Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents

These Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are the perfect appetizers for any gathering. With just four ingredients, they come together quickly and are ideal for parties, game days, or even as a delightful snack. The combination of spicy sausage, creamy cheese, and zesty Rotel packed into flaky crescent rolls creates a flavor explosion that your guests won’t be able to resist!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only four ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip these up in no time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The savory blend of sausage and cream cheese with a hint of spice makes these bites irresistible.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even breakfast treat – suitable for any occasion!
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the filling in advance and assemble them just before baking.
• Shareable Size: Each bite is perfectly portioned for sharing, making them great for gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Cookie scoop
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A good-sized bowl is essential for combining your ingredients thoroughly.
• Cookie scoop: This tool helps portion out the filling evenly, ensuring consistent bites every time.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet provides even heat distribution while baking those crescent rolls to golden perfection.

Ingredients

These 4-ingredient crescent bites filled with spicy sausage, cream cheese, and Rotel are guaranteed crowd-pleasers that disappear fast at any gathering.

For the Filling

• 1 (1-lb) roll breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 1 (8-oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1 (10-oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained very well

For the Dough

• 2 (8-oz) cans refrigerated crescent rolls

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F. This ensures that your crescents bake evenly and get that beautiful golden color.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl:
1. Mix together the cooked sausage, softened cream cheese, and drained Rotel tomatoes and green chilies until well combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Rolls

1. Separate the crescent roll dough into triangles.
2. Cut each triangle in half lengthwise to create two smaller triangles.

Step 4: Fill the Triangle Dough

Using a small cookie scoop:
1. Scoop some of the sausage filling onto each dough triangle.
2. Roll up each triangle starting from the wide end towards the point.

Step 5: Bake the Crescents

Place rolled crescents on a baking sheet:
1. Bake for about 15 minutes or until they are golden brown.
2. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

These Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are sure to be a hit at your next event!

How to Serve Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents

Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance your gathering. These delicious bites can complement many flavors and pair well with different dips and sides.

With Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing – A classic, creamy option that balances the spicy sausage.
• Salsa – Fresh salsa adds a zesty touch that elevates each bite.
• Honey Mustard – The sweet and tangy flavor pairs perfectly with savory crescents.

As Part of a Platter

• Vegetable Platter – Fresh veggies like carrots and celery provide a crunchy contrast.
• Cheese Board – Pair your crescents with assorted cheeses for a delightful appetizer spread.
• Fruit Skewers – Sweet fruits can balance the richness of the sausage and cream cheese.

For Game Day Gatherings

• Buffalo Sauce – Drizzle over crescents for an extra kick during game day.
• Guacamole – The creaminess of guacamole complements the flavors beautifully.

How to Perfect Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents

To ensure your Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Boldly Season Your Filling – Adding spices or herbs can enhance the flavor profile significantly.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Softened cream cheese mixes better with the sausage for a smoother filling.
• Don’t Overfill – Ensure you use just the right amount of filling to prevent leaks while baking.
• Watch Them Bake – Keep an eye on the oven; you want them golden brown but not burnt.

Best Side Dishes for Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents

Pairing side dishes with Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options that complement these savory bites.

1. Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the crescents.
2. Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges make for a hearty side that guests will enjoy.
3. Coleslaw – The crunch and tang of coleslaw provide a refreshing contrast to the warm crescents.
4. Stuffed Jalapeños – For those who like it spicy, stuffed jalapeños add an extra kick to your spread.
5. Macaroni Salad – This creamy dish pairs well with the savory flavors of the sausages.
6. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn is a classic side that everyone loves, especially in summer gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your appetizer turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the Drainage of Rotel: Not draining the Rotel properly can result in a soggy filling. Always drain it well to keep your crescents crisp.

• Overfilling the Dough: Using too much filling can cause the crescents to burst open while baking. Stick to a small scoop of filling for each triangle.

• Not Preheating the Oven: Baking in an unpreheated oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to 375°F before baking.

• Ignoring Baking Times: Overbaking or underbaking can affect texture and flavor. Keep an eye on them, and remove them from the oven when they turn golden brown.

• Using Cold Cream Cheese: Cold cream cheese makes mixing difficult and can lead to lumps in your filling. Make sure it’s softened for easy blending.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooked Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Make sure they cool completely before sealing them in the container.

Freezing Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents

• Freeze uncooked crescents for up to 2 months.
• Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• To freeze leftovers, allow them to cool, then store in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

Reheating Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30-60 seconds, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Place them in a skillet over medium heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents?

Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are bite-sized appetizers made with crescent roll dough filled with a mixture of sausage, cream cheese, and diced tomatoes with green chilies.

Can I customize the filling?

Absolutely! You can add different spices, cheeses, or even vegetables according to your taste preferences. This recipe is versatile!

How do I know when they’re done baking?

They should be golden brown on top and feel firm when lightly touched. Keep an eye on them as they bake!

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving for best results.

Final Thoughts

Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are a delightful and versatile appetizer that everyone will love. Their ease of preparation makes them perfect for any occasion—from game day gatherings to holiday parties. Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients! Try this recipe today and watch them disappear!