If you’re looking for a simple, savory, and utterly delicious snack or appetizer, Baked Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are an absolute must-try. These tasty treats feature a crispy, flaky crescent roll dough wrapped around a savory filling of seasoned sausage and creamy cream cheese. The rich, savory filling paired with the buttery, golden crescents creates the perfect combination of flavors and textures.
Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a family dinner, or just craving a quick snack, Baked Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are an easy-to-make option that’s sure to impress. These bite-sized, flavorful rolls are loaded with creamy cheese and spicy sausage, making them a crowd-pleaser every time. If you love comfort food with a twist, this recipe is perfect for you!
Why This Recipe Works
What makes Baked Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents so irresistible is the combination of flavors and the ease of preparation. The creamy, tangy cream cheese blends perfectly with the seasoned sausage, and when wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough and baked to perfection, the result is a savory treat with a crispy exterior and a warm, gooey filling.
The balance of the savory sausage and rich cream cheese ensures that each bite is packed with flavor without being overwhelming. The crescent dough adds just the right amount of butteriness and crunch, and the combination of the cream cheese and sausage filling is both comforting and satisfying.
The best part? These crescent rolls come together quickly, making them ideal for a last-minute appetizer or snack that doesn’t require a lot of time in the kitchen. They’re also very versatile—you can adjust the seasonings to suit your tastes or even swap the sausage for a different protein if you prefer.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
To make Baked Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents, gather the following ingredients. Most of them are pantry staples, making it easy to whip this dish up at a moment’s notice:
Ingredients:
- 1 package (8 oz) crescent roll dough (preferably Pillsbury or any store brand)
- 1/2 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, based on your preference)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (optional, for added flavor and color)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for extra depth of flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (for seasoning)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted, for brushing on top of the crescents)
How to Make Baked Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
Making Baked Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents is quick and easy! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve golden, cheesy, and flavorful rolls.
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage Filling
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon as it cooks. Stir occasionally until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain excess fat: If there’s any excess grease, drain it from the skillet to prevent the filling from becoming too greasy.
- Add seasoning: Stir in the garlic powder, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). You can adjust the seasoning to taste at this stage. Once the sausage is well-seasoned, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside to cool for a few minutes.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
- Mix the cream cheese: In a separate bowl, use a spoon or hand mixer to combine the softened cream cheese and the shredded cheddar cheese (if using). Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Add the sausage mixture: Once the sausage has cooled slightly, add it to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until fully combined, making sure the sausage is evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese mixture.
- Add optional green onions: For added freshness and flavor, stir in the chopped green onions.
Step 3: Assemble the Crescents
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You should have 8 triangles.
- Fill the crescents: Spoon a generous amount of the sausage and cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each crescent triangle. Be careful not to overstuff, as you want to be able to roll them up without spilling the filling.
- Roll the crescents: Starting from the wide end, carefully roll each crescent dough triangle into a tight roll, pinching the ends to seal the filling inside.
Step 4: Bake the Crescents
- Brush with butter: Once all the crescents are rolled up, use a pastry brush to lightly coat the tops of the rolls with melted butter. This will give them a beautiful golden color as they bake.
- Bake: Place the crescent rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and fully cooked.
- Cool slightly: Once they are done baking, remove the crescent rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. The filling will be very hot, so be careful when biting into them.
Tips + Tricks & More for Recipe Success
- Use a mild or spicy sausage: The type of sausage you use can significantly affect the flavor of your crescents. A spicy sausage will give the rolls more heat, while a mild sausage will offer a subtler, richer flavor. You can even use turkey or chicken sausage if you prefer a lighter version.
- Make ahead and refrigerate: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the sausage and cream cheese mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just assemble the crescents and follow the baking instructions.
- Cheese variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. While cheddar adds a nice sharp flavor, you could also use mozzarella for a milder taste or cream cheese for extra creaminess.
- Add extra seasonings: If you want to add more flavor, try mixing in a pinch of cayenne pepper, onion powder, or even some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
- Use crescent dough alternatives: If you’re not a fan of crescent roll dough or want to try something different, you can substitute puff pastry or biscuit dough for a slightly different texture.
How to Serve Baked Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
Baked Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are perfect for serving as appetizers, snacks, or even part of a larger meal. Here are a few ideas for how to serve them:
- Appetizers for Parties: These crescents are ideal for game day, holiday parties, or any social gathering. Serve them with a side of ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or a tangy dipping sauce like mustard or hot sauce.
- Quick Weeknight Meal: If you’re looking for a quick dinner, serve these crescents with a side salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Brunch: These sausage-filled crescents make a fantastic addition to a brunch spread. Pair them with scrambled eggs, fruit, and coffee for a satisfying breakfast.
- Side Dish: Serve these crescents as a savory side dish alongside a main course like grilled chicken, steak, or even pasta.
Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes (for preparing the sausage mixture)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (for baking the crescents)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Conclusion
Baked Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that brings the perfect balance of crispy, flaky dough and rich, creamy filling. Whether you’re serving them at a party, making a quick snack, or preparing a satisfying meal, these crescents are sure to be a hit. With the versatility to be customized with different cheeses, seasonings, and sausages, you can make these crescents your own. They’re a simple but delicious treat that everyone will enjoy!