You know those recipes that disappear faster than you can make them? That’s exactly what happens with these sausage cream cheese crescents in my house! They’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser—warm, flaky crescent rolls stuffed with a creamy, savory sausage filling that’s downright addictive. I first made these for a last-minute game day snack years ago, and now they’re a non-negotiable at every gathering. The best part? They come together in under 30 minutes with just three main ingredients. Trust me, once you try this sausage cream cheese crescents recipe, you’ll be as obsessed as we are!
Why You’ll Love This Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe
Oh my gosh, where do I even start? These little crescents are like magic in appetizer form! First off, they’re ridiculously easy—I’m talking “throw together while chatting with guests” easy. The flavor combo of savory sausage and creamy cheese wrapped in buttery crescent dough? Absolute perfection. Here’s why they’re my go-to:
- 5-ingredient wonder: Just sausage, cream cheese, crescent rolls, and two pantry spices
- 30 minutes start to finish: Faster than pizza delivery!
- Crowd-pleasing magic: I’ve never brought leftovers home from a party
- Kid-approved: My picky eaters beg for these
- Perfect warm or room temp: No stressing about serving immediately
Seriously, once you smell these baking, you’ll understand the obsession.
Ingredients for Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
Okay, let’s talk ingredients—because using the right stuff makes all the difference here! I’ve learned through trial and error (and a few messy kitchen disasters) that these exact amounts and prep steps create the perfect balance. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground sausage – I use mild, but spicy gives a nice kick!
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (leave it out for 30 minutes—no microwaving!)
- 1 can (8 count) refrigerated crescent rolls – The kind that pops open (that sound still makes me jump!)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Trust me, it’s the secret flavor booster
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ed if you’re feeling fancy
See? Nothing weird or hard to find. Just simple, delicious ingredients waiting to become magic!
Equipment Needed
Don’t worry – you probably already have everything for these sausage cream cheese crescents! Here’s what I grab from my slightly chaotic kitchen:
- Skillet – For browning that delicious sausage
- Mixing bowl – Where the magic happens
- Baking sheet – No fancy pans needed!
- Spatula – My trusty sidekick for mixing
That’s it – four simple tools between you and appetizer heaven!
How to Make Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
Alright, let’s get rolling – literally! These sausage cream cheese crescents come together so easily you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making them weekly. I’ll walk you through each step just like I do when teaching my niece – simple, foolproof, and full of little tricks I’ve picked up over dozens of batches.
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
First things first – let’s brown that sausage! I use a trusty cast iron skillet over medium heat (but any skillet works). Break up the sausage as it cooks – you want little crumbles, not big chunks. When it’s nicely browned (about 5-7 minutes), drain off the excess grease. Pro tip: I tilt the pan and use a spoon to scoop it out – way easier than dealing with messy paper towels!
Step 2: Mix the Filling
Now for the creamy magic! In a mixing bowl, combine your cooked sausage with the softened cream cheese. Here’s my secret – let the sausage cool just slightly so it doesn’t melt the cream cheese into soup! Add the garlic powder and black pepper, then mix until it’s perfectly combined. You’ll know it’s right when you can’t resist sneaking a taste (I always do!).
Step 3: Assemble the Crescents
Time for the fun part! Pop open that crescent roll tube (careful – it always makes me jump!). Separate the triangles and spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of filling onto the wide end of each. Roll them up starting from the wide end – don’t worry if some filling peeks out, that’s part of the charm! Place them point-side down on an ungreased baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide those beauties into a 375°F oven and set your timer for 12 minutes. At this point, start peeking – they’re done when golden brown and flaky. Mine usually take exactly 14 minutes, but ovens vary. Let them cool just enough so you don’t burn your tongue (learned that the hard way!), then watch them disappear!
Tips for Perfect Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
After making these dozens of times (and eating way too many “test” batches), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks for sausage cream cheese crescent perfection:
- Spice it up! Swap mild sausage for hot Italian – that extra kick is incredible
- Room temp cream cheese is non-negotiable – cold cheese won’t mix smoothly
- Don’t overstuff! About 1½ tablespoons per crescent keeps them from bursting
- Bake immediately – letting assembled crescents sit makes the dough soggy
- Golden brown = done – if the bottoms are light, give them 1 more minute
Follow these and you’ll get flaky, creamy bites every single time!
Variations for Your Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
Oh, the possibilities! While I adore the classic version, sometimes I get playful with these sausage cream cheese crescents. Here are my favorite twists that always impress:
- Cheese lovers: Stir in 1/4 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack
- Herb garden: Add 1 teaspoon fresh chopped rosemary or thyme
- Breakfast twist: Swap sausage for cooked bacon crumbles
- Vegetable boost: Mix in 2 tablespoons finely chopped spinach (squeezed dry!)
- Sweet & savory: Sprinkle tops with everything bagel seasoning before baking
Honestly? I’ve never met a variation I didn’t like – have fun experimenting!
Serving Suggestions
These sausage cream cheese crescents shine all on their own, but oh boy – wait till you see what they pair with! My go-to moves:
- Dipping dream: Marinara sauce or honey mustard for dunking
- Brunch besties: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit
- Party perfect: Arrange with veggie sticks and ranch dip
Honestly? They disappear too fast to need accompaniments – but these combos make them extra special!
Storage and Reheating
Here’s the scoop on keeping your sausage cream cheese crescents tasting fresh! Store leftovers (if you have any!) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy again – microwaving makes them soggy, trust me!
Nutritional Information for Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but let’s be real – these sausage cream cheese crescents aren’t exactly health food! That said, everything in moderation, right? The nutritional info will vary depending on your specific ingredients (like using turkey sausage vs. pork, or low-fat cream cheese). The crescent dough brands differ too – some have more butter than others. My philosophy? Enjoy these as an occasional treat, balance them with veggies at your next meal, and savor every delicious bite without guilt!
FAQs About Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
Can I freeze these sausage cream cheese crescents? Absolutely! Freeze them after baking and cooling completely. Just pop them in a freezer bag with parchment between layers. When cravings hit, reheat frozen crescents at 350°F for 10-12 minutes – they taste nearly fresh!
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls? You bet! Puff pastry works beautifully – just cut it into triangles like the crescents. The texture will be flakier and more buttery (not that that’s a bad thing!).
Why did my filling ooze out while baking? Oh honey, I’ve been there! Usually means either the crescents were overstuffed (stick to 1½ tablespoons max) or the cream cheese wasn’t room temp when mixed. A little ooze adds character though!
Can I make these ahead? For the best texture, assemble and bake same day. But you can prep the filling up to 2 days ahead – just store it covered in the fridge and let it soften slightly before using. If you are interested in other make-ahead appetizer ideas, check out this guide on easy Hugo spritz recipe variations.
What’s the best dipping sauce for these? My family fights over this! Spicy ranch wins for us, but marinara, honey mustard, or even a quick cheese dip all work wonders. Honestly? They’re so good plain I usually forget the dip!
Print
Irresistible Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 crescents 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A simple and delicious recipe combining sausage, cream cheese, and crescent rolls for a tasty appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (8 count) refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Mix cooked sausage with softened cream cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined.
- Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles.
- Spoon sausage mixture onto the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll up crescents starting from the wide end.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
- Use spicy sausage for extra heat.
- Serve warm for best flavor.
- Refrigerate leftovers and reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crescent
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: sausage cream cheese crescents, easy appetizer, crescent roll recipe