Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents

There’s nothing quite like a crescent-shaped pastry filled with sausage and cream cheese. And while they might look fancy, these Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are actually quite easy to make! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an appetizer, these savory pastries bring a delightful combination of flavor and texture that everyone will enjoy. With their flaky crust and creamy filling, they stand out at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With minimal steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly and can be made in under an hour.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of savory sausage and rich cream cheese creates a mouthwatering filling that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Serving Options: Great as a breakfast treat or a snack for parties, these crescents fit perfectly into any meal plan.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time and freeze them for quick meals or snacks later on.
• Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Impress your guests with these tasty bites; they’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking process smooth and enjoyable, gather the following essential tools. Having the right equipment on hand can significantly enhance your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Cooking spoon
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides even heat distribution for perfect baking results.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly without making a mess.
• Cooking spoon: Helps in mixing the filling evenly for the best taste.
• Knife: Useful for cutting the crescent roll dough accurately.

Ingredients

For the Filling

• 1 lb. Ground sausage (breakfast, Italian, or other)
• 1 C. Shredded cheese of choice
• 8 oz. Cream cheese softened
• Pepper to taste

For the Dough

• 2 Cans refrigerated crescent rolls

How to Make Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This step ensures that your crescents bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden brown color.

Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Rolls

• Roll the crescent rolls out flat on a clean surface.
• Cut each triangle in half lengthwise to create smaller triangles suitable for stuffing.

Step 3: Cook the Sausage

• In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until it is completely browned.
• Once cooked, allow it to cool slightly before mixing with other ingredients.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

• In a mixing bowl, add the cooled ground sausage along with softened cream cheese and shredded cheese of your choice.
• Season with pepper to taste and stir until fully combined.

Step 5: Fill the Crescent Rolls

• Spoon a small ball of the sausage mixture into the top of each piece of crescent roll where it is fattest.

Step 6: Roll Up Crescents

• Starting at the widest end of each triangle, roll the crescent roll dough over the sausage filling to form mini stuffed crescents.

Step 7: Bake Them Up

• Place filled crescent rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake in preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Enjoy these delightful Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents fresh from the oven! They’re sure to be loved by everyone who tries them.

How to Serve Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents

Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a hearty breakfast, a delightful brunch, or a tasty appetizer, these pastries fit the bill perfectly.

Breakfast Delights

• With Fresh Fruit – Pair the crescents with a side of seasonal fruit for a refreshing contrast.
• Scrambled Eggs – Serve alongside fluffy scrambled eggs for a filling breakfast.

Brunch Buffet

• Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the crescents.
• Savory Quiche – Offer mini quiches as another savory option for guests to enjoy.

Appetizer Options

• Dipping Sauces – Provide options like ranch or spicy mustard for added flavor.
• Cheese Platter – Complement the crescents with an assortment of cheeses and crackers.

How to Perfect Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents

To make your Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents even more irresistible, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Flavors – Experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder or onion powder in the sausage mixture for added depth.
• Chill Dough – Refrigerate the crescent roll dough briefly before rolling; this helps maintain its shape while baking.
• Even Filling – Ensure each crescent has an equal amount of filling to promote even cooking and flavor distribution.
• Golden Finish – Brush the tops with melted butter before baking for a golden brown finish and extra flavor.
• Add Veggies – Incorporate finely chopped spinach or bell peppers into the filling for added nutrition and color.

Best Side Dishes for Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents

Complement your Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents with these delightful side dishes that enhance any meal.

1. Crispy Hash Browns – Golden-brown hash browns provide a crunchy texture that pairs well with soft crescents.
2. Fruit Salad – A vibrant mix of fruits brings freshness and sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
3. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy side that’s nutritious.
4. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrients, making your meal more balanced.
5. Potato Wedges – Crisp potato wedges offer a hearty side that complements the flaky pastry beautifully.
6. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, balancing the richness of the crescents.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some to watch out for:

• Not preheating the oven: Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking and golden-brown crescents. Skipping this step may result in unevenly cooked pastries.
• Overfilling the crescent rolls: Adding too much filling can make it hard to roll and seal the dough. Use just enough to create a small ball at the fattest end of each triangle.
• Using cold ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing. Cold cream cheese will not blend well with other ingredients, resulting in lumps in your filling.
• Ignoring baking times: Keep an eye on the crescents as they bake. Cooking them too long can lead to dryness, while undercooking can leave them doughy.
• Not allowing sausage to cool: Adding hot sausage directly into the cream cheese mixture can melt it and change the texture. Let it cool first for better consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents

• Freeze unbaked crescents wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months.
• Baked crescents can be frozen for up to 1 month; store in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat one crescent at a time on medium power for about 30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What variations can I try with Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents?

You can customize your crescents by adding vegetables like diced peppers or spinach, or using different types of cheese such as cheddar or pepper jack.

Can I use turkey sausage instead of ground sausage?

Yes! Turkey sausage is a great alternative that provides similar flavor with less fat. It works perfectly in Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents.

How do I make these crescents vegetarian?

To make vegetarian versions of Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents, substitute sausage with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms mixed with cream cheese.

Can I prepare Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the crescents and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking or freeze them unbaked for later use.

Final Thoughts

Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are not only delicious but also versatile and easy to prepare. They make great appetizers or snacks, perfect for any occasion. Feel free to experiment with different fillings and cheeses to suit your taste!