If you are looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that bursts with bold flavors and creamy goodness, the Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe is an absolute must-try. Golden, flaky crescent rolls stuffed with a savory blend of spicy Rotel tomatoes, hearty sausage, and smooth cream cheese create a perfect bite-size delight that will have everyone coming back for more. This recipe is simple, quick to prepare, and delivers that irresistible combination of textures and tastes that make every gathering feel extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze with this recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, from the flaky texture of the crescent roll dough to the creamy richness of the cheese and the zesty kick from the Rotel tomatoes.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: Provides a buttery, flaky shell that bakes to golden perfection.
- Ground breakfast sausage: Adds savory flavor with a satisfying, meaty texture.
- Cream cheese (softened): Brings smoothness and creaminess that balances the spices.
- Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained): Delivers a tangy, mildly spicy element that brightens the filling.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the filling for added richness and a delightful cheesy punch.
How to Make Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This ensures your crescents bake evenly and don’t stick, setting you up for perfect golden puffs.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Cook the ground breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned and cooked through, drain off any excess grease to keep the filling moist but not greasy.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the cooked sausage, drained Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated—this filling is what makes these crescents so irresistible.
Step 4: Prepare the Crescent Dough
Unroll the refrigerated crescent dough onto a clean surface and gently separate it into the triangle shapes as indicated on the packaging. These triangles will become the perfect little pockets for your delicious filling.
Step 5: Fill and Roll the Crescents
Place about one tablespoon of your filling at the wide end of each triangle. Then carefully roll the dough from the wide end toward the tip, encasing the flavorful mixture inside. Arrange each filled crescent on your prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart for even baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the filled crescents in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown color and the dough is fully cooked. The smell that fills your kitchen at this point is pure magic.
How to Serve Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can elevate your presentation and flavor. Try sprinkling chopped green onions or fresh cilantro on top after baking for a vibrant pop of color and a fresh herbal note that complements the rich filling beautifully.
Side Dishes
These crescents pair wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or a tangy salsa dip. A creamy ranch or a zesty chipotle dipping sauce also makes a great accompaniment, enhancing the spicy undertones from the Rotel tomatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual get-togethers, arrange your crescents on a large serving platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. You can even serve them alongside small bowls of sour cream and guacamole to turn them into a fun, shareable snack platter that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, simply transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, perfect for a quick snack or a packed lunch.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked filled crescents by rolling them and placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and bake directly from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the crescents in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes until warm and crisp. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the dough soggy rather than flaky and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ground breakfast sausage brings a nice mild and slightly sweet flavor, you can also use spicy Italian sausage or turkey sausage depending on your preference. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Is it necessary to drain the Rotel tomatoes?
Yes, draining the tomatoes helps prevent excess moisture from making the crescent dough soggy. A well-drained filling keeps your crescents flaky and perfectly textured.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes, to make it vegetarian simply omit the sausage and add extra cheese or a vegetarian meat substitute. You can also incorporate sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added flavor and texture.
What can I serve these crescents with for a party?
These crescents are fantastic finger foods. Serve them with a variety of dips such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream, accompanied by fresh veggies or a crisp salad for a balanced spread.
How do I prevent the crescents from leaking the filling during baking?
Make sure not to overfill the dough triangles and roll them up snugly but gently. Sealing the edges by pressing them lightly can also help keep the filling inside for the best results.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend the Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe enough for any occasion that calls for easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing bites. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe brings warmth and comfort into every flaky, cheesy, spicy crescent. Give it a try and watch your guests fall in love with every bite!
Print
Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents are a delicious and easy appetizer perfect for any gathering. With a savory filling of seasoned breakfast sausage, creamy cheese, and zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough, they bake up golden and irresistible in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 8 ounces ground breakfast sausage
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground breakfast sausage until it’s fully browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease to keep the filling from being too oily.
- Mix Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cooked and drained sausage, drained Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangular pieces along the perforations.
- Fill Crescents: Place about one tablespoon of the sausage and cheese mixture at the wide end of each crescent triangle. Carefully roll the dough from the wide end toward the tip, encasing the filling inside.
- Bake: Arrange the filled crescents evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Notes
- Be sure to drain excess grease from the cooked sausage to prevent soggy crescents.
- For extra spice, you can use hot Rotel tomatoes instead of mild.
- Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
- These crescents can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
