’s important not to overfill them. Too much filling can cause the crescents to burst open during baking, resulting in a messier final product. A small spoonful of filling is usually sufficient for each crescent.
Make Ahead and Freeze
These crescents can be made ahead of time and frozen for later use. After assembling the crescents, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, place the frozen crescents on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Serve with Dipping Sauces
While these crescents are delicious on their own, serving them with a variety of dipping sauces can add even more flavor. Some great options include marinara sauce, ranch dressing, honey mustard, or even a spicy aioli.
Detailed Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 16 crescents
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Not diet-specific
Nutritional Information (Per Crescent)
Calories: 190 kcal
Protein: 7g
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 390mg
FAQs About Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
Can I use pre-cooked sausage for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked sausage if you’re short on time. Simply crumble the pre-cooked sausage and mix it with the cream cheese and shredded cheese. Make sure the sausage is well-drained and cooled before mixing to prevent the cream cheese from melting too much.
Can I make these crescents ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the crescents and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This makes them a great option for entertaining, as you can do most of the work ahead of time.
What other fillings can I use for these crescents?
While sausage and cream cheese are a classic combination, you can get creative with other fillings. Some ideas include ham and cheddar, spinach and feta, or even a sweet filling like Nutella and banana for a dessert version.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover crescents can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents?
Yes, these crescents freeze well. To freeze, assemble the crescents and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are a delightful, easy-to-make appetizer that everyone will love. With their savory sausage filling, creamy cheese, and flaky crescent rolls, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a party, a family snack, or even breakfast, these crescents are sure to become a favorite in your household. Try experimenting with different sausage and cheese combinations to create your own unique version of this delicious recipe, and enjoy the smiles and satisfaction they bring to your table.
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Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 crescents 1x
Description
Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are a savory, delicious appetizer that combines ground sausage, creamy cheese, and flaky crescent rolls. Perfect for parties, snacks, or breakfast, these easy-to-make crescents are sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground sausage (breakfast, Italian, or other)
- 1 cup shredded cheese of choice
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll the crescent rolls out flat and cut each triangle in half lengthwise.
- Cook the ground sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully browned. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled sausage, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Spoon a small amount of the sausage mixture onto the widest part of each crescent roll triangle.
- Roll the crescent dough over the filling, starting at the widest end, and form mini stuffed crescent rolls.
- Place the crescents on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier twist, use Italian sausage or chorizo.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors.
- Make-ahead option: Assemble and freeze crescents, then bake from frozen, adding extra minutes to the baking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
Keywords: Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents