Sausage cream cheese crescents have become my go-to for any gathering, and I bet they will be for you too! I remember the first time I tried making them for a potluck – the aroma of savory sausage and creamy filling baking in the oven was incredible. Everyone devoured them, asking for the recipe. They’re truly a delightful, flaky sausage cream cheese pastry that’s so simple to whip up. If you’re looking for crowd-pleasing appetizers, these easy sausage cream cheese crescents are your answer. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love These Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
These little bites of heaven are a guaranteed hit, and here’s why:
- Amazing Flavor: The savory sausage and creamy cheese filling inside flaky pastry is irresistible.
- Super Quick Prep: You can whip up these Sausage cream cheese rollups in just 15 minutes.
- Crowd-Pleaser: They’re perfect for game days, parties, or just a simple family snack.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with common ingredients, they won’t break the bank.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters love these tasty sausage cream cheese rollups.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with different cheeses or spices to suit your taste.
- Simple to Make: The process is straightforward, making them great for beginner cooks.
- Deliciously Savory: They offer a satisfying, savory experience that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients for Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
Gathering your ingredients for these delightful sausage cream cheese crescents is the first step to appetizer success! You’ll need the star of the show, 1 lb ground sausage (mild or spicy, your choice!), which provides that savory depth. For the creamy center, make sure you have 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened; this is crucial for a smooth filling that blends beautifully with the sausage. I love adding 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy kick, though it’s optional. The flavor boosters, 1/2 tsp garlic powder and 1/2 tsp onion powder, really elevate the taste. And of course, the base for our delightful cream cheese sausage crescent rolls: 1 (8 oz) package crescent roll dough. Lastly, 1 egg is perfect for an optional egg wash to give them a gorgeous golden sheen.
How to Make Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
- Step 1: Kick things off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your delicious sausage and cream cheese appetizers won’t stick.
- Step 2: Grab a skillet and cook your 1 lb ground sausage over medium heat until it’s beautifully browned. As it cooks, you’ll notice a wonderful savory aroma filling your kitchen. Drain off any excess fat to keep your crescents from being greasy.
- Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage with the 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened. Add the optional 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp onion powder. Mix everything together until it’s wonderfully creamy and well combined. This filling is the heart of your sausage cream cheese crescents.
- Step 4: Unwrap your 1 (8 oz) package crescent roll dough. Carefully unroll the dough and separate it into triangles. Try to handle them gently to keep the layers intact.
- Step 5: Spoon a generous dollop of your savory sausage and cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each crescent triangle. Don’t overfill, or they might burst open during baking – we want them to look as good as they taste!
- Step 6: Roll up each crescent starting from the wide end, shaping them into classic crescent forms. Gently tuck in the sides as you roll to seal in that delicious filling. These are shaping up to be fantastic sausage and cream cheese appetizers!
- Step 7: If you want a beautiful golden-brown finish, beat the 1 egg and brush it lightly over the top of each crescent. This egg wash gives them that irresistible shine.
- Step 8: Arrange your beautifully rolled sausage cream cheese crescents on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they have a little space between them so they can bake evenly.
- Step 9: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are perfectly golden brown and look wonderfully puffed. The smell will be absolutely mouthwatering!
- Step 10: Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to set slightly, making them perfect for serving as delightful sausage and cream cheese appetizers.
Pro Tips for the Best Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
To guarantee your sausage cream cheese crescents are a showstopper every time, I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way:
- Don’t Overmix the Filling: Combine the sausage and cream cheese mixture just until blended. Overmixing can make the filling dense and less creamy.
- Properly Soften Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened but not melted. This ensures a smooth filling that’s easy to spread and mix.
- Seal Them Well: When rolling, gently pinch the seams and tuck in the sides of the crescent dough. This prevents the filling from leaking out during baking.
- Egg Wash for Shine: While optional, the egg wash gives your sausage cream cheese crescent appetizers that beautiful, golden-brown, bakery-quality finish.
What’s the secret to perfect Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents?
The secret to truly perfect sausage cream cheese crescents lies in the balance of creamy filling and flaky dough. For the best sausage cream cheese crescent recipe, ensure your cream cheese is perfectly softened and don’t overwork the dough when rolling. For more baking tips, check out this guide on baking techniques.
Can I make Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble these quick sausage cream cheese crescents up to a day in advance. Store the unbaked crescents covered tightly in the refrigerator. Bake them as directed, adding a few extra minutes if they’re coming straight from the cold.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents?
A common mistake is overfilling the crescents, which can cause them to burst open. Also, be gentle with the crescent dough to maintain its flaky layers. Finally, ensure your oven is properly preheated to the correct temperature for even baking. Learn more about proper oven temperatures from appliance guides.
Best Ways to Serve Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
These delightful bites are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways! For a casual get-together, serve them warm as standalone appetizers alongside a bowl of your favorite dip, like ranch or honey mustard. They also make a fantastic addition to a brunch spread, paired with fruit salad or scrambled eggs. If you’re looking for more substantial meal pairings, these savory cream cheese sausage crescents are wonderful alongside a hearty soup or a fresh green salad. Imagine them as the perfect bite to complement a creamy tomato soup or a crisp Caesar salad – pure comfort! For more soup ideas, explore our green olive soup recipe.
Nutrition Facts for Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
When enjoying these delicious sausage cream cheese crescents, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting. Each serving, which typically includes one crescent, offers a satisfying taste with approximately Calories: 290 kcal. You’ll also find about Fat: 18g of fat, with Saturated Fat: 7g contributing to that. For protein, each crescent provides around Protein: 10g, helping to make them a filling appetizer. The Carbohydrates: are about 22g, with a small amount of Fiber: typically under 1g. While Sugar: content is generally low, around 2g, the Sodium: can be around 550mg depending on the sausage used. Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on nutritional guidelines, consult resources on healthy eating.
How to Store and Reheat Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
Properly storing and reheating your sausage cream cheese crescents ensures they stay delicious, even when made ahead. Once baked, let them cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy. Store the cooled crescents in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep these quick sausage cream cheese crescents longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
To reheat, if they’re from the fridge, you can pop them into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. For frozen crescents, it’s best to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator first, then reheat as you would the refrigerated ones. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that lovely flaky texture; the oven is your best friend here! For other delicious baked goods, try our chocolate cream cheese danish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
Can I use different types of sausage in these crescents?
Absolutely! You can use mild, hot, or even Italian sausage for your sausage cream cheese crescents. Turkey sausage is also a great option if you’re looking for a lighter alternative. Just cook and drain it the same way.
How do I make sausage cream cheese crescents without them being greasy?
The key to avoiding greasiness when you learn how to make sausage cream cheese crescents is to drain the cooked sausage thoroughly. Pour off any excess fat from the skillet before mixing it with the cream cheese and other filling ingredients.
What can I serve with these sausage cream cheese appetizers?
These sausage and cream cheese appetizers are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with a fresh green salad, a bowl of creamy tomato soup, or even alongside some fruit salad for a balanced meal. For a different appetizer option, check out our Greek salad pinwheels.
Can I freeze the filling for sausage cream cheese crescents?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage and cream cheese filling ahead of time and freeze it. Let it thaw completely in the refrigerator before assembling your crescents. This makes whipping up these quick sausage cream cheese crescents even faster when you’re ready to bake.
Variations of Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic version, why not get creative with these sausage cream cheese crescents? They’re so adaptable! For a delightful twist, try making them into sausage cream cheese breakfast crescents by adding a pinch of sage and a sprinkle of chives to the filling. If you’re looking for a lighter option, swap the ground pork sausage for ground turkey or chicken sausage. You can also amp up the flavor by adding finely diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture for a spicy kick. For a different texture, consider using puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough for an even flakier bite, turning them into something akin to a mini sausage cream cheese danish.
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Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents: 15 Minute Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are delightful, flaky appetizers filled with a creamy, seasoned sausage and cream cheese mixture. They are incredibly easy to make, budget-friendly, and versatile, perfect for any occasion from game days to family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional)
- 1 (8 oz) package crescent roll dough
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ground sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked sausage, softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese (if using), garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until well combined and creamy.
- Unroll crescent roll dough and separate triangles.
- Place a spoonful of the sausage mixture at the wide end of each crescent triangle.
- Roll up from the wide end to form a crescent shape. Tuck in the sides.
- Beat the egg and brush over each crescent for an egg wash (optional).
- Place crescents on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For variations, add spinach or bell peppers to the filling. Substitute turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened but not warm for the filling.
- Avoid overfilling to prevent bursting during baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crescent
- Calories: 290 kcal
