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This savory Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents recipe transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible treat that disappears quickly at any gathering. The flaky crescent rolls wrapped around a creamy, savory filling create the perfect handheld bite that works for breakfast, appetizers, or even a quick dinner alongside a salad.
I first made these crescents for a last minute brunch when unexpected guests arrived. The combination was such a hit that they've become my signature dish at family gatherings, with everyone requesting the recipe before they leave.
Ingredients
- Ground sausage: Provides the savory foundation and you can choose mild or spicy depending on your heat preference
- Cream cheese: Creates that luscious creamy texture that balances the savory sausage perfectly
- Refrigerated crescent rolls: Offer convenience and that golden flaky exterior that everyone loves
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds an extra layer of cheesy goodness and helps bind the filling
- Garlic powder: Infuses the filling with aromatic flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients
- Salt and pepper: Allow you to adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the finished dish with color and a hint of freshness
How To Make Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
- Preheat and Prep:
- Set your oven to 375°F and prepare your baking sheet with parchment paper. This temperature creates the perfect environment for the crescents to rise and turn golden while keeping the filling hot and melty.
- Brown the Sausage:
- Cook the ground sausage in a skillet over medium heat until completely browned, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Be thorough about draining the excess grease to prevent soggy crescents. The finer the crumbles, the easier it will be to roll the crescents.
- Mix the Filling:
- Combine the cooked sausage with softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and seasonings in a mixing bowl. Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened to room temperature for easier mixing. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Assemble with Care:
- Unroll the crescent dough and separate into triangles. Place a generous tablespoon of filling on the wide end of each triangle, being careful not to overfill. Roll from the wide end toward the point, gently tucking in the sides as you go to seal in the filling.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Arrange the crescents on your prepared baking sheet with space between each one to allow for expansion. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, watching carefully toward the end. The perfect crescent should be uniformly golden brown with a slightly crisp exterior.
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My family has a tradition of making these on Christmas morning while we open gifts. The smell of sausage and pastry filling the house has become as much a part of our holiday as the decorations. My daughter now insists on being in charge of the filling assembly, claiming she has the perfect scoop technique.
Make Ahead Options
These crescents work beautifully as a make ahead option. You can prepare the sausage cream cheese mixture up to two days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply bring the mixture to room temperature for easier spreading, then assemble and bake. You can also fully bake the crescents, let them cool completely, and freeze them in an airtight container for up to one month. Reheat frozen crescents in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through.
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Flavor Variations
The basic recipe is delicious as is, but there are countless ways to customize these crescents to your taste preferences. Try using Italian sausage and adding a teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the filling for a Mediterranean twist. For a southwestern version, use chorizo instead of breakfast sausage and add a tablespoon of diced green chilies to the mixture. Vegetarians can substitute plant based sausage crumbles with excellent results. Morning breakfast versions can include a sprinkle of maple sugar in the filling for a sweet and savory combination that tastes like breakfast in one bite.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile crescents pair beautifully with so many different accompaniments. For breakfast, serve alongside fresh fruit and yogurt for a balanced meal. As an appetizer, provide a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch dressing, or even maple syrup for those who enjoy sweet and savory combinations. For a more substantial meal, pair with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the crescents. When serving at a party, arrange on a platter with small bunches of grapes and sliced apples for an attractive presentation that also provides a fresh counterpoint to the savory pastries.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, you can make the sausage and cream cheese filling ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Fill and bake the crescents when ready to serve.
- → Can I use spicy sausage instead of mild?
Absolutely! Choose mild or spicy sausage depending on your preference. Spicy sausage will add an extra kick to the flavor.
- → How do I prevent the filling from spilling out?
When rolling the crescents, ensure that the edges are tucked in slightly and avoid overfilling to keep the mixture contained during baking.
- → Can I freeze these crescents?
Yes, you can freeze the baked crescents in an airtight container for up to a month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through before serving.
- → Is it necessary to use cheddar cheese in the filling?
No, the cheddar cheese is optional. You can leave it out for a simpler filling or substitute it with another cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack.
- → What can I serve alongside these crescents?
You can serve these with a dipping sauce such as marinara, ranch, or a creamy garlic sauce for added flavor, or pair them with a side of fresh salad for a balanced meal.