Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe

Have you ever stumbled upon a recipe so simple yet so delicious that you couldn’t help but make it again and again? That’s exactly what happened to me with these Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents. It started as a quick appetizer idea for a family gathering, but the moment I saw how fast they disappeared from the plate, I knew they were a keeper. And honestly, when a dish is this easy and involves just a handful of ingredients, how could you not fall in love with it?

What makes this recipe so special? Well, it’s one of those “why didn’t I think of that?” combinations – the creamy, tangy richness of cream cheese, paired with the savory goodness of crumbled breakfast sausage, all wrapped up in flaky crescent rolls. It’s comfort food wrapped in pastry, and trust me, that’s a flavor combo that’s hard to beat. You’ll want to make extras because, spoiler alert: they disappear fast.

this RECIPE

A nostalgic bite-sized memory

I remember the first time I whipped up these sausage and cream cheese crescents. It was for a last-minute get-together with friends, and I needed something quick but crowd-pleasing. My pantry wasn’t exactly stocked with gourmet options, but there was a roll of sausage, cream cheese, and a couple cans of crescent rolls—basic, right? I threw it all together, popped them in the oven, and hoped for the best. When I pulled them out, the golden crescents filled the kitchen with the most amazing smell. Biting into that first one, the creamy, savory filling encased in buttery dough brought a wave of nostalgia—reminding me of all the casual, no-fuss snacks my mom used to make for us when we were kids. Needless to say, the plate was empty in minutes, and now it’s my go-to whenever I need a sure-fire hit.

The simple origins of this comforting classic

While crescent rolls as we know them were popularized in the U.S. in the 1960s, their flaky roots trace back to the croissant. Over the years, home cooks discovered how easily these refrigerated doughs could be transformed into everything from appetizers to desserts. Enter the crescent roll sausage combo—an inspired, hearty pairing that’s become a staple for many households. Originally meant as a breakfast dish, these crescents evolved into an any-time snack perfect for parties, game days, or just lazy weekends when you want something that’s easy to make and universally loved.

Let’s talk ingredients: the stars of the show

• Breakfast sausage: This is the foundation of the savory filling, and it’s packed with flavor. I typically use a classic pork breakfast sausage, but if you’re looking for a lighter version, turkey sausage works just as well. Spicy sausage is also a great way to kick up the flavor if you’re in the mood for something with a little heat.
• Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese is what makes these crescents so creamy and indulgent. It acts as a binder for the sausage and adds a slight tangy richness. You can substitute with a reduced-fat or Neufchâtel cheese to make it a bit lighter, but I’ve found that full-fat gives the best texture and flavor.
• Crescent rolls: These are the vehicle that holds all that goodness together. The crescent rolls bake up light and flaky, creating the perfect contrast to the creamy sausage filling. If you’re out of crescent rolls, puff pastry sheets or even biscuit dough can work in a pinch, but they’ll result in a different texture.

Kitchen gear: what you need (and what you can totally skip)

You don’t need anything fancy to make this recipe, but here’s what I recommend:

• Baking sheet: A simple baking sheet lined with parchment paper will work perfectly. The parchment helps avoid any sticking and makes clean-up a breeze.
• Cookie scoop: This is optional, but if you want evenly sized crescents, a small cookie scoop is ideal for portioning out the sausage mixture.
• Sharp knife: You’ll need this to slice the crescent dough triangles in half. The sharper, the better to ensure clean cuts that make rolling up the dough easier.

Honestly, that’s about it! If you don’t have a cookie scoop, a spoon will work just fine for portioning the filling.

Step-by-step: my foolproof method (and a few hard-learned lessons)

1. Preheat the oven to 375ºF. This is key to getting that golden, crispy exterior on your crescents. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you pop them in!
2. Cook the sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up into small crumbles. You want it fully cooked but not overdone—too crispy and it’ll lose some of that juicy flavor. Drain any excess fat and let the sausage cool slightly.
3. Mix the sausage with cream cheese: In a mixing bowl, stir the crumbled sausage into the softened cream cheese. Here’s a tip: make sure the cream cheese is room temperature before mixing, or it’ll be harder to get that smooth consistency.
4. Prep the crescent dough: Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Here’s the trick: cut each triangle in half lengthwise to make smaller crescents, perfect for bite-sized snacks. I’ve forgotten this step before and ended up with jumbo crescents, which are still delicious, just not as snackable!
5. Fill and roll: Using your cookie scoop (or spoon), place a small amount of the sausage mixture onto each triangle, then carefully roll them up from the wide end to the narrow point.
6. Bake: Place your crescents on the prepared baking sheet and pop them in the oven for about 15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and flaky. Keep an eye on them around the 12-minute mark—I’ve learned the hard way that they can go from golden to “oops, too crispy” pretty quickly.

Mix it up: variations and twists I’ve tried

This recipe is so adaptable! Here are a few variations I’ve tested over the years:

• Spicy sausage: Swap in hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture for a little kick.
• Cheese lovers: I’ve added shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the filling for an extra cheesy surprise. It melts beautifully and adds another layer of flavor.
• Vegetarian option: Use a plant-based sausage alternative and dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan version. I’ve tried this with Beyond Sausage, and it’s surprisingly good!
• Seasonal flavors: For a fall twist, I’ve added a pinch of sage and a sprinkle of dried cranberries to the mix. It’s a fun, unexpected flavor combo that works great for holiday gatherings.
• International spin: Give these crescents a Mediterranean flair by swapping the sausage for ground lamb and mixing in some feta cheese and a sprinkle of oregano.

Serving suggestions: make them party-ready

These crescents are perfect as-is, but if you want to take them up a notch, here are a few serving ideas:

• Plating: Arrange them on a wooden serving board with some fresh herbs scattered around for a rustic look.
• Garnishes: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a little dusting of grated Parmesan adds a pop of color and extra flavor.
• Side dishes: If you’re serving these as part of a meal, they pair perfectly with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or even a warm bowl of soup.

Drink pairings: something for everyone

For drink pairings, I like to keep it casual. A light beer or hard cider works great with the rich flavors of the sausage and cream cheese. If you’re more into wine, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a fruity Pinot Noir would complement these perfectly. And if you’re in the mood for something non-alcoholic, a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime is a refreshing option.

Storing and reheating tips

These crescents store beautifully! Here’s what I recommend:

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350ºF for 5-7 minutes to restore their flakiness.
• Freezer: You can also freeze them! Once baked and cooled, pop them into a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, reheat directly from frozen at 350ºF for 10-12 minutes.
• Food safety tip: Be sure the sausage is fully cooked before adding it to the crescent rolls, and don’t leave the cooked crescents at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Adjusting for different serving sizes

If you’re feeding a larger crowd, you can easily double (or triple!) the recipe. The only thing to watch out for is oven space. If you’re baking in batches, make sure to rotate your pans halfway through for even cooking. For smaller gatherings, you can cut the recipe in half—though, honestly, I don’t recommend it because you’ll wish you had more!

Wrapping it up (pun intended)

Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just need a quick appetizer for a weeknight get-together, these Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents are a total winner. They’re easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and—best of all—absolutely delicious. So, go ahead, give them a try, and don’t be afraid to make the recipe your own. I guarantee they’ll become a regular in your kitchen!

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! You can use turkey sausage, spicy sausage, or even plant-based sausage if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.

2. How do I keep the crescents from unrolling?
Make sure you’re rolling them tightly and placing them seam-side down on the baking sheet. This will help them stay together as they bake.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the crescents and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake, or even freeze them before baking for later.

4. Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Definitely! Try adding shredded cheese, chopped herbs, or even diced vegetables like bell peppers or onions for extra flavor.

5. How long do these crescents stay fresh?
They’re best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.

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