Imagine biting into a warm, flaky crescent roll stuffed with savory sausage and creamy cheese. Sausage cream cheese crescents are an irresistible blend of rich flavors and comforting textures that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, need a quick appetizer, or simply want a delicious snack, these crescents are a crowd-pleaser that takes minimal effort but yields maximum taste. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—pair them with soups, serve them with dips, or enjoy them on their own. Let’s dive into the step-by-step recipe to create these tasty treats!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 rolls each)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage Mixture
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until it is no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain Excess Grease: Once the sausage is fully cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Mix with Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and well-combined with the sausage. The mixture should be creamy and uniform.
- Season the Mixture: Add garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the sausage and cream cheese mixture. Stir well to incorporate all the seasonings.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly, about 5 minutes. This makes it easier to handle when filling the crescent rolls.
Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Rolls
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Open the Crescent Roll Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles as indicated by the perforations.
- Fill the Crescents: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the sausage and cream cheese mixture onto the widest end of each crescent triangle. If desired, sprinkle a small amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage mixture for extra cheesy flavor.
- Roll and Seal: Starting from the wide end, roll each triangle up towards the narrow end, encasing the sausage mixture inside the dough. Pinch the sides slightly to ensure the filling doesn’t spill out during baking.
Step 3: Bake the Crescents
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the filled crescents onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the crescents are golden brown and fully cooked.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the crescents cool slightly on a wire rack. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired, before serving.
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serving: Serve warm as a snack, appetizer, or alongside soups and salads. They pair well with mustard, ranch dressing, or marinara sauce for dipping.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but the crescents may not stay as crispy.
Helpful Notes:
- Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing with the sausage to make the process smoother.
- Customizable Fillings: Feel free to add extras like diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or mushrooms to the sausage mixture for added flavor.
- Dough Alternatives: If crescent dough is not available, you can use puff pastry or biscuit dough as alternatives.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs:
- Alton Brown: Recommends using freshly ground sausage for a more intense flavor and avoiding pre-cooked varieties that can be dry.
- Ina Garten: Suggests chilling the filled crescents for 15 minutes before baking to help them retain their shape.
- Gordon Ramsay: Advises using high-quality crescent roll dough and fresh herbs to elevate the overall flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make these crescents ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage mixture and fill the crescents ahead of time. Store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. - Can I freeze these crescents?
Yes, these crescents freeze well. Once baked and cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. - What sausage is best for this recipe?
Any ground sausage will work, but breakfast sausage, Italian sausage, or spicy sausage are particularly good choices. Choose the flavor that best suits your taste. - Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, low-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese can be used without significantly affecting the taste or texture. - Are there vegetarian alternatives?
Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or a combination of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions. - Can I make them gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free crescent dough and ensure all other ingredients (like the sausage and spices) are gluten-free. - How can I make the crescents crispier?
Brush the tops of the crescents with a beaten egg before baking for a golden, crispier finish. - Can I add cheese inside the crescents?
Absolutely! Adding shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack inside the crescents will make them even cheesier and more delicious. - Can I make mini crescents?
Yes, cut the crescent dough into smaller triangles and use a smaller amount of filling for bite-sized appetizers. - What can I serve with these crescents?
These crescents are versatile and pair well with a variety of dips like ranch, honey mustard, or marinara sauce. They also complement soups, salads, or a charcuterie board.
Conclusion:
Sausage cream cheese crescents are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or appetizer that everyone will love. With their crispy exterior and rich, creamy filling, they offer a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. Perfect for any occasion, these crescents are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy making and sharing them with your family and friends!
