Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, marrying savory sausage with rich cream cheese, all wrapped in the buttery embrace of golden crescent rolls. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, planning a game day snack, or just want something warm and comforting to nibble, this recipe is bound to become a go-to favorite. Every bite boasts a creamy, flavorful filling and a perfectly flaky crust — these little crescents are downright irresistible and outrageously easy to make!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how just a handful of simple, readily available ingredients come together to make Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents truly special. Each component adds something unique, from the creamy tang of the cheese to the herby finish of fresh parsley.
- Breakfast sausage (1 pound): Choose pork or turkey; either way, it packs the crescents with juicy, savory flavor and satisfying texture.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The secret ingredient for a creamy, decadent filling that binds everything together.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough (2 cans, 8 oz each): These golden triangles bake up flaky and tender, providing the perfect vessel for your filling.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): A subtle kick of garlicky warmth to round out the flavors.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a gentle background heat and depth to the filling.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped, optional): A sprinkle of green for freshness and a pop of color when serving.
How to Make Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your crescents don’t stick and cleanup is a breeze. Setting up your workstation first lets you move smoothly through the recipe.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook the sausage until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Make sure to break it up as it browns; a wooden spoon or spatula works wonders here. When the sausage is done, drain off any excess grease to keep your crescents light and not greasy.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Filling
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until the cream cheese melts and everything is thoroughly combined, creating a luscious, savory filling that’s hard not to sneak a taste of!
Step 4: Fill and Roll the Crescents
Unroll your crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Place a generous tablespoon of the sausage mixture on the wide end of each triangle. Starting at the wide end, roll up each crescent, tucking in the filling as you go, and place seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the crescents in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they’re puffed and beautifully golden brown. The smell alone will have everyone circling the kitchen. Let them cool for a couple minutes before serving, and if you feel fancy, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a bright, fresh touch.
How to Serve Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
Garnishes
A dusting of chopped fresh parsley adds a cheerful pop of green and a hint of herbal brightness to balance the rich filling. If you love a little heat, try a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or even a tiny sprinkle of smoked paprika for color and warmth.
Side Dishes
Serve Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents with a fresh fruit platter or a crisp green salad to round out a brunch spread. For more savory fare, pair them with scrambled eggs or a simple tomato soup — they’re fantastic dunked in a warm bowl of something comforting!
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your crescents on a rustic wooden board with some dipping sauces (think honey mustard, spicy ketchup, or ranch) for a party-ready look. For brunch gatherings, arrange them in a circular pattern on a platter and garnish the center with more fresh herbs or cherry tomatoes for extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store cooled Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, making them perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts or quick snacks.
Freezing
These crescents freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container and store for up to two months. Just thaw before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked texture, reheat crescents in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. You can also use a toaster oven or air fryer for a crispy finish. The microwave works in a pinch, but you’ll lose some of that lovely flakiness.
FAQs
Can I make Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sausage and cream cheese filling up to two days in advance and keep it chilled. When you’re ready, just assemble and bake for fresh, warm crescents in minutes.
Can I use a different type Appetizer
Yes! While breakfast sausage is classic, Italian sausage or even spicy chorizo work beautifully for a flavor twist. Just make sure to cook and drain thoroughly before mixing with the cream cheese.
What if I don’t have crescent roll dough?
If you can’t find crescent roll dough, try using puff pastry sheets cut into triangles. The result will be slightly different in texture but still delicious and flaky.
Are Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents good for kids?
Kids adore these! The creamy, savory filling and flaky pastry are a major hit. If you’re serving little ones, you can skip the parsley garnish and spices if you want to keep things extra simple.
How do I make them spicy?
For a little kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sausage filling or use a spicy sausage variety. You can also serve with a spicy dipping sauce for those who like things hot.
Final Thoughts
Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are one of those magical recipes that never fails to impress, no matter the occasion. They’re quick, comforting, and endlessly versatile — the kind of treat you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they disappear before they even reach the table!
Print
Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 16 crescents 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack featuring savory breakfast sausage combined with creamy cheese, all wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for parties, breakfasts, or quick bites, these crescents deliver a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Sausage Filling
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Dough
- 2 (8 oz) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it is fully browned and crumbled, ensuring even cooking. Drain any excess grease to keep the filling moist but not oily.
- Mix Filling: Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Stir continuously until the mixture is thoroughly combined and creamy, incorporating all flavors.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the refrigerated crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles as indicated on the packaging.
- Assemble Crescents: Spoon about a heaping tablespoon of the sausage and cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each crescent triangle. Carefully roll each crescent starting from the wide end toward the tip to encase the filling.
- Bake: Place the rolled crescents on the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the crescents turn golden brown and the dough is cooked through.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove from the oven and allow the crescents to cool slightly. Optionally, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a fresh burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- These crescents are perfect as party appetizers, breakfast finger foods, or quick snacks.
- You can prepare the sausage and cream cheese filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture during cooking.
- Choose turkey sausage for a leaner option, or pork sausage for richer flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crescent
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
