If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and insanely delicious appetizer, snack, or breakfast idea, these Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are about to become your new favorite recipe! With just a few simple ingredients—flaky crescent roll dough, savory sausage, and creamy cheese—these buttery bites come together in no time and disappear even faster.
Whether you’re hosting a game day get-together, looking for a make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings, or planning a cozy brunch, these crescents check all the boxes. They’re portable, crowd-pleasing, and ridiculously addictive. Plus, they’re kid-approved!
Let’s get to it and whip up these warm, golden, cheesy crescents that’ll have everyone asking for seconds (or thirds).
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage (regular, mild, or spicy—your choice)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 cans (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1 egg, beaten (optional, for egg wash to add a glossy finish)
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them to prevent sticking.
2: Cook the Sausage
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground sausage. Cook, breaking it up into crumbles, until it is fully browned and no pink remains (about 5-7 minutes).
- Drain excess grease and transfer the sausage to a mixing bowl.
3: Make the Filling
- Add the softened cream cheese to the cooked sausage while it’s still warm. Stir together until the cream cheese melts and the mixture is well combined.
- Season with garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
4: Prepare the Crescent Dough
- Open the cans of crescent roll dough and unroll each sheet. Separate the dough along the perforated lines to create triangles.
- Lay the triangles flat on the prepared baking sheets.
5: Fill and Roll the Crescents
- Place a heaping tablespoon of the sausage and cream cheese mixture near the wide end of each crescent triangle.
- Gently roll the dough starting from the wide end toward the pointed tip, encasing the filling inside. Tuck any loose ends underneath to keep the filling secure.
- Repeat with all remaining dough and filling.
6: Add an Optional Egg Wash
- For a glossy golden finish, brush the tops of each crescent roll lightly with beaten egg using a pastry brush. This step is optional but adds a beautiful bakery-style touch.
7: Bake
- Place the crescents in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
8: Garnish and Serve
- If desired, sprinkle the crescents with chopped parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve warm and watch them disappear!
Tips for Perfect Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
- Choose the Right Sausage: Use a quality breakfast sausage for the best flavor. Go spicy for a little heat, or stick with mild for a crowd-pleasing option.
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to mix and results in a smoother filling.
- Don’t Overfill: Adding too much filling will make it difficult to roll the crescents and may cause the filling to leak out during baking. Stick to a heaping tablespoon per crescent.
- Add Cheese: For an extra cheesy bite, sprinkle a little shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese on top of the sausage mixture before rolling.
- Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd, make a double batch—these crescents go fast!
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftover crescents in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes, or microwave for 20-30 seconds.
- Freezing: You can freeze unbaked or baked crescents. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat baked crescents directly from frozen at 350°F until warmed through.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the sausage and cream cheese filling up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble and bake the crescents when ready to serve.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Use hot sausage, add diced jalapeños to the filling, and sprinkle in some pepper jack cheese for a fiery twist.
- Cheesy Crescents: Add a small amount of shredded cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack inside each crescent for extra gooeyness.
- Veggie Version: Replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Herb and Garlic Flavor: Add Italian seasoning or fresh chives to the cream cheese mixture for a burst of herbaceous flavor.
- Sweet and Savory: For a creative spin, mix in a touch of maple syrup or honey to balance the savory sausage.
Nutrition Details
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per crescent roll (assuming 16 crescents):
- Calories: 200-230 kcal
- Protein: 6-8g
- Carbohydrates: 12-14g
- Fat: 14-16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Sodium: 350-400mg
Note: Nutrition values will vary depending on the brand of sausage and crescent roll dough used.
FAQ
1. Can I use homemade crescent dough instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade dough, roll it out into triangles and follow the same steps.
2. How do I prevent the crescents from leaking?
Make sure to roll the dough tightly around the filling and pinch any seams closed to keep the sausage and cream cheese mixture secure.
3. Can I use different types of sausage?
Yes! While breakfast sausage is traditional, you can use Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even chorizo for a unique flavor.
4. Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling and assemble the crescents a few hours ahead, then store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
5. Can I serve these at room temperature?
While these crescents taste best warm, they’re still delicious at room temperature—making them a great option for parties or picnics.
Final Thoughts
Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are proof that simple ingredients can create unforgettable dishes. They’re buttery, savory, cheesy, and just downright irresistible. Whether you’re serving them as part of a brunch spread, whipping up a quick snack, or sharing them at a potluck, these little bites will have everyone raving.
Make a batch (or two) and watch them disappear—just don’t forget to save a couple for yourself!