Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents

Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents

When it comes to indulging in delightful, savory bites, nothing beats the irresistible allure of Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents. This recipe, a perfect blend of flavors and textures, promises a mouthwatering experience with every single bite. The buttery, flaky pastries envelop a creamy, rich filling made luscious with cream cheese and hints of aromatic spices. Making these crescents is easy and delightful, especially with this step-by-step guide that will inspire home cooks of all levels to create a dish that’s bound to become a family favorite.

History / Fun Fact

Although the origins of crescent rolls can be traced back to the Austrian kipferl, which dates back as far as the 13th century, crescent rolls in their modern form became popular in the United States during the mid-20th century. The idea of stuffing these soft, flaky rolls with savory ingredients like breakfast sausage and cream cheese is a more contemporary twist—combining the delightful textures and flavors into an equally appealing snack or meal. These savory treats are ideal for gatherings, brunches, or even cozy nights at home, adding a fun and festive touch to any occasion.

Ingredients

This recipe calls for:

• 1 lb breakfast sausage (choose either mild or spicy for your preferred flavor)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened, making it creamy and rich
• 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough that is tender and flaky
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, adds a sharp contrast)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (optional, to enhance aromatics)
• 1 tsp onion powder (optional, for added depth of flavor)
• Cooking spray or parchment paper for baking, ensuring they don’t stick

Each ingredient plays a crucial role, contributing to the overall flavor and experience. The creamy cheese and sausage mingle with the pillowy dough to create a sensational complement of textures, while the optional spices elevate the taste profile to new heights.

Cooking Time & Tips For Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents

You’ll find that these delightful crescent rolls can be prepared quickly, typically within 30 minutes. The difference between quick and slow preparation lies in your choice of ingredients; using pre-cooked sausage and pre-made dough allows for faster assembly, while a homemade dough made from scratch might take longer but adds a personal touch.

Tips for Success:

• Make sure the cream cheese is softened to mix seamlessly with the sausage.
• Be careful not to overfill the crescents, as they may burst while baking.
• For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding chopped herbs like chives or parsley into the mixture.
• Don’t rush the baking – ensure they are golden brown before taking them out to achieve that perfect flaky texture.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This sets the stage for an ideal baking environment, ensuring your crescents rise to perfection.

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it lightly with cooking spray for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

3. In a skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat. Watch as it sizzles and browns, filling your kitchen with delightful aromas. Continue cooking until it’s fully cooked through, then drain any excess grease.

4. In a bowl, combine the cooked sausage with softened cream cheese. The moment your spoon glides through the mixture, you’ll experience the rich, creamy texture complementing the savory sausage. Add garlic powder and onion powder if desired, mixing until everything is well combined.

5. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Take a moment to admire the airy, soft dough, begging to be filled.

6. Place about a tablespoon of the sausage mixture at the wide end of each triangle. Remember, the fragrance of the filling is as enticing as the final product itself.

7. Starting from the wide end, roll the crescent dough over the filling, gently tucking in the sides as you go. This step transforms your ingredients into a delightful little parcel.

8. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have space to puff up during baking.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, until they are golden brown. The transformation happening inside your oven will be exhilarating!

10. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth. Enjoy these warm, and witness how their textures and flavors blend beautifully.

Serving Suggestions & Occasions

These Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are incredibly versatile! Serve them as an appetizer at parties, alongside a fresh salad for brunch, or as a comfort food snack during movie nights. They also make for a delightful addition to holiday gatherings and Sunday morning breakfasts. Pair them with a tangy dipping sauce like ranch or a zesty hot sauce for an extra punch of flavor.

Common Mistakes For Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents

1. Overfilling: Resist the urge to pile on the filling, as this can lead to messier crescents and uneven baking.
2. Underbaking: Always ensure they are golden brown, as dough that is undercooked can result in a chewy texture.
3. Cold Ingredients: Using cold cream cheese or sausage can make it difficult to mix, leading to a less creamy filling. Make sure to soften the cream cheese ahead of time.
4. Skipping the Preheating: Not preheating the oven can ruin the flaky texture, preventing the crescents from rising properly.

Healthier Alternatives & Variations

For those seeking healthier options, consider using turkey or chicken sausage instead of traditional breakfast sausage. You can also lighten the dish by substituting low-fat cream cheese for a lighter option. If you want to add more veggies, finely chopped spinach or bell peppers can be mixed into the filling. For a different spin, try incorporating spices like paprika or replacing the cheddar cheese with a goaty or feta cheese for a unique flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it soften before using.

2. Can I freeze these crescents?
   Absolutely! They freeze well. Just assemble them, freeze before baking, then bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

3. What can I substitute for crescent roll dough?
   You can use puff pastry or make a homemade dough for a different texture.

4. Is there a vegetarian option?
   You can substitute the sausage with a plant-based sausage for a delicious vegetarian alternative.

5. How long can leftovers be stored?
   Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

6. Can I use other types of cheese?
   Yes, feel free to experiment with any cheese you enjoy, such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or even ricotta for a creamier filling!

Conclusion

Now that you have everything you need to create Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents, there’s no reason to wait! This savory treat is bound to create memorable moments and satisfy your taste buds. Picture yourself gathering loved ones around the table, savoring the warm, flaky crescents as their delightful aromas fill the air. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked. Seize the moment and whip up this tempting recipe immediately – you won’t regret it!

Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents

A savory delight, these crescent rolls encase a creamy mixture of sausage and cream cheese, making them perfect for any gathering or cozy night in.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb breakfast sausage Choose either mild or spicy for your preferred flavor.
• 8 oz cream cheese Softened, for a creamy and rich filling.
• 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough Tender and flaky.
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese Optional, adds a sharp contrast.

Spices

• 1 tsp garlic powder Optional, to enhance aromatics.
• 1 tsp onion powder Optional, for added depth of flavor.

For Baking

• as needed cooking spray or parchment paper For preventing sticking.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it lightly with cooking spray.
3. In a skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until fully cooked through; drain excess grease.
4. In a bowl, mix the cooked sausage with softened cream cheese and optional spices until well combined.
5. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles.
6. Place about a tablespoon of the sausage mixture at the wide end of each triangle.
7. Roll the crescent dough over the filling from the wide end, tucking in the sides.
8. Place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between for rising.

Baking

1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
2. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Pair with a tangy dipping sauce like ranch or a zesty hot sauce. For added flavor, try including chopped herbs in the filling or adjust the type of cheese used.