Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
Looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly tasty appetizer or snack? Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are your go-to recipe for a crowd-pleasing treat that’s baked to golden, flaky perfection. These little pockets of savory sausage paired with creamy cheese wrapped in buttery crescent dough deliver a burst of flavor in every bite and are perfect for any gathering, breakfast, or simple comfort food craving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples that come together effortlessly.
- Fast Preparation: From start to finish, this recipe takes under 30 minutes.
- Versatile Snack: Great for parties, game days, brunch, or a quick savory bite.
- Irresistibly Flavorful: The creamy cheese and seasoned sausage blend creates a perfect taste combo.
- Kid-Friendly: Easy to customize and loved by all ages.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a handful of simple but crucial ingredients that bring out the best in Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents. Each adds its own magic, whether it’s creamy richness, savory depth, or that flaky, golden crust everyone loves.
- Ground Sausage: Provides a juicy, flavorful base with savory spices.
- Cream Cheese: Adds smoothness and a tender texture to balance the sausage.
- Crescent Roll Dough: The flaky, buttery wrapper that holds it all together.
- Garlic Powder: Boosts the savory profile without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Onion Powder: Gives an additional subtle savory hint that complements the sausage.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a fresh touch of color and a mild herbal note.
Variations for Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
Don’t be afraid to get creative! This recipe is a fantastic blank canvas to tweak based on your dietary preferences or flavor cravings. Here are some simple swaps and additions that make it uniquely yours.
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture.
- Cheese Swap: Use shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack instead of cream cheese.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers.
- Herb Enhancement: Mix in fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary for herbal aroma.
- Sweet & Savory: Add a touch of honey or maple syrup to the sausage before wrapping.
How to Make Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground sausage until browned and fully cooked. Break it apart into small pieces as it cooks, then drain any excess fat to keep the bites from being greasy.
Step 2: Mix Sausage with Cream Cheese and Seasonings
In a bowl, combine the warm sausage with softened cream cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until creamy and well mixed, creating your savory filling.
Step 3: Prepare Crescent Roll Dough
Unroll the crescent dough onto a clean surface. Separate it into triangles along the perforated lines. The triangles are your little wrapping pieces.
Step 4: Assemble the Crescents
Spoon a generous amount of the sausage cream cheese filling near the wide end of each dough triangle. Roll the dough over the filling, starting from the wide edge and rolling toward the point, sealing the filling inside.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden Brown
Place the filled crescents on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
Pro Tips for Making Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
- Use Room Temperature Cheese: Softens easily for smooth filling and easier mixing.
- Don’t Overfill: Prevent the crescents from leaking by using just enough filling to roll comfortably.
- Seal Edges Well: Pinch the dough edges firmly to avoid spills during baking.
- Even Baking: Space crescents evenly on the baking sheet for uniform cooking and browning.
- Optional Egg Wash: Brush with beaten egg for a glossy, golden finish (especially if you skip store-bought dough’s buttery surface).
How to Serve Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
Garnishes
Top these crescents with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and brightness that complements the savory filling beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents with a crisp green salad, fresh fruit, or even a tangy dipping sauce like marinara or a creamy ranch to round out the meal or snack time.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange them on a festive platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties, or serve alongside a warm soup for a cozy, comforting dinner vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover crescents in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked, assembled crescents by placing them on a baking sheet in the freezer, then transferring to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to restore crispness, or microwave briefly if in a hurry, though they’re best warmed slowly to keep that buttery crust intact.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked sausage for this recipe?
Yes! Using pre-cooked sausage can speed up preparation, just make sure it’s crumbled finely and warmed before mixing with cream cheese.
Are Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! They freeze well before baking, making them great for meal prep or quick snacks anytime.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, try using dairy-free cream cheese and crescent dough alternatives to enjoy a similar flavor profile without dairy.
What type of sausage is best to use?
Pork breakfast sausage is classic, but you can also use turkey sausage or spicy Italian sausage depending on your taste preferences.
How can I make these crescents spicier?
Add chili flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the filling mix for a delicious spicy twist.
Final Thoughts
Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are one of those magical recipes that make snack time instantly better. They bring together warm, flaky dough and a creamy, savory center that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re hosting friends, prepping for a holiday, or craving something easy and satisfying, these crescents are a must-try. So grab your ingredients, and let’s get baking!
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- Savory Baked Bruschetta Dip with Fresh Basil and Garlic
Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 crescents 1x
- Diet: Contains Gluten, Contains Dairy
Description
Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are quick, easy, and delicious savory pastries featuring a flavorful blend of seasoned ground sausage and creamy cheese wrapped in flaky crescent dough. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or breakfast treat, these golden-baked crescents bring a comforting and irresistible flavor to any gathering.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tube (8 oz) crescent roll dough
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the filling from being greasy.
- Mix Sausage with Cream Cheese and Seasonings: In a bowl, combine the warm cooked sausage, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until the mixture is creamy and well blended to create the savory filling.
- Prepare Crescent Roll Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean surface. Separate the dough into triangles along the perforated lines; these triangles will be used to wrap the filling.
- Assemble the Crescents: Place a generous spoonful of the sausage and cream cheese mixture near the wide end of each dough triangle. Roll the dough over the filling, starting from the wide edge and rolling toward the narrow point, sealing the edges to enclose the filling.
- Bake Until Golden Brown: Arrange the filled crescents on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crescents are golden brown and puffed.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth, easy-to-mix filling.
- Don’t overfill the dough to prevent leaking and ensure neat crescents.
- Seal the dough edges firmly by pinching to avoid spills during baking.
- Space crescents evenly on the baking sheet for even baking and browning.
- Optionally brush with beaten egg before baking for a glossy, golden finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crescent
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: sausage, cream cheese, crescents, appetizer, snack, savory, easy recipe, party food
