Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are a simple yet incredibly flavorful and satisfying appetizer or snack. They feature a savory filling of seasoned sausage and creamy cheese, all wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough and baked until golden brown and puffed. The combination of the savory sausage, the tangy cream cheese, and the buttery, layered pastry creates a delightful bite that is both comforting and addictive. These crescents are quick to assemble, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings, game days, or a tasty breakfast treat. Their handheld size makes them easy to serve and enjoy, and the delicious filling is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground sausage (pork, turkey, or beef)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack, Colby Jack)
- 1/4 cup chopped onion (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 (8 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
Optional Toppings:
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water or milk)
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Sesame seeds
- Poppy seeds
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the cooked and drained sausage, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- If using, add the chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder to the bowl.
- Season the filling with salt and pepper to your taste. Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly until well combined and the cream cheese is evenly distributed.
- Assemble the Crescents:
- Unroll the cans of refrigerated crescent roll dough. Separate the dough into individual triangles.
- For each crescent, place a spoonful (about 1-2 tablespoons, depending on the size of your triangles) of the sausage and cream cheese filling onto the wider end of the dough triangle.
- Roll Up the Crescents:
- Starting at the wider end, roll up each dough triangle towards the pointed tip. Gently stretch the dough slightly as you roll to make longer crescents.
- Pinch the edges and the tip of the dough to seal the filling inside. Curve the ends slightly to form the classic crescent shape.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the assembled sausage cream cheese crescents onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
- Add Optional Toppings:
- If desired, brush the tops of the crescents with egg wash to give them a golden-brown and shiny finish.
- Sprinkle the tops with everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Bake the Crescents:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescents are golden brown and puffed up. The filling should be hot and bubbly.
- Cool Slightly and Serve:
- Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the sausage cream cheese crescents cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm as an appetizer, snack, or part of a brunch spread.
Tips and Notes:
- Sausage Variations: You can use different types of sausage, such as Italian sausage (remove from the casing), chorizo, or even a vegetarian sausage substitute. Adjust seasonings accordingly.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of shredded cheese, such as pepper jack for a little spice or Gruyere for a nutty flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be added to the sausage filling for extra flavor and nutrients. Make sure to cook them thoroughly and drain any excess moisture.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a bit of heat.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the sausage filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble the crescents just before baking.
- Freezing: Assembled, unbaked crescents can be frozen. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these crescents on their own or with a dipping sauce such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli.
Enjoy these easy and delicious Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents!