Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect appetizer or a comforting snack, Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents will absolutely steal the show. This crowd-pleasing treat wraps a savory sausage and creamy, cheesy filling inside buttery, golden crescent rolls. Every bite delivers a warm, slightly tangy burst of flavor that’s pure comfort on a plate. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a fuss-free weeknight indulgence, this recipe is a go-to classic you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about easy-to-find, reliable ingredients that create show-stopping flavor. Each one plays an important role in making the Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents irresistible, from the flakiness of the pastry to the hearty, creamy filling inside.

• Ground sausage (1 lb): Choose your favorite — spicy, breakfast, or mild all work — and make sure it gets nicely browned for rich flavor.
• Cream cheese (1 block, 8 oz, softened): This is the magic that blends everything together and adds a dreamy, tangy smoothness.
• Crescent roll dough (2 cans, 8 oz each): The star vehicle for your filling; these bake up flaky, golden, and utterly irresistible.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup, optional): For a punch of sharp, gooey cheesiness. Totally optional, but highly recommended.

How to Make Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Sausage

Begin by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—this guarantees easy cleanup. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground sausage, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Take your time here: letting the sausage develop a little color brings loads of flavor to the final dish. Once it’s cooked and no longer pink, drain off any excess grease and transfer the sausage to a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Filling

Add the softened block of cream cheese to the hot sausage. Stir until everything is beautifully combined and the cream cheese coats every bit of sausage with velvety richness. If you’re looking for that extra wow-factor, mix in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese — it melts into every mouthful and adds even more lusciousness.

Step 3: Assemble the Crescents

Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Place each triangle on your prepared baking sheet. Spoon about one tablespoon of the creamy sausage mixture onto the wide end of each triangle. Gently but tightly roll each one up toward the point, encasing the filling in a neat little package. Take care not to overfill—the dough is soft and loves to stretch, but a little restraint means everything holds together perfectly during baking.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange all your unbaked crescents on the baking sheet, making sure there’s a bit of space between them. Pop them in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and deliciously puffed. You’ll know they’re done when your kitchen smells like heaven and the tops are gorgeously crisp.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Let the Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents cool for just a minute or two when they come out of the oven. They’re best enjoyed warm, so serve them right away to soak up all the compliments coming your way!

How to Serve Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs—think parsley or chives—over your finished crescents can add a pop of color and freshness. For a little heat, try a light dusting of cracked black pepper or a dash of smoked paprika. These finishing touches make every batch of Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents feel a bit more festive and special.

Side Dishes

Pair your warm crescents with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. If you’re serving them for brunch or a light meal, a side of fruit or a platter of crunchy veggies helps round out the plate beautifully. They’re also fantastic next to a bowl of zippy marinara or honey mustard for dipping.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, pile Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents high on a pretty platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. You can even bake them in a round, wreath shape for a festive holiday display! For kids’ lunches or picnics, tuck a couple into a bento box with fruit and veggies—they travel surprisingly well and are fun to eat anywhere.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you (miraculously) find yourself with leftover Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay deliciously fresh for up to three days without losing too much of their signature flakiness.

Freezing

For longer storage, allow the crescents to cool completely, then pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to two months. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment to prevent sticking. This way, you’ll always have a batch ready for last-minute get-togethers—or those late-night snack cravings!

Reheating

To revive the magic, reheat refrigerated crescents in a 350°F oven for about 8–10 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp on the outside again. If you’re starting from frozen, give them a few extra minutes in the oven—no need to thaw first. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven keeps them flaky and irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in spicy Italian sausage, breakfast sausage, or even turkey sausage. Each brings its own delicious character to the Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents.

Is there a way to make these crescents ahead of time?

Yes—assemble and fill your crescents, then cover and refrigerate up to eight hours in advance. Bake just before serving for the freshest, flakiest result.

What if I don’t have crescent dough?

If crescent dough is tricky to find, try using sheets of puff pastry, cut into triangles. The texture is a little different, but the result is still fantastically flaky and tasty.

Can these be made without the cheddar cheese?

Definitely! The cheddar just adds a little extra richness, but the Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents are wonderful with or without it. You could even experiment with other cheeses!

How can I prevent overfilling and leaking?

Less is more with filling — stick to about a tablespoon and make sure the edges of dough are pinched or rolled tight. If any filling does peek out, those crispy bits just get extra golden and delicious.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and just downright satisfying, I can’t recommend these Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents enough. Give them a try—whether for a party, a family dinner, or a cozy snack—you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.

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