Sausage cream cheese crescents just the name conjures up images of flaky, golden pastry filled with a savory, creamy delight, doesn’t it? I remember the first time I tasted these little bites of heaven. It was at a holiday brunch, and they disappeared faster than you could say “seconds!” There’s something undeniably comforting and satisfying about this simple yet elegant appetizer.

While the exact origins of sausage cream cheese crescents are a bit hazy, the concept of wrapping savory fillings in pastry dates back centuries. Cultures around the world have their own versions, from empanadas to spanakopita. What makes this particular combination so irresistible is the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The flaky, buttery crescent roll gives way to a creamy, tangy filling studded with savory sausage. It’s a symphony in your mouth!

People adore these crescents for several reasons. First, they’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Second, they’re incredibly versatile. You can customize the filling with different types of sausage, cheeses, or even add vegetables. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, they taste amazing! The combination of the flaky pastry, creamy filling, and savory sausage is simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick and easy breakfast, or just craving a comforting snack, these sausage cream cheese crescents are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients:

1 pound bulk pork sausage (I prefer a mild or Italian sausage, but spicy works too!)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened (full-fat is best for flavor and texture)
1/4 cup milk (any kind will do)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 (8 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough (seamless dough sheets also work well)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Everything bagel seasoning (optional, for topping)

Preparing the Sausage Filling

Okay, let’s get started! The first thing we need to do is cook the sausage. This is a crucial step because nobody wants raw sausage in their crescent rolls!

Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble the bulk pork sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is fully browned and no longer pink. Make sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. I like to use a wooden spoon or spatula for this.
Drain the Excess Grease: Once the sausage is cooked, carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet. You can do this by tilting the skillet and spooning the grease out, or by using a colander lined with paper towels. Getting rid of the grease will prevent the filling from being too oily.
Combine with Cream Cheese: Return the skillet to low heat. Add the softened cream cheese to the cooked sausage. Stir constantly until the cream cheese is completely melted and smooth. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Make sure the heat is low to prevent the cream cheese from burning or scorching.
Add Milk and Seasonings: Pour in the milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. The milk helps to thin out the mixture and make it easier to spread. Taste the filling and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a pinch of salt, but be careful because the sausage is already seasoned.
Cool the Filling: Remove the skillet from the heat and let the sausage filling cool slightly. This will make it easier to handle and prevent it from melting the crescent roll dough too quickly. You can speed up the cooling process by transferring the filling to a bowl and placing it in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes.

Assembling the Crescent Rolls

Now comes the fun part assembling the crescent rolls! This is where you get to be creative and make each roll look perfect (or perfectly imperfect, if that’s your style!).

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the crescent rolls from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Unroll the Crescent Roll Dough: Open the cans of refrigerated crescent roll dough. Carefully unroll the dough onto a clean, lightly floured surface. If you’re using crescent roll sheets, simply lay them out flat. If you’re using the traditional crescent rolls, gently separate them along the perforations to form triangles.
Spread the Sausage Filling: Spoon a generous amount of the sausage filling onto each crescent roll triangle or sheet. Spread the filling evenly, leaving a small border around the edges. Don’t overfill the rolls, or the filling might ooze out during baking.
Roll Up the Crescent Rolls: Starting at the wide end of each triangle, roll up the crescent rolls towards the point. If you’re using crescent roll sheets, roll them up tightly like a log.
Cut and Shape (if using sheets): If you used crescent roll sheets, cut the log into 1-inch thick slices. Arrange the crescent rolls on the prepared baking sheet, with the point tucked underneath to prevent them from unrolling. If you used pre-cut triangles, simply place them on the baking sheet. Gently curve the crescent rolls into a crescent shape.
Egg Wash (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk the egg. Brush the tops of the crescent rolls with the beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly glossy finish.
Sprinkle with Everything Bagel Seasoning (Optional): Sprinkle the tops of the crescent rolls with everything bagel seasoning. This adds a delicious savory flavor and a nice textural contrast.

Baking the Crescent Rolls

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake these beauties until they’re golden brown and bubbly. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!

Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the filling is heated through. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
Cool Slightly: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the crescent rolls cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from sticking to the baking sheet and allow them to firm up a bit.

Serving and Storing

Congratulations, you’ve made delicious sausage cream cheese crescent rolls! Now it’s time to enjoy them. Here are a few tips for serving and storing:

Serve Warm: These crescent rolls are best served warm, when the filling is melty and the dough is flaky.
Dipping Sauces: Consider serving them with a dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or a spicy aioli.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the sausage filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat it before assembling the crescent rolls.
Storage: Store leftover crescent rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the baked crescent rolls. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Variations and Tips

Want to customize your sausage cream cheese crescent rolls? Here are a few ideas:

Cheese: Add shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or pepper jack cheese to the sausage filling for extra cheesy goodness.
Vegetables: Sauté some diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms and add them to the sausage filling for added flavor and nutrients.
Spices: Experiment with different spices, such as chili powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper, to add a kick to the sausage filling.
Herbs: Fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives, or oregano, can add a bright and fresh flavor to the filling.
Different Sausage: Try using different types of sausage, such as chorizo, Italian sausage, or breakfast sausage, to change the flavor profile.
Sweet and Savory: Add a touch of sweetness to the filling by adding a tablespoon of brown sugar or maple syrup.
Air Fryer: You can also cook these in an air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled crescent rolls in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd them. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Troubleshooting

Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:

Filling is too runny: If the filling is too runny, add a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour to thicken it up.
Crescent rolls are browning too quickly: If the crescent rolls are browning too quickly, tent them with aluminum foil to prevent them from burning.
Filling is oozing out: If the filling is oozing out, make sure you’re not overfilling the crescent rolls and that you’re sealing the edges tightly.
Crescent rolls are not cooking through: If the crescent rolls are not cooking through, increase the baking time by a few minutes.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy making and eating these delicious sausage cream cheese crescent rolls! They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or a snack. They’re also a great appetizer for parties and gatherings. Let me know in the comments if you try this recipe and how it turns out!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These sausage cream cheese crescents are truly a must-try recipe for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and utterly delicious appetizer, breakfast treat, or even a satisfying snack. I know, I know, I might be biased, but trust me on this one. The flaky, buttery crescent roll dough perfectly complements the savory sausage and tangy cream cheese filling, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!). What makes these crescents so special is their versatility. They’re not just for breakfast; they’re fantastic for brunch, potlucks, game day gatherings, or even a simple weeknight dinner alongside a salad. The possibilities are endless! Serving Suggestions and Variations: Want to take these sausage cream cheese crescents to the next level? Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing: * Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture for a little kick. * Cheesy goodness: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese on top of the crescents before baking for an extra layer of cheesy flavor. * Veggie boost: Sauté some diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms and add them to the sausage mixture for a more nutritious and flavorful filling. * Sweet and savory: Drizzle a little maple syrup or honey over the baked crescents for a delightful sweet and savory combination. * Dipping sauces: Serve these crescents with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a spicy sriracha mayo. * Mini versions: Use mini crescent roll dough to create bite-sized appetizers that are perfect for parties. * Herb Infusion: Mix in some fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill into the cream cheese mixture for a burst of freshness. * Everything Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top before baking for added flavor and texture. I’ve personally tried all of these variations, and they’re all fantastic in their own way. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination! But honestly, even the basic recipe is a winner. It’s so simple to make, even a novice cook can whip up a batch in no time. And the best part? It’s always a crowd-pleaser. I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t love these sausage cream cheese crescents. So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen and give this recipe a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And when you do, please, please, please share your experience with me! I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how much everyone enjoyed them. You can leave a comment below, tag me on social media, or even send me an email. I’m always eager to hear from fellow food lovers. I’m confident that this recipe will become a staple in your household, just like it has in mine. It’s the perfect solution for those times when you need a quick, easy, and delicious meal or snack. And who knows, maybe you’ll even come up with your own unique twist on this classic recipe. The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to these delightful sausage cream cheese crescents. Happy baking!