Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe
If you’re looking for a savory, indulgent, and incredibly easy-to-make appetizer, Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are the perfect option. This dish combines the rich flavors of sausage, creamy cream cheese, and buttery crescent dough, resulting in a mouthwatering treat that will be the highlight of any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party, making a quick snack, or preparing for a holiday dinner, this recipe will satisfy all your cravings.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:
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1 pound breakfast sausage (use your favorite brand or flavor)
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8 oz cream cheese (softened)
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1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz)
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1 tablespoon yellow mustard (optional)
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
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1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Equipment
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Skillet or frying pan
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Mixing bowl
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Baking sheet
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Parchment paper or non-stick spray
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Knife and cutting board
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage to the pan and cook it, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Stir occasionally to ensure the sausage cooks evenly. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
Once the sausage is completely browned and no longer pink, drain the excess fat. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use a lean sausage or drain the fat into a separate bowl for later use.
Step 2: Mix in the Cream Cheese
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the softened cream cheese directly into the skillet with the sausage. Stir the mixture together until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
If you’d like to add an extra layer of flavor, this is the point where you can mix in yellow mustard for a tangy twist, along with garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper for seasoning. These additions enhance the flavor profile of the dish but are completely optional. Stir until everything is well combined, and then remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Rolls
While the sausage mixture cools slightly, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a flat surface, and separate the dough into individual triangles as indicated on the package.
To ensure the rolls don’t stick to your baking sheet, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
Step 4: Assemble the Crescents
Now it’s time to assemble the sausage cream cheese crescents. Take a spoonful of the sausage and cream cheese mixture and place it at the wide end of each crescent triangle. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling can ooze out while baking.
Starting at the wide end, gently roll up each crescent, making sure the filling stays enclosed inside. Pinch the edges of the dough slightly to seal them and ensure the filling doesn’t escape during baking.
Step 5: Bake the Crescents
Place the assembled crescents onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, sprinkle the tops with a little grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh parsley.
Bake the crescents in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on top. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid over-baking. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once your Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are baked and golden, serve them warm. These delightful snacks are perfect for a crowd, and they pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, or a garlic aioli. They also make an excellent addition to a breakfast or brunch spread.
Tips and Variations
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Meat Substitutes: If you prefer not to use traditional breakfast sausage, you can substitute with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a healthier or vegetarian option.
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Flavor Enhancements: Try adding a dash of hot sauce, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or finely chopped jalapeños to the sausage mixture for a spicy kick.
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Cheese Options: Swap the cream cheese for other creamy cheeses such as cheddar, monterey jack, or cream cheese with herbs for added flavor. You could also sprinkle shredded cheese directly inside the crescent rolls before rolling them up.
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Make Ahead: You can prepare these crescent rolls ahead of time. Assemble the rolls, place them on the baking sheet, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This makes them perfect for preparing for parties, potlucks, or holidays. Just bake as directed when you’re ready to serve.
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Serving Suggestions: These crescents pair well with a variety of accompaniments. Serve with fruit salads, potato wedges, or a fresh veggie platter to create a well-rounded meal or snack table.
Nutritional Information
While the exact nutritional values can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used, here’s a general estimate for each serving of Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents:
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Calories: Approximately 200-250 calories per crescent
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Fat: 15-20 grams (depending on sausage and cream cheese used)
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Protein: 6-8 grams
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Carbohydrates: 12-15 grams
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Fiber: 1-2 grams
Why You’ll Love These Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are undeniably delicious, offering a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavors wrapped in a buttery, flaky dough. These bites are great for any occasion and can be enjoyed as a quick snack, an appetizer for your next gathering, or even as a breakfast treat.
The best part is that this recipe is extremely versatile, allowing you to tailor the flavors to suit your preferences. With minimal ingredients and prep time, you can have a dish that’s sure to impress in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting friends for game night, or preparing a potluck contribution, Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are sure to be a hit.
Conclusion
This Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent recipe is a crowd-pleaser that delivers on flavor, ease of preparation, and versatility. The combination of sausage, cream cheese, and crescent dough is a guaranteed winner that will disappear in minutes at any event. Make them for your next gathering or simply to enjoy a delicious snack with family and friends. These crescents are an excellent way to introduce a savory twist to classic crescent rolls.