Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe

Have you ever had one of those moments where you need to whip up something quick and delicious for a get-together, but everything in your recipe box feels too complicated? That’s where these Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents come to the rescue. This recipe is a total game-changer when it comes to simplicity, but the taste is far from basic. The combo of savory beef sausage and creamy, tangy cream cheese wrapped in buttery crescent rolls? Let’s just say it’s one of those things people will ask you for again and again. And the best part? You only need three ingredients and a bit of oven time!

this RECIPE

The first time I made these… (let’s just say they disappeared!)

I remember the first time I made these little beauties for a family brunch. It was one of those lazy Saturday mornings when we didn’t really feel like having a huge breakfast, but a little snack to go along with coffee sounded just right. I had some breakfast beef sausage in the fridge, and crescents are kind of a staple in my kitchen. I mixed in the cream cheese on a whim, and wow – the result was better than I could have imagined! As soon as I set the tray down, my family swooped in, and they were gone in minutes. The blend of creamy, savory, and crispy textures was simply too hard to resist. Now, they’re my go-to appetizer for parties and game days, and there are never any leftovers.

What makes this recipe special?

This recipe isn’t just about convenience (although we do love that!). The secret here is the balance of flavors and textures. The beef sausage brings a hearty, seasoned bite, while the cream cheese adds a velvety smoothness. And then, of course, there’s the crescent roll dough – flaky, buttery, and light, it ties everything together perfectly. What I love most is that these crescents are endlessly versatile; you can change up the filling for different occasions, and they still turn out just as irresistible.

Let’s talk ingredients: simple but satisfying

You only need three main ingredients for this recipe, and they work together so effortlessly.

• Beef sausage: The star of the show, beef sausage adds a hearty, savory flavor. If you don’t have beef sausage on hand, you can easily swap it out for turkey sausage, or even a plant-based sausage option if you’re looking for something lighter. Just make sure you cook and crumble the sausage ahead of time so it’s ready to go.
• Cream cheese: This is what gives the crescents their creamy filling. The cream cheese melts into the sausage as it bakes, making every bite rich and satisfying. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese or even a plant-based cream cheese alternative. The key is to let the cream cheese soften before you mix it with the sausage – it’ll blend much more easily.
• Refrigerated crescent rolls: Crescent rolls are the ultimate convenience food, and their light, flaky texture is a perfect complement to the savory filling. If you’re out of crescent rolls, you can try puff pastry or even phyllo dough as a substitute, though the baking time might vary slightly.

Kitchen gear: what you need to get started

You won’t need much for this recipe, which is another reason why I love it.

• A large skillet: To cook and crumble the sausage. I find that using a cast iron skillet gives a nice even cook, but any large pan will do the job just fine.
• Mixing bowl: Once the sausage is cooked, you’ll want a medium-sized mixing bowl to combine it with the cream cheese. I recommend using a spatula to make sure everything is well incorporated.
• Small cookie scoop or spoon: This will help you portion out the sausage mixture onto the crescent roll triangles. It’s not essential, but it does make the job a lot easier.
• Baking sheet: Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to ensure the crescents don’t stick. Trust me, it’s worth the extra step!

Step-by-step: how to make sausage & cream cheese crescents

Okay, now let’s get down to the fun part – making these crescents! I’ll walk you through the steps like we’re cooking together in the kitchen.

1. Preheat the oven to 375ºF. That gives us time to get the sausage cooked and everything ready while the oven heats up.
2. Cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. You want it to be fully cooked through and nicely browned, with no pink remaining. Once it’s done, drain any excess grease (if there is any) and set it aside to cool for a few minutes.
3. Mix in the cream cheese. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cooked sausage with the softened cream cheese. Stir until everything is well mixed. Don’t worry if it’s a little messy – that’s part of the fun!
4. Prepare the crescent rolls. Open the cans of crescent rolls and unroll the dough. Each can will give you 8 crescent triangles. For this recipe, cut each triangle in half lengthwise to make two smaller triangles – that way, you can make more crescents, and they’re perfect bite-sized snacks.
5. Fill and roll. Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon, place about a tablespoon of the sausage and cream cheese mixture onto each crescent triangle. Starting from the wider end, roll the dough up around the filling, just like you would with a regular crescent roll.
6. Bake. Arrange the filled crescents on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them after the 12-minute mark to make sure they don’t over-bake.

Variations: get creative with your crescents!

Once you’ve got the basic recipe down, you can have so much fun experimenting with different fillings and flavors. Here are a few ideas I’ve tried that turned out great:

• Spicy kick: Add a bit of heat to the sausage filling by mixing in chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. It adds a nice kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
• Vegetarian option: You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by using a plant-based sausage. I’ve tried it with veggie sausage crumbles and it worked beautifully. You can also add some sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
• Seasonal twists: For a fall-inspired variation, try adding a touch of sage to the sausage mix. It pairs wonderfully with the creamy filling and buttery dough. In the spring, a handful of fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives adds a bright, fresh flavor.

How to serve these delicious crescents

When it comes to serving these sausage & cream cheese crescents, they’re a hit at just about any event. I love arranging them on a large platter and adding a garnish of fresh herbs – parsley or thyme look especially nice. These are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even as part of a brunch spread.

If you’re making these for a party, you can also set out a small bowl of dipping sauce – something like spicy mustard or a tangy aioli works really well with the savory, creamy filling.

drink pairings

Since these crescents are a bit rich and savory, I like to pair them with drinks that balance that out with something refreshing. Here are a few of my go to options:

• Sparkling water with a squeeze of lime or lemon is a great way to cut through the richness without overpowering the flavors.
• Iced tea, especially something like a citrus green tea or a fruity herbal blend, pairs really well with the beef sausage and cream cheese.
• Freshly squeezed lemonade is always a crowd-pleaser and adds a nice sweet-tart contrast to the savory crescents.

Storing and reheating your crescents

If (and that’s a big if!) you have any crescents left over, they store pretty well. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop them in a 350ºF oven for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they won’t be quite as crispy.

Adjusting for different serving sizes

This recipe makes about 32 bite-sized crescents, but if you need to make more or fewer, it’s super easy to adjust. Just double the ingredients if you’re feeding a crowd, or cut everything in half if you’re only making them for a small group. One thing to keep in mind when scaling up is to keep an eye on the baking time – if you crowd too many crescents on the baking sheet, they might need a few extra minutes to get that perfect golden brown color.

Conclusion: Try these out and make them your own!

These sausage & cream cheese crescents are one of those recipes that’s easy to fall in love with. They’re simple, they’re delicious, and they’re endlessly adaptable. Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the variations, I’m sure they’ll be a hit at your next gathering. Give them a try and let me know how they turn out!

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the crescents a few hours in advance, store them in the fridge, and bake them just before serving.

Can I freeze these crescents?

Absolutely. Bake them first, let them cool completely, and freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Reheat in a 350ºF oven until warmed through.

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, feel free to experiment! Turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even plant-based sausage works great.

What dipping sauces go well with these?

I love serving them with mustard, spicy aioli, or even a simple sauce for a fun twist.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free crescent roll dough. The filling itself is naturally gluten-free.

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