Introduction
Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are a classic, crowd-pleasing appetizer made with flaky crescent dough, savory sausage, and smooth cream cheese. They are fast to assemble, bake beautifully, and work for breakfast, brunch, parties, or potlucks. This recipe is simple, reliable, and always a favorite.
Description
This dish features browned sausage mixed with melted cream cheese, wrapped inside buttery crescent rolls. The result is a warm, creamy, slightly salty bite with a soft exterior and rich filling. They are easy to eat by hand, reheat well, and can be customized with spices, veggies, or different cheeses.
Ingredients
1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough (8-count each)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully done. Drain excess grease.
3. Reduce heat to low and add the cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until melted and fully combined with the sausage. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Unroll the crescent dough and separate into individual triangles.
5. Place about 1 tablespoon of the sausage mixture at the wide end of each triangle.
6. Roll up each crescent starting from the wide end and place on an ungreased baking sheet.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips
Make sure the sausage mixture is not overly greasy; drain well for the best texture.
For a firmer filling, chill the sausage-cream cheese mixture before rolling.
If using store-brand crescent dough, check for perforations—press them together if they split easily.
You can brush the tops with a tiny bit of butter for extra color.
Variations
Spicy: Use hot sausage or add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
Cheesy: Mix in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack with the cream cheese.
Herbed: Add Italian seasoning, parsley, or chives to the filling.
Breakfast Style: Add scrambled eggs into the sausage mixture.
Lightened Version: Use turkey sausage and reduced-fat cream cheese.
Correction (Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them)
Filling leaking out: Use less filling in each crescent and ensure they are rolled tightly.
Crescents burning on the bottom: Line the baking sheet with parchment or use the middle oven rack.
Dough tearing: Keep the dough cold; warm dough becomes sticky and weak.
Greasy result: Drain sausage thoroughly and avoid overfilling.
Enjoy
Serve warm and fresh from the oven. These crescents make an excellent appetizer, breakfast option, or snack. They store well and can be reheated, making them perfect for gatherings or meal prep. Enjoy every savory, creamy bite.