Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are an irresistible savory snack or appetizer, perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy cream cheese, savory sausage, and flaky crescent dough results in a delightful bite-sized treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a party, having a cozy evening at home, or preparing for a holiday gathering, these crescents are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough
1/2 lb (about 225 g) breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot when you’re ready to bake the crescents.
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns. Once fully cooked and crumbled, drain any excess grease to avoid soggy crescents.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage with softened cream cheese. If you’re using cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, mix these into the filling until smooth and well combined.
- Prepare the Crescent Rolls: Unroll the crescent dough and separate the triangles. Place a spoonful of the sausage and cream cheese mixture at the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll the Crescents: Starting from the wide end, carefully roll up each crescent and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This will prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Bake the Crescents: Place the crescents in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and the filling is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: After baking, you can garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve while warm for maximum flavor and texture.
Tips and Variations:
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the sausage filling up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble the crescents and bake as directed.
Substitute Sausage: If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage. For a vegetarian alternative, swap out the sausage for finely chopped mushrooms or plant-based sausage.
Add Veggies: Customize the filling by adding finely chopped onions, bell peppers, spinach, or even jalapeños for a burst of color and flavor.
Cheese Variations: While cheddar is a popular choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or parmesan for a different flavor profile.
Spicy Kick: To add some heat to your crescents, mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes, or use a spicy sausage to take the flavor up a notch.
Bacon Version: Swap out the sausage for crumbled bacon for a smoky, savory twist that bacon lovers will enjoy.
Herb Flavor: For added depth of flavor, include a tablespoon of fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano in the filling.
Sweet Version: For a fun variation, mix in a little cinnamon sugar into the cream cheese and replace the sausage with diced apples. These sweet crescents are perfect for breakfast or dessert.
How to Store:
Refrigeration: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Freezing: To freeze, place the assembled but unbaked crescents on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable bag or airtight container and store for up to 1–2 months. When you’re ready to bake, place the frozen crescents directly on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 15–18 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
FAQs:
- Can I make these crescents without sausage? Yes! If you’re vegetarian or want a different flavor, you can substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage, finely chopped mushrooms, or even crumbled bacon.
- Can I use store-bought cream cheese? Yes, store-bought cream cheese works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure it’s softened for easier mixing with the other ingredients.
- Can I make these ahead of time for a party? Absolutely! You can prepare the sausage filling ahead of time, and even assemble the crescents the night before. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
- Can I add extra cheese to the filling? Yes! Feel free to add more cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for extra richness. You can even sprinkle some shredded cheese on top before baking for an extra cheesy finish.
- Can I make these crescents without the crescent dough? If you prefer, you can use puff pastry instead of crescent dough for a flakier texture, though the bake time may need slight adjustments.
Conclusion:
Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are a versatile, crowd-pleasing treat that can be customized for any occasion. Whether you serve them as appetizers at a party, a quick snack, or a fun addition to a family dinner, these savory bites are sure to satisfy. Easy to prepare, full of flavor, and utterly delicious, they are bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!