Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents

These Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents are a delicious, crowd-pleasing treat perfect for any occasion. With a creamy sausage and cheese filling wrapped in buttery crescent rolls, they’re easy to make and packed with flavor. Serve them as appetizers, party snacks, or even for breakfast—these tasty bites are always a hit!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground sausage
  You can use breakfast sausage, Italian sausage, or any type of ground sausage you prefer. The sausage brings a savory and slightly spicy flavor to the filling.
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  Cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture that balances the savory sausage. Make sure it’s softened so it blends easily with the sausage and cheese.
• 1 cup shredded cheese
  You can use cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination of your favorite cheeses. Cheddar adds sharpness, while mozzarella brings a gooey, stretchy texture. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for a bit of spice.
• 2 cans of refrigerated crescent rolls
  These pre-made crescent rolls make this recipe super simple, providing a buttery, flaky exterior to hold all the delicious filling.
• A pinch of pepper, to taste
  Pepper enhances the flavor of the filling, but you can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

1. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula as it cooks (7-10 minutes).
2. Drain Excess Fat: If there’s excess grease, drain it from the skillet, then remove the sausage from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. Mix the Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked sausage with the softened cream cheese, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
2. Add Shredded Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheese and a pinch of pepper to taste.

Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Rolls

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Unroll the Crescent Dough: Open the cans of refrigerated crescent rolls and separate the dough into triangles, following the pre-scored lines.

Step 4: Assemble the Crescents

1. Add the Filling: Place a spoonful of the sausage and cream cheese mixture (about 1-2 tablespoons) in the center of each crescent triangle.
2. Roll the Crescents: Starting from the wide end, carefully roll up each crescent, tucking in the sides to keep the filling inside.
3. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the rolled crescents seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them for expansion.

Step 5: Bake the Crescents

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and puffed.
2. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the crescents cool for a couple of minutes before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips:

• Serving: These crescents are best served warm, right out of the oven. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or marinara for extra flavor.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Helpful Notes:

• Customizable: Feel free to customize the filling with different types of sausage (spicy, mild, or flavored), or use a different shredded cheese such as pepper jack or gouda for a unique twist.
• Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the sausage and cream cheese filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and bake the crescents.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs:

• Chef Ree Drummond: “Adding a little extra shredded cheese on top of the crescents before baking gives them a nice golden, cheesy finish.”
• Chef Guy Fieri: “For an added crunch, try sprinkling sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning over the crescent rolls before baking.”

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A1: Yes, low-fat cream cheese works well in this recipe for a lighter option.

Q2: Can I substitute the crescent dough with puff pastry?
A2: Absolutely! Puff pastry makes a flakier, buttery alternative. Just adjust the baking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked.

Q3: Can I make these crescents ahead and freeze them?
A3: Yes, you can assemble the crescents and freeze them unbaked. When ready to serve, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q4: Can I add vegetables to the filling?
A4: Yes, finely chopped sautéed vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or spinach can be added to the sausage mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.

Q5: Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
A5: Yes! If you have pre-cooked sausage, simply crumble it and mix it with the cream cheese and shredded cheese before filling the crescent rolls.

Q6: What can I serve with these crescents?
A6: These crescents pair well with a fresh green salad, fruit platter, or even scrambled eggs for a complete meal.

Q7: How can I prevent the filling from leaking out?
A7: Be sure to roll the crescents tightly and press the edges firmly to seal. You can also avoid overfilling the crescents.

Q8: Can I use flavored crescent roll dough?
A8: Yes, using flavored dough (like garlic butter or herb crescent rolls) adds an extra layer of taste to the dish.

Q9: Can I make mini crescents for appetizers?
A9: Yes! Use mini crescent roll dough or cut each crescent triangle in half to make bite-sized versions, perfect for parties.

Q10: Can I use a different type of sausage, like turkey sausage?
A10: Absolutely! Turkey sausage or even plant-based sausage works well as a substitute in this recipe.

These Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents are a quick and easy way to make a savory, cheesy snack or appetizer that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or at a party, they’re sure to disappear quickly! Enjoy!