If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious treat that will satisfy both your cravings and your guests, look no further than Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents. These delightful pastries combine the savory goodness of sausage with the creamy richness of cheese, all wrapped in a buttery, flaky crescent roll. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, preparing for a family breakfast, or just in need of a comforting snack, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
What Makes Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents So Special?
The magic of Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents lies in its simplicity. A few basic ingredients come together to create a snack that is bursting with flavor and texture. The combination of cooked sausage, cream cheese, and spices provides a savory, creamy filling that pairs perfectly with the crispiness of the crescent roll dough. These crescents are incredibly versatile and can be served as appetizers, breakfast, or even as a light lunch.
Moreover, this dish is an excellent choice for meal prepping. You can easily make a batch of these sausage-filled crescents, store them in the refrigerator, and bake them fresh whenever you want a quick snack. They’re perfect for busy mornings or when you have unexpected guests at the door.
Ingredients You Will Need
Making Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents is simple and requires just a few ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 can of crescent roll dough (8 rolls)
- 1 pound of breakfast sausage (you can use any type of sausage you prefer)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional, such as thyme or parsley)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
1. Prepare the Filling
To begin, you’ll need to cook the sausage. In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spatula until it’s fully cooked. Make sure to drain any excess grease to avoid the filling becoming too oily.
Once the sausage is browned and cooked through, reduce the heat and add the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the mixture is creamy. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the mixture.
Once the filling is smooth and creamy, remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
2. Prepare the Crescent Rolls
While the filling is cooling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You should have 8 individual triangles of dough.
3. Assemble the Crescents
Take a spoonful of the sausage and cream cheese mixture and place it at the wide end of each triangle of dough. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the crescents to burst open while baking. Starting at the wide end, roll the dough tightly around the filling, forming a crescent shape. Pinch the edges to seal and prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
4. Bake the Crescents
Place the prepared crescent rolls on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each one to allow for expansion as they bake. Brush the tops of the crescents with a little bit of melted butter for an extra golden, crispy finish. Optionally, sprinkle with a pinch of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.
Bake the crescents in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly. Be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Once the Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm as a savory breakfast, brunch, or snack. They are perfect on their own or paired with a fresh salad or fruit for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
- Use Flavored Sausage: If you want to take your crescent rolls to the next level, try using flavored sausage such as spicy Italian or maple sausage for a unique twist.
- Make It Spicy: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small diced jalapeño to the sausage mixture.
- Add Veggies: If you like a bit of crunch, consider adding finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the filling. This will add both color and nutrition to your crescents.
- Freezing Option: These sausage crescents freeze well. You can prepare them ahead of time, freeze them before baking, and bake them straight from the freezer when needed. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or until warm.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
While Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are undoubtedly delicious, they are also fairly rich. Each crescent contains approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
While they are a tasty treat, it’s important to enjoy these crescents in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Why You Should Try Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
- Quick and Easy: The recipe comes together in just under 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for busy mornings or last-minute snacks.
- Customizable: Whether you like your crescents spicy, cheesy, or with added veggies, this recipe can easily be customized to suit your tastes.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family breakfast or a party snack, Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are guaranteed to impress your guests. They’re bite-sized, savory, and full of flavor.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch ahead of time, and you’ll have snacks ready to go whenever you need them.
Conclusion
Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are the ultimate combination of comfort food and convenience. They are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply craving a savory snack. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love. So next time you’re looking for something delicious and easy to make, give these crescents a try — they’re sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation!