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Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
Introduction
Are you searching for that perfect appetizer that’s both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make? If you’re nodding along, then you’ve landed in the right place! Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are the answer to your culinary prayers. Imagine flaky, buttery crescent dough embracing a rich, savory filling of crumbled sausage and creamy, tangy cream cheese. These delightful bites are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making them ideal for game days, holiday gatherings, potlucks, or even just a comforting snack. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, allowing even novice cooks to achieve impressive results. We’ll guide you through each step, ensuring your Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are perfectly baked, irresistibly golden, and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
The magic of these rolls lies in their simple yet harmonious combination of ingredients. The quality of each component plays a role in the final deliciousness.
- 1 pound ground sausage: Choose your favorite variety – pork, Italian, or even a spicy blend can work wonders. It provides a savory depth and satisfying texture.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: This is the creamy binder that makes everything decadent. Full-fat cream cheese offers the best texture and flavor; light versions can sometimes make the filling too thin. Ensure it’s genuinely softened for easy mixing.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives (optional): For a hint of fresh, oniony flavor and a pop of color. Parsley or green onions are good substitutes.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: To enhance the savory notes of the sausage and cream cheese.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for balancing flavors. Start with a little, as the sausage can be quite salty.
- 2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated crescent rolls: These are the flaky vessels for our delicious filling. You can use the seamless kind if you prefer, but the traditional ones with perforations work perfectly and can even be pressed together.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for brushing): For an extra golden sheen and a hint of richness before baking.
Timing
One of the best things about these Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls is how quickly they come together. This recipe is significantly faster than many traditional baked appetizers, making it perfect for last-minute needs.
Compared to similar appetizer recipes that might require making dough from scratch or longer baking times, these rolls are a weeknight-friendly dream.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Sausage
Begin by cooking your ground sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. You’re looking for it to be thoroughly browned and no longer pink. Once cooked, drain off any excess grease. A good draining is crucial to prevent greasy rolls. You can even pat it lightly with a paper towel if you want to be absolutely sure.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, drained cooked sausage, chopped chives (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and forms a cohesive, creamy mixture. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. This is where you can really personalize the flavor to your liking!
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. If you’re using rolls with perforations, you can gently press the seams together to create a solid sheet, or you can simply work with the triangles as they are. Place a generous spoonful (about 1-2 tablespoons) of the sausage cream cheese mixture onto the wider end of each crescent triangle. Starting from the wide end, carefully roll up each triangle towards the point. Ensure the filling is enclosed.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the rolled-up crescent rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. For an extra touch of golden-brown goodness, brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are puffed, golden brown, and look incredibly tempting. Keep an eye on them as oven temperatures can vary.
Nutritional Information
While the exact nutritional values will vary based on the specific ingredients used (especially the type of sausage), here’s a general estimate per roll (assuming 16 rolls):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 kcal
- Fat: Approximately 10-14g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 8-10g
- Protein: Approximately 5-7g
Note: This is an approximation. For precise dietary tracking, it’s recommended to use a nutritional calculator with your specific ingredients.
Healthier Alternatives
Looking to lighten things up without sacrificing flavor? Here are a few swaps:
- Leaner Sausage: Opt for turkey sausage or a reduced-fat pork sausage.
- Reduced-Fat Cream Cheese: While it can alter texture slightly, it’s a common and effective way to lower fat content.
- Whole Wheat Crescent Rolls: Some brands offer whole wheat versions for added fiber.
- Add Veggies: Mix finely diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach into the sausage mixture for added nutrients and bulk. Ensure they are cooked down and excess moisture is removed.
Serving Suggestions
These Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are incredibly versatile:
- Appetizer Platter: Serve them warm on a platter with a small bowl of marinara sauce for dipping.
- Brunch Star: They make a fantastic addition to a brunch spread alongside scrambled eggs, fruit salad, and bacon.
- Game Day Snack: Perfect for munching during a sports game, perhaps with some buffalo sauce on the side.
- Party Favorite: Their bite-sized nature makes them easy for guests to grab and enjoy while mingling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ensure your rolls turn out perfectly every time by avoiding these pitfalls:
- Not Draining Sausage Well: Excess grease can make the filling watery and the crescent dough soggy.
- Using Cold Cream Cheese: Cold cream cheese is difficult to mix, leading to lumps in your filling. Ensure it’s properly softened.
- Overfilling the Rolls: Too much filling can burst out during baking. Use a measured amount.
- Not Sealing Edges (if desired): If using the triangles as is, ensure the pointed end is tucked in to prevent leakage. Pressing perforations together helps create a better seal.
Storing Tips
For the best taste and texture, these rolls are ideal served fresh. However, if you have leftovers:
- Refrigeration: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To enjoy them again, reheat gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-8 minutes, or until warmed through. Microwaving can make them soft and less appealing.
- Freezing: You can freeze fully baked and cooled rolls. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap then place them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions
***Can I use different types of sausage?***
Absolutely! Mild or hot Italian sausage, breakfast sausage, or even a spicy chorizo can be used to change up the flavor profile. Just cook and drain it thoroughly beforehand.
***Can I make these ahead of time?***
You can prepare the sausage cream cheese filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to assemble and bake the rolls just before serving for optimal flakiness and texture. If you assemble them ahead, the dough can become soggy.
***What if I don’t have chives?***
No problem! Finely chopped fresh parsley, green onions, or even a pinch of dried onion powder can be used as substitutes for chives.
***How do I prevent the crescent roll dough from tearing?***
Be gentle when unrolling and separating the dough. If it’s very cold, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes until slightly pliable. Pressing perforations together rather than forcefully stretching can also help.
***Can I add cheese to the filling?***
Yes, you can! Adding a sprinkle of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan cheese to the cream cheese and sausage mixture can enhance the flavor and gooeyness.
Did you try this recipe? Let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents
These buttery crescent rolls are stuffed with a creamy, spicy mixture of beef sausage, cream cheese, and Rotel tomatoes with green chilies. Perfect for parties, snacks, or appetizers, they’re irresistibly delicious and easy to make!
Ingredients
- 1pound beef sausage, cooked and crumbled1(8-ounce) package of cream cheese, softened1(10-ounce) can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, well drained2(8-ounce) cans of refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1(8-ounce) package of cream cheese, softened1(10-ounce) can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, well drained2(8-ounce) cans of refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1(10-ounce) can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, well drained2(8-ounce) cans of refrigerated crescent rolls
- 2(8-ounce) cans of refrigerated crescent rolls
Instructions
- 1️⃣Preheat the Oven:Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2️⃣Prepare the Filling:In a large bowl, combine the cooked and crumbled beef sausage, softened cream cheese, and well-drained Rotel tomatoes. Mix until fully combined.3️⃣Prep the Crescent Dough:Unroll the crescent rolls and separate them into individual triangles. Cut each triangle in half lengthwise to create smaller triangles.4️⃣Fill and Roll:Using a cookie scoop or spoon, place a small amount of the sausage and cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each crescent triangle. Gently roll the dough, starting from the wide end and tucking the filling inside as you go.5️⃣Bake:Place the crescents on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the crescents are golden brown.6️⃣Serve:Remove the crescents from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These are best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven!
- 3️⃣Prep the Crescent Dough:Unroll the crescent rolls and separate them into individual triangles. Cut each triangle in half lengthwise to create smaller triangles.4️⃣Fill and Roll:Using a cookie scoop or spoon, place a small amount of the sausage and cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each crescent triangle. Gently roll the dough, starting from the wide end and tucking the filling inside as you go.5️⃣Bake:Place the crescents on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the crescents are golden brown.6️⃣Serve:Remove the crescents from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These are best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven!
- 4️⃣Fill and Roll:Using a cookie scoop or spoon, place a small amount of the sausage and cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each crescent triangle. Gently roll the dough, starting from the wide end and tucking the filling inside as you go.
- 5️⃣Bake:Place the crescents on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the crescents are golden brown.6️⃣Serve:Remove the crescents from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These are best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven!
- 6️⃣Serve:Remove the crescents from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These are best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven!
Notes
Customizations:Add shredded cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, to the filling for an extra cheesy kick.Make-Ahead Tip:Assemble the crescents and refrigerate them covered until ready to bake.Spice Level:For a milder version, use mild Rotel or swap with diced plain tomatoes.
Make-Ahead Tip:Assemble the crescents and refrigerate them covered until ready to bake.Spice Level:For a milder version, use mild Rotel or swap with diced plain tomatoes.
Spice Level:For a milder version, use mild Rotel or swap with diced plain tomatoes.
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