Rotel Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents

This savory sausage and cream cheese crescent appetizer has been my party secret weapon for years. The combination of spicy Rotel tomatoes, creamy cheese, and flaky crescent dough creates irresistible bites that disappear within minutes at any gathering. Perfect for breakfast spreads or evening appetizers, these four-ingredient wonders strike the perfect balance between ease and impressive flavor.

The first time I made these crescents for a holiday gathering, I worried there wouldn't be enough food. Turns out, these little bites were such a hit that guests were hovering around the serving plate waiting for the next batch to emerge from the oven. Now I always double the recipe just to be safe.

Ingredients

• Breakfast sausage: Jimmy Dean gives the best flavor but any quality pork sausage works beautifully
• Cream cheese: Adds rich creaminess that balances the spicy tomatoes
• Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies: The secret flavor star providing both tang and heat
• Refrigerated crescent rolls: Creates the perfect flaky vessel for the filling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Base:

Cook the breakfast sausage thoroughly, breaking it into small crumbles as it browns. For the best texture, pulse the cooked sausage briefly in a food processor until finely chopped. This creates a filling that distributes evenly and rolls more easily.

Create the Filling:

Combine the cooked sausage with softened cream cheese and very well drained Rotel tomatoes. The draining step is absolutely crucial here. I recommend placing the tomatoes in a fine mesh strainer, pressing with a spoon, then patting with paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. Excess liquid will make your crescents soggy.

Prepare the Crescents:

Preheat oven to 375°F and unroll the crescent dough. Using a pizza cutter, slice each triangle lengthwise to create two narrower triangles. This doubles your yield while creating the perfect size for appetizer portions. The thinner dough also ensures proper cooking.

Fill and Roll:

Place a small scoop of filling about 1 tablespoon at the wide end of each crescent triangle. Roll up starting from the wide end, slightly tucking the edges to seal in the filling. Arrange on a parchment lined baking sheet with at least an inch between each crescent.

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Bake for exactly 15 minutes or until the crescents achieve a beautiful golden brown color. The filling will be hot and bubbling while the exterior should be crisp and flaky. Allow to cool for 2–3 minutes before serving to let the filling set slightly.

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My absolute favorite thing about this recipe is its versatility. When my sister was in town last summer, I made a batch for brunch, and she insisted on the recipe before heading back home. She called me the next week to say she had already made them twice for different occasions. The spicy kick from the Rotel makes these crescents completely addictive.

Make-Ahead Magic

These crescents excel as a make ahead option. Prepare the filling up to three days before your event and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The morning of your gathering, simply roll out the crescents, add the filling, and bake. You can even fully assemble them the night before and refrigerate, adding perhaps 2 minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled dough.

Flavor Variations

While the traditional recipe is perfect as is, you can customize these crescents to suit different tastes. For a breakfast version, consider adding scrambled eggs to the filling mixture. If you prefer more heat, substitute hot Rotel for the original version or add a dash of cayenne pepper. For a Mexican inspired twist, mix in a teaspoon of taco seasoning and serve with guacamole for dipping. The possibilities are endless with this adaptable recipe.

Serving Suggestions

These crescents pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. For breakfast, serve alongside fresh fruit and coffee. As an appetizer, they complement other finger foods like vegetable platters and dips. I often create a simple sauce by mixing ranch dressing with a touch of hot sauce for dipping. For an elegant presentation, arrange on a tiered serving platter interspersed with fresh herbs and cherry tomatoes.

Storage Tips

Leftover crescents if you somehow have any can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to restore their crispy texture. Microwaving works in a pinch but will make the crescent dough chewier rather than flaky. These also freeze beautifully after baking. Simply allow to cool completely, freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to two months.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This makes assembly quick and easy when ready to bake.

→ How do I ensure the filling isn’t too wet?

Drain the Rotel tomatoes thoroughly using a colander and press out any extra liquid with paper towels. This prevents the crescents from becoming soggy.

→ What type of sausage works best for this dish?

Any breakfast sausage works well, but Jimmy Dean sausage is recommended for its flavor. Turkey sausage can also be used as a leaner option.

→ Can I use low-fat crescent rolls or cream cheese?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat crescent rolls without compromising flavor or texture.

→ How do I create evenly-sized crescents?

Use a pizza cutter to slice each crescent roll triangle in half lengthwise. A small cookie scoop can help portion the filling evenly.

→ Can these be served at room temperature?

Yes, these bites taste great both straight out of the oven and cooled to room temperature, making them perfect for parties or on-the-go snacks.