Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are a delicious and crowd-pleasing treat perfect for any occasion. These savory crescents feature a creamy sausage and cheese filling wrapped in buttery crescent rolls. Whether you’re serving them as appetizers, party snacks, or even for breakfast, these tasty bites are always a hit. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to make these delightful crescents, along with tips and variations to make them your own.
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
There are several reasons why you’ll love making Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents. Firstly, they are incredibly easy to prepare and require just a few simple ingredients. Secondly, they are versatile and can be customized with your favorite cheeses and seasonings. Additionally, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a great option for any gathering. Lastly, the combination of savory sausage, creamy cheese, and flaky crescent rolls creates a comforting and satisfying treat that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- Ground Sausage: 1 pound (450g) ground sausage (breakfast sausage, Italian sausage, or any type you prefer).
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened.
- Shredded Cheese: 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination).
- Refrigerated Crescent Rolls: 2 cans of refrigerated crescent rolls.
- Pepper: A pinch of pepper, to taste.
Equipment Used
- Large Skillet: For cooking the ground sausage until browned and fully cooked.
- Mixing Bowl: For combining the cooked sausage with the cream cheese and shredded cheese.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure out the ingredients accurately.
- Spatula: For stirring and mixing the filling.
- Baking Sheet: For baking the crescent rolls until golden brown.
- Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
- Oven: For baking the crescents to perfection.
Directions & Instructions
- 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 any excess grease.
- Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked sausage with the softened cream cheese, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Stir in the shredded cheese and a pinch of pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Crescent Rolls: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Open the cans of refrigerated crescent rolls and separate the dough into triangles.
- Assemble the Crescents: Place a spoonful of the sausage and cream cheese mixture (about 1-2 tablespoons) in the center of each crescent triangle. Starting from the wide end, carefully roll up each crescent, tucking in the sides to keep the filling inside. Place the rolled crescents seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Crescents: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and puffed. Remove from the oven and let the crescents cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information
Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are not only delicious but also provide a balanced appetizer. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
Variations
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences. You can add different cheeses such as pepper jack for a bit of spice. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with sautéed vegetables and cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of sausage? A: Yes, you can use any type of ground sausage such as breakfast sausage, Italian sausage, or even spicy sausage.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can prepare the crescents ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply bake them in the oven.
Q: How can I make this dish gluten-free? A: To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free crescent roll dough and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Pro Tips By Emma
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh sausage and cheese will provide the best flavor and texture for your crescents.
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the crescents to prevent them from breaking.
- Bake Until Golden: Ensure the crescents are baked until golden brown for the best results.
Serving Suggestions
Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are best served hot and can be enjoyed as an appetizer or snack. Consider pairing them with a fresh green salad, fruit platter, or a bowl of soup for a complete meal. For a touch of freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or chives.
Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents: A Savory Delight
Equipment
- Large Skillet: For cooking the ground sausage until browned and fully cooked.
- Mixing Bowl: For combining the cooked sausage with the cream cheese and shredded cheese.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure out the ingredients accurately.
- Spatula: For stirring and mixing the filling.
- Baking Sheet: For baking the crescent rolls until golden brown.
- Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
- Oven: For baking the crescents to perfection.
Ingredients
- Ground Sausage: 1 pound 450g ground sausage (breakfast sausage, Italian sausage, or any type you prefer).
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces 225g cream cheese, softened.
- Shredded Cheese: 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination.
- Refrigerated Crescent Rolls: 2 cans of refrigerated crescent rolls.
- Pepper: A pinch of pepper to taste.
Instructions
- 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 any excess grease.
- Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked sausage with the softened cream cheese, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Stir in the shredded cheese and a pinch of pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Crescent Rolls: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Open the cans of refrigerated crescent rolls and separate the dough into triangles.
- Assemble the Crescents: Place a spoonful of the sausage and cream cheese mixture (about 1-2 tablespoons) in the center of each crescent triangle. Starting from the wide end, carefully roll up each crescent, tucking in the sides to keep the filling inside. Place the rolled crescents seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Crescents: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and puffed. Remove from the oven and let the crescents cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
Notes
Use High-Quality Sausage: Opt for a flavorful sausage, such as spicy Italian or breakfast sausage, to enhance the overall taste.
Add Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme into the cream cheese mixture for added freshness.
Season Well: Add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika to the filling for extra depth of flavor.