Delicious Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe
These Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents combine savory breakfast sausage with rich cream cheese, all wrapped in golden, buttery crescent roll dough. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as party appetizers, these handheld treats are incredibly easy to make and always crowd-pleasers. The creamy filling contrasts beautifully with the flaky exterior, creating a satisfying bite every time. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create these restaurant-quality pastries in your own kitchen for any occasion.
Storage Options
Store leftover Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. For longer storage, freeze the baked crescents for up to 2 months. You can also assemble unbaked crescents, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 1 month. Bake frozen crescents directly from freezer, adding 2-3 extra minutes to baking time.
Summary
This recipe creates 8 delicious Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents using refrigerated crescent roll dough filled with a mixture of cooked breakfast sausage and softened cream cheese. The pastries bake in just 12-15 minutes, resulting in golden, flaky crescents with a rich, savory filling that’s perfect for any meal or occasion.
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or cooking spray
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife for chopping (if using fresh herbs)
Ingredients
- 1 tube (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/2 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the breakfast sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until fully browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the sausage cool slightly. Add the softened cream cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and chives (if using) to the sausage. Mix well until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into 8 triangular pieces along the perforations.
- Place about 2 tablespoons of the sausage mixture at the wide end of each triangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Starting from the wide end, roll up each triangle toward the point, gently stretching the dough as needed to enclose the filling completely.
- Place the rolled crescents on the prepared baking sheet with the point side down. Brush tops with beaten egg if desired for extra golden color.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crescents are golden brown and cooked through.
- Let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving warm.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature for easier mixing
- Drain the cooked sausage well to prevent soggy crescents
- Don’t overfill the crescents or they may burst during baking
- Seal the edges well to prevent filling from leaking out
Tips for Success
Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing for the smoothest filling consistency. When rolling the crescents, work gently but firmly to seal the edges and prevent filling from escaping during baking. If the dough becomes too warm and difficult to handle, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before continuing. For extra flavor, try browning the sausage with a diced small onion. Always let the sausage mixture cool slightly before assembling to prevent melting the dough prematurely.
Additional Tips and Variations
For a spicier version of your Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents, use hot breakfast sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling. Try different sausage varieties like Italian sausage or turkey sausage for unique flavor profiles. You can substitute the cream cheese with herbed cream cheese spread for added flavor complexity. For a breakfast twist, add scrambled eggs to the sausage mixture. Make them ahead by assembling the crescents and refrigerating overnight before baking. Consider adding shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella to the filling for extra richness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble them up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate before baking. You can also freeze them unbaked for up to a month.
Q: What type of sausage works best? A: Regular breakfast sausage works perfectly, but you can use turkey sausage, Italian sausage, or any ground sausage variety you prefer.
Q: How do I prevent the filling from leaking out? A: Make sure to seal the edges well and don’t overfill the crescents. Keep about a 1/2-inch border when adding the filling.
Q: Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated crescents? A: Absolutely! You can use homemade crescent dough or even puff pastry as a substitute.
Q: How long do leftovers keep? A: Leftover Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven.
Conclusion
Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents represent the perfect marriage of convenience and gourmet flavor, making them an essential addition to your recipe collection. These versatile pastries prove that impressive results don’t require complicated techniques or exotic ingredients. With their golden, flaky exterior and rich, savory filling, Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents deliver restaurant-quality taste that will have your family and guests asking for the recipe. Whether you serve them as a special breakfast treat, elegant brunch offering, or party appetizer, these delightful crescents are guaranteed to become a favorite in your household. The simple preparation process and reliable results make this recipe perfect for both novice and experienced cooks alike.