Savory Sausage Cheese Crescents

This savory sausage cream cheese crescents recipe has become my go-to solution for last-minute entertaining. The magic happens when buttery crescent dough wraps around a rich filling of seasoned sausage and cream cheese, creating bite-sized delights that disappear within minutes at any gathering. Perfect for brunches, quick breakfasts, or holiday appetizers, these crescents deliver impressive flavor with minimal kitchen time.

I first created these for a Sunday football gathering when I needed something quick but impressive. My friends were so captivated by these savory bites that I now receive text messages requesting them before anyone even confirms they're coming over.

Ingredients

• 1 can crescent roll dough: The foundation of our recipe providing that perfect flaky exterior
• 1/2 lb breakfast sausage or Italian sausage: Provides the savory flavor base look for quality sausage with visible herbs for best results
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates the creamy texture essential for the filling allow it to come to room temperature for easy mixing
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds extra richness and melty goodness freshly shredded melts better than prepackaged
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory notes without overpowering
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Brings depth without the texture of actual onions
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground adds the best flavor boost
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Adds brightness and color to the finished crescents

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Oven And Baking Sheet:

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This temperature creates the perfect environment for the crescents to rise while developing a golden exterior. The parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.

Cook The Sausage:

Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. You want pieces small enough to fit easily inside the crescents. Once fully cooked with no pink remaining, drain off excess fat using a paper towel-lined plate to prevent greasy crescents.

Mix The Filling:

Combine the cooled sausage with softened cream cheese, spices, and optional cheddar in a mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a uniform consistency with the cream cheese completely incorporating the seasonings. The mixture should be spreadable but still hold its shape.

Assemble The Crescents:

Unroll the crescent dough onto a clean surface and separate along the perforations into triangles. Place about 1 1/2 tablespoons of filling on the wide end of each triangle. Roll from the wide end toward the point, gently tucking in any filling that tries to escape. Place on the prepared baking sheet with the tip tucked underneath.

Bake To Golden Perfection:

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, watching carefully in the final minutes. The crescents should puff significantly and develop a rich golden color. The dough needs to be completely cooked through but not overly browned. You might notice some cheese bubbling from the edges which indicates they're ready.

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My family particularly loves when I use maple-flavored breakfast sausage in these crescents. The subtle sweetness creates an incredible contrast with the tangy cream cheese. I discovered this combination accidentally when it was the only sausage I had on hand during a snowstorm, and it's become our favorite version ever since.

Make-Ahead Options

These crescents shine as a make-ahead option for busy households. You can fully prepare them up to the baking stage, then refrigerate covered with plastic wrap for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding about 2 minutes to the cooking time. For longer storage, freeze the assembled unbaked crescents on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen at 375°F for 18-20 minutes.

Flavor Variations

The basic recipe provides a perfect canvas for customization based on your preferences. For an Italian twist, use Italian sausage and substitute mozzarella for the cheddar, adding a teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the mix. Craving something southwestern? Try chorizo with pepper jack cheese and a dash of cumin. Vegetarian guests can enjoy these made with plant-based sausage crumbles which work surprisingly well in this application. The cream cheese base remains consistent while the flavors adapt to your mood.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these crescents with simple accompaniments that complement rather than compete with their rich flavor. A light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides the perfect fresh contrast. For brunch, pair with fresh fruit and mimosas. When serving as appetizers, a tangy mustard dipping sauce or hot pepper jelly offers a delightful flavor enhancement. While delicious at room temperature, these crescents truly shine when served warm from the oven, when the exterior is crisp and the filling is still molten.

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Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I make these Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents ahead of time?

Yes! These crescents freeze beautifully. Assemble them completely, then freeze on a tray until solid before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to serve, bake directly from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes to the baking time. You can also prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake when needed.

→ What type of sausage works best for this dish?

Both breakfast sausage and Italian sausage work wonderfully in this recipe. Breakfast sausage offers a milder, sage-forward flavor, while Italian sausage provides more herbs and spices. For extra heat, choose hot Italian sausage or spicy breakfast sausage. You can even use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.

→ How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during baking?

Make sure not to overfill each crescent triangle - about 1-2 tablespoons of filling is ideal. Place the filling on the widest part of the triangle, then tightly roll toward the point, pinching the sides slightly to seal. Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened for easier mixing and spreading, and let the cooked sausage cool slightly before mixing to prevent the cream cheese from melting too much before baking.

→ Can I add other ingredients to the filling?

Absolutely! This versatile filling welcomes many additions. Try diced jalapeños for heat, caramelized onions for sweetness, spinach for color and nutrition, or experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack, Swiss, or blue cheese crumbles. Fresh herbs like chives, thyme, or basil also make wonderful additions to customize the flavor profile.

→ What can I serve with these crescents?

For breakfast or brunch, pair with fresh fruit, a simple green salad, or scrambled eggs. As an appetizer, they work beautifully with a vegetable crudité platter or tangy pickles to balance the richness. For dipping, offer marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard. They also complement soups and stews wonderfully as a savory side.

→ How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through for best texture. While microwaving works in a pinch (30-45 seconds), it may make the crescents slightly less crispy. For optimal freshness, they're best enjoyed within 1-2 days of baking.