These Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents are a delicious, crowd-pleasing treat perfect for any occasion. With a creamy sausage and cheese filling wrapped in buttery crescent rolls, they’re easy to make and packed with flavor. Serve them as appetizers, party snacks, or even for breakfast—these tasty bites are always a hit!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground sausage
You can use breakfast sausage, Italian sausage, or any type of ground sausage you prefer. The sausage brings a savory and slightly spicy flavor to the filling. - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
Cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture that balances the savory sausage. Make sure it’s softened so it blends easily with the sausage and cheese. - 1 cup shredded cheese
You can use cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination of your favorite cheeses. Cheddar adds sharpness, while mozzarella brings a gooey, stretchy texture. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for a bit of spice. - 2 cans of refrigerated crescent rolls
These pre-made crescent rolls make this recipe super simple, providing a buttery, flaky exterior to hold all the delicious filling. - A pinch of pepper, to taste
Pepper enhances the flavor of the filling, but you can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula as it cooks (7-10 minutes).
- Drain Excess Fat: If there’s excess grease, drain it from the skillet, then remove the sausage from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- Mix the Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked sausage with the softened cream cheese, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Shredded Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheese and a pinch of pepper to taste.
Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Rolls
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Unroll the Crescent Dough: Open the cans of refrigerated crescent rolls and separate the dough into triangles, following the pre-scored lines.
Step 4: Assemble the Crescents
- Add the Filling: Place a spoonful of the sausage and cream cheese mixture (about 1-2 tablespoons) in the center of each crescent triangle.
- Roll the Crescents: Starting from the wide end, carefully roll up each crescent, tucking in the sides to keep the filling inside.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the rolled crescents seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them for expansion.
Step 5: Bake the Crescents
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and puffed.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let the crescents cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serving: These crescents are best served warm, right out of the oven. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or marinara for extra flavor.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Helpful Notes:
- Customizable: Feel free to customize the filling with different types of sausage (spicy, mild, or flavored), or use a different shredded cheese such as pepper jack or gouda for a unique twist.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the sausage and cream cheese filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and bake the crescents.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs:
- Chef Ree Drummond: “Adding a little extra shredded cheese on top of the crescents before baking gives them a nice golden, cheesy finish.”
- Chef Guy Fieri: “For an added crunch, try sprinkling sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning over the crescent rolls before baking.”
