When it comes to quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying appetizers or snacks, these Baked Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are a top contender. With a savory sausage and cream cheese filling wrapped in buttery, flaky crescent roll dough, these little bites pack tons of flavor into every bite. Whether you’re planning a party, hosting a game day event, or simply looking for a delicious snack or breakfast option, these crescents fit the bill perfectly.
In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make these tasty crescents, along with tips, variations, and ideas for serving them.
Why These Baked Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents Are So Popular
There are a few reasons why these Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are always a hit:
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients like refrigerated crescent roll dough, sausage, and cream cheese, this recipe requires minimal effort and time.
- Flavorful: The combination of seasoned sausage, smooth cream cheese, and optional shredded cheddar cheese makes for a rich, savory filling.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding kids, adults, or a mix of both, these crescents are universally loved for their delicious taste and irresistible flaky texture.
- Versatile: These can be served as appetizers, snacks, or even for breakfast. They also pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, allowing for customization based on your preferences.
Now, let’s dive into the recipe and get started.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound pork sausage: You can use mild or spicy sausage, depending on your preference.
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened: The softened cream cheese blends easily with the sausage, creating a smooth filling.
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough: Crescent roll dough provides a buttery, flaky crust that complements the savory filling.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds subtle garlic flavor to enhance the filling.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: A little onion powder brings depth to the sausage filling.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: For seasoning the filling.
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional): This adds a bit more richness and a cheesy layer of flavor. Optional, but highly recommended!
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing): The egg wash helps the crescents develop a golden, shiny crust.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
1. Cook the Sausage
In a skillet, cook the pork sausage over medium heat, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. You want the sausage to be fully cooked, browned, and crispy in spots. Once the sausage is cooked through, drain off any excess fat to avoid a greasy filling.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. If you’re using shredded cheddar cheese, mix that in as well. Stir the mixture until everything is thoroughly combined and the cream cheese is evenly incorporated with the sausage. The result should be a thick, savory filling that’s easy to spread inside the crescent dough.
3. Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles. You should have about 16 triangles (8 from each can of crescent dough).
4. Fill and Roll the Crescents
Place a spoonful of the sausage and cream cheese mixture at the wider end of each crescent roll triangle. Don’t overload the crescents, as this could cause the filling to spill out while baking. A generous tablespoon of filling should be enough for each crescent.
Starting at the wide end, roll each crescent triangle toward the narrow tip, wrapping the filling securely inside. Arrange the rolled crescents on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
5. Brush with Egg Wash
Before placing the crescents in the oven, brush the tops of each one with the beaten egg. This step ensures that the crescents come out of the oven with a beautiful golden-brown color and a slight sheen.
6. Bake the Crescents
Bake the crescents in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. The cheese should be melted, and the dough should be flaky and golden.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once the crescents are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These Baked Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are best enjoyed warm, but they also taste great at room temperature.
Tips for Success
- Use Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing it with the sausage. This ensures the filling is smooth and easy to spread.
- Don’t Overfill the Crescents: Be careful not to overfill the crescents, as too much filling can cause them to burst open during baking.
- Egg Wash for Golden Color: Brushing the crescents with beaten egg before baking gives them that irresistible golden-brown finish.
- Make Ahead: These crescents can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. You can also bake them ahead and reheat them in the oven before serving.
Variations
While the classic sausage and cream cheese filling is delicious, here are a few variations you can try:
- Spicy Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents For a bit of heat, use spicy sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling. You can also serve these with a spicy dipping sauce, like sriracha mayo or chipotle aioli.
- Bacon and Cheese Crescents Replace the sausage with cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky twist. Add extra cheddar cheese to complement the bacon flavor.
- Vegetarian Crescents Swap out the sausage for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a plant-based sausage alternative. Combine with cream cheese and seasonings for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Herbed Cream Cheese Crescents Add fresh herbs like chopped chives, parsley, or thyme to the cream cheese filling for a fresh and flavorful variation.
Serving Suggestions
These Baked Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are perfect as appetizers, snacks, or even breakfast. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
- Pair with scrambled eggs and fruit for a hearty breakfast.
- Serve as part of a game day spread alongside chips, dips, and wings.
- Make them part of a brunch buffet with other finger foods like mini quiches, sliders, and fruit platters.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers (which is rare because they’re so delicious!), store the crescents in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.
These Baked Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are a must-try for anyone who loves quick, easy, and delicious appetizers or snacks. With their savory filling and flaky dough, they’re guaranteed to be a hit whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them as a snack, or making them for breakfast. Try this recipe today, and watch these crescents disappear before your eyes!
