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Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are the kind of appetizer that disappears faster than you can say “what’s the recipe?” This dish combines three irresistible elements: flaky crescent rolls, savory breakfast sausage, and rich cream cheese. Whether you're hosting a brunch, tailgate party, or simply need a quick family snack, this easy-to-make recipe will become one of your favorites. Best of all, it takes minimal time and effort!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This isn’t just any appetizer—it’s a golden, cheesy, sausage-filled crescent roll that melts in your mouth. Here’s why it’s a winner:
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the filling ahead of time.
- Freezer-Friendly: Perfect to store for future snacking.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Breakfast, parties, holidays, or potlucks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound (450g) ground breakfast sausage
- 1 package (8 oz / 225g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls (8 count each)
- Optional: garlic powder, onion powder, chopped chives or green onions
How to Make Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until fully browned. Break it apart with a spatula while cooking to create a fine crumble. Once cooked, drain any excess grease.
Step 2: Mix with Cream Cheese
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage with the softened cream cheese. Stir well until completely blended and smooth. For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of garlic powder or chopped green onions at this point.
Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Rolls
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into individual triangles. Place each triangle flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Add the Filling
Scoop about a tablespoon of the sausage and cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each crescent roll triangle. Then, roll each one up like a traditional crescent, starting at the wide end and working toward the point.
Step 5: Bake
Place the tray in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crescents are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Step 6: Serve
Serve warm straight from the oven. They pair perfectly with a dipping sauce like spicy mustard, ranch, or even a mild sriracha mayo.
Tips for Success
- Soften Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing for the smoothest texture.
- Use Spicy Sausage: Want a little kick? Try spicy Italian or chorizo sausage for a flavorful twist.
- Prep in Advance: You can make the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake.
Flavor Variations
- Cheddar Style: Add ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the filling for a richer taste.
- Jalapeño Popper Style: Mix in diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Bacon & Sausage: Add chopped cooked bacon to the filling for extra smoky flavor.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Let crescents cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Perfect Pairings
- Drinks: Coffee, iced tea, or a mimosa for brunch gatherings.
- Side Dishes: Fresh fruit salad, roasted potatoes, or scrambled eggs.
Common Questions
Can I use different sausage?
Yes! Ground turkey sausage or even plant-based sausage alternatives work great for this recipe.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Absolutely. You can assemble them and refrigerate uncooked crescents for up to 24 hours before baking.
Do they taste good cold?
They’re best warm, but still delicious at room temperature—great for lunchboxes or picnics.
Final Thoughts
Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are the kind of dish you’ll end up making again and again. Whether for a quick breakfast, a party appetizer, or a lazy weekend snack, these buttery, savory bites deliver every single time.
With just a few ingredients and even fewer steps, they prove that delicious doesn't have to mean difficult. So the next time you're looking for a crowd-pleasing recipe, whip up a batch of these crescent roll wonders—you won't regret it.
Nutritional Information (Per Crescent Roll)
Here’s a general breakdown of nutritional values per serving. Keep in mind this may vary depending on specific brands of sausage and crescent rolls used.
- Calories: ~180
- Protein: ~5g
- Fat: ~13g
- Carbohydrates: ~10g
- Sugar: ~1g
- Sodium: ~320mg
If you’re watching your intake, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese, turkey sausage, or low-sodium crescent dough for a lighter version.
Make It a Meal
While these crescents shine as appetizers or party snacks, you can absolutely turn them into a complete meal. Here’s how:
- Brunch Board: Serve alongside fresh fruits, hard-boiled eggs, and yogurt parfaits.
- Lunch Plate: Pair with a garden salad or roasted veggies.
- Dinner Shortcut: Serve with soup—like tomato basil or loaded potato—for a comforting evening meal.
Kids Love Them!
These sausage crescents are a hit with kids. They’re warm, handheld, and filled with simple ingredients. Want to sneak in some veggies? Finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or even bell peppers can be stirred into the filling without anyone noticing!
Entertaining Tip
If you’re hosting a brunch, baby shower, or game day party, this recipe is an MVP. Want to level up the presentation?
- Cut them into smaller bite-sized pieces before baking.
- Use mini crescent dough or make pinwheels by rolling the mixture in crescent sheets and slicing into discs.
- Garnish with parsley or a sprinkle of paprika before serving for color.
Storage & Leftovers
Storing: After the crescents cool down, place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Microwave reheating works but may soften the exterior.
Freezing: These crescent bites freeze very well. Lay them on a tray to flash-freeze for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
What Readers Are Saying
“These are always gone within minutes at potlucks. I keep getting asked for the recipe!” — Angela B.
“My kids LOVE these. I make a double batch and freeze half. It’s a lifesaver for busy school mornings.” — Marcus T.
Midjourney Image Prompt (Optional)
If you're creating content and want a photo that visually matches this recipe, here’s a helpful image prompt for Midjourney or other AI tools:
golden baked sausage cream cheese crescent rolls stacked on white plate, rustic wooden background, warm lighting, overhead view, no hands, no faces
Final Bite
Whether you're planning a holiday spread, need a dish to impress guests, or want a low-effort weekday win, Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents will never fail you. With just a few ingredients, you get a savory, creamy, flaky delight that everyone will ask for again and again.
Try it once, and you’ll see why these little crescents are treasured by busy parents, home chefs, and party hosts alike. Ready in minutes. Enjoyed for hours.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Please check ingredient labels if you have food allergies, and consult with your physician or dietitian for any dietary concerns.