There’s something irresistibly comforting about Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls. These golden, flaky pastries filled with savory sausage and creamy cheese deliver pure comfort in every bite. They’re the perfect balance of crispy exterior and rich, flavorful filling that makes them disappear from plates almost instantly.
Whether you’re hosting brunch, need an appetizer for game day, or simply want to treat your family to something special for breakfast, these crescent rolls check all the boxes. The combination of store-bought crescent dough and simple filling ingredients means you can have an impressive dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This
- Simple ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store
- Perfect make-ahead option for busy mornings or entertaining
- Customizable with your favorite sausage varieties and add-ins
- Kid-friendly but sophisticated enough for adults too
- Great for on-the-go breakfasts or as party appetizers
Ingredients
- 1 pound mild breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 10 ounces can fire-roasted diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), well drained
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 16 ounces refrigerated crescent roll dough (2 canisters, 8 ounces each)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Hot sauce to taste
Instructions
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage, softened cream cheese, well-drained diced tomatoes and green chilies, and the finely chopped fresh parsley. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and the cream cheese is fully blended with no white streaks remaining. If using any optional additions like shredded cheese or garlic powder, fold them in now.
- Open one canister of crescent roll dough and unroll it onto a clean, lightly floured surface. The dough will be perforated in triangles – use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to separate the dough along these perforations. For smaller bites, carefully slice each triangle in half lengthwise so you end up with two narrower triangles from each original one.
- Using a small cookie scoop or measuring spoon, place approximately 1 tablespoon of the sausage filling near the wider end (the base) of each triangle. The exact amount may vary depending on the size of your triangles – you want enough filling to make them substantial but not so much that they’ll burst during baking.
- Gently stretch the wide end of the dough triangle over the sausage filling, then continue rolling toward the pointed end, creating a crescent shape. The filling should be completely enclosed within the dough. Place each rolled crescent on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for expansion during baking.
- Continue the process with the remaining triangles from the first canister, then open and prepare the second canister of crescent dough. Keep rolling until all the dough and filling have been used. Depending on the size of your baking sheet, you may need to bake in batches.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the crescents are puffed up and golden brown. Keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time to ensure they don’t over-brown.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the crescent rolls to cool for 3-5 minutes before serving. This brief cooling period allows the filling to set slightly and makes them easier to handle. Serve warm as an appetizer or breakfast item.
Tips & Variations
- Spice it up by using hot Italian sausage or adding a dash of red pepper flakes
- Add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese to the filling for an extra cheesy version
- Try using flavored cream cheese like chive and onion for added dimension
- Make mini versions using the smaller crescent roll sheets for bite-sized appetizers
- Prep the filling the night before and store in the refrigerator to save time
- Brush the tops with beaten egg before baking for an extra golden finish
Serving Suggestions
These Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls pair beautifully with fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast or brunch. Try serving them with a side of maple syrup for dipping if you enjoy a sweet and savory combination.
For an appetizer spread, arrange them on a platter alongside marinara or ranch dipping sauce. They also make an excellent addition to a soup and sandwich lunch when paired with a light garden salad or tomato soup.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
- To freeze, place unbaked rolls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the baking time.
FAQs
Can I make these without meat?
Yes! You can substitute the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for a vegetarian option.
What type of sausage works best?
Breakfast sausage is traditional, but Italian sausage, chorizo, or even turkey sausage all work wonderfully depending on your preference.
Can I prepare these in advance?
You can prepare the filling up to 2 days ahead and assemble just before baking, or you can assemble completely and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking.
Why is my filling leaking out during baking?
Make sure not to overfill the crescents and seal the edges well by pinching them closed. Also, allowing the filling to cool slightly before assembling helps prevent leakage.
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