Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents

If you need an easy crowd-pleaser that disappears fast at any gathering these sausage and cream cheese crescents absolutely deliver They are the perfect mix of hearty sausage creamy filling and flaky dough This is my go to recipe when I am hosting brunch friends are coming over to watch a game or I want to bring something special for a potluck or holiday breakfast

I made these first for a family brunch when I ran out of ideas for something savory Everyone loved them and now they always ask for these rolls on Christmas morning or whenever I am hosting a big breakfast

Ingredients

• Ground sausage: choose your favorite pork or turkey sausage make sure to cook till browned for best texture
• Cream cheese: softened adds richness and creaminess to the filling use full fat for smoothest blend
• Crescent roll dough: choose classic refrigerated kind look for seamless sheets if you want less mess when rolling
• Cheddar cheese: optional but adds extra gooeyness and sharp cheesy flavor buy a block and shred it yourself for best melt
• Fresh dough: always pick fresh dough with no tears and test the cream cheese by pressing gently in the package it should feel soft but not oily

Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

In a large skillet cook the ground sausage over medium heat Stir often and break apart as it cooks until fully browned and no pink remains This usually takes about eight to ten minutes Drain off as much grease as possible for a less oily filling After cooling slightly mix the cooked sausage with the softened cream cheese in a large bowl Use a spoon or spatula to blend until the mixture looks evenly combined and creamy The warmth from the sausage helps the cheese melt in nicely

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit Make sure it is fully preheated before you bake the crescents This guarantees a golden crust

Assemble the Crescents:

Unroll your crescent dough onto a clean work surface Separate each triangle gently Try not to overstretch the dough Place a heaping spoonful of the sausage cream cheese mixture at the wide end of each dough triangle Fold the corners in a bit as you roll up from the wide end to the point This helps keep all that savory filling inside Pinch any seams closed to prevent leaks

Add Optional Cheese Topping:

If you want extra flavor sprinkle shredded cheddar over each crescent before they go in the oven Press lightly so the cheese sticks

Bake to Perfection:

Line a baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup Arrange the filled crescents so there is space between them They will puff as they cook Bake for ten to twelve minutes until each crescent is puffed and golden brown Check underneath for a crisp bottom

Serve and Enjoy:

Remove from oven and let them cool just long enough to handle The filling will be hot These are at their best fresh and warm Serve on a platter for breakfast brunch or as an appetizer They are always a hit

I absolutely love the way the rich tang of cream cheese balances the seasoned sausage It reminds me of cozy Sunday mornings when my kids would jump up early just to snag the first warm crescent off the tray The kitchen always smells amazing

Storage Tips

Cooled rolls can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days Reheat on a baking sheet at 325 degrees for about ten minutes to maintain the flaky texture For longer storage let baked crescents cool completely wrap each in foil or plastic then freeze in a zip top bag They reheat straight from frozen

Ingredient Substitutions

Try turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version If you need a dairy free twist use a plant based cream cheese substitute Add extra flavor with chopped chives or green onions mixed into the filling Pepper jack cheese makes a delicious topping if you want a little kick

Serving Suggestions

Arrange on a platter alongside a fruit salad or scrambled eggs for a brunch feast For cocktails or game day slice each crescent in half for perfect bite size snacks I love serving them with a little honey mustard dipping sauce Even kids go back for seconds

Cultural History

Crescent rolls have European roots and got popular in America as an easy shortcut for home bakers Stuffing them with sausage and cheese is a classic Southern inspired trick for hearty make ahead breakfasts This recipe brings out all those good comforting flavors

Seasonal Adaptations

Swap in crumbled breakfast sausage with sage for fall flavor Add diced bell peppers or jalapenos in summer for a colorful bite Around holidays make a double batch these disappear fast at parties

Success Stories

A friend once brought these to our New Years brunch Everyone wanted the recipe and the tray was empty before the coffee finished brewing I have heard from busy moms who make these and keep them in the freezer for quick weekday breakfasts

Freezer Meal Conversion

Prepare crescents as usual but stop before baking Place the filled unbaked rolls on a sheet and freeze solid Store in a freezer bag When ready to serve pop them straight in a hot oven and add a couple extra minutes to the baking time They taste as fresh as the day they were made

These sausage and cream cheese crescents disappear quickly at any gathering and always bring a comforting touch to breakfast or brunch For the best flavor serve them fresh and warm straight from the oven

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, mild or spicy sausage varieties both work well, depending on your flavor preferences.

→ Is shredded cheddar cheese necessary?

No, the cheddar cheese is optional but adds extra flavor and a slight crunch on top.

→ How do I prevent crescents from getting soggy?

Ensure the sausage is well-drained before mixing with cream cheese to keep the crescents flaky.

→ Can these be made in advance?

Yes, assemble the crescents ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best results.

→ What occasions are ideal for serving?

These make excellent snacks, appetizers, or breakfast items for parties, brunches, or potlucks.