Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe

There’s something about the combination of flaky, buttery crescent rolls and a savory, creamy filling that just makes everything right in the world. These Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents are one of those recipes that work perfectly for breakfast, a snack, or even as a fun party appetizer. In my house, they rarely make it past the first 10 minutes after coming out of the oven, because—well, they’re that irresistible!

This recipe holds a special place in my heart, as it’s become a family favorite over the years. I still remember the first time I made them for a holiday brunch. I was nervous about putting something new on the table, especially when the tradition was pretty much all about scrambled eggs, bacon, and pancakes. But let me tell you, these little crescents stole the show. Now, every time there’s a gathering, someone in the family requests them. So, trust me—once you try them, they’ll be a regular at your table too.

this RECIPE

The Origin Story: How I Stumbled Upon Perfection

The concept behind these crescents is rooted in simplicity and convenience—two things we all appreciate in a recipe. Crescent roll dough became popular in the United States in the mid-20th century, thanks to companies like Pillsbury, which made it easy for home cooks to recreate the labor-intensive process of making pastry dough at home. While traditionally filled with sweet fillings or just baked plain, the savory twist with sausage and cream cheese is a game-changer.

You can find variations of this dish across the country, particularly in Southern kitchens where sausage biscuits and cream cheese-based dips are beloved staples. These crescent rolls are just a bite-sized version of those hearty, comforting flavors, all neatly wrapped in a buttery pastry. It’s no wonder they’re such a hit!

Breakfast Sausage

This is where all the savory goodness comes from. The beef sausage adds a bit of spice and texture, balancing perfectly with the smooth cream cheese. If you’re in a pinch, ground beef or turkey can work as substitutes. I’ve even tried it with spicy beef sausage for a little heat—delicious!

Cream Cheese

This is the “glue” that holds everything together while adding a rich, creamy texture. Full-fat cream cheese makes these crescents extra decadent, but if you’re looking to lighten things up, you could swap in a reduced-fat version. Just make sure it’s softened for easy mixing. Fun fact: cream cheese is a great source of calcium, which means you’re getting a little extra benefit with each bite (okay, maybe that’s a stretch, but it’s nice to think about).

Crescent Roll Dough

Ah, the unsung hero of this recipe! Crescent rolls are fluffy, buttery, and so easy to work with. The pre-made dough is what makes this recipe so quick to whip up. However, if you don’t have crescent dough on hand, puff pastry can be a good substitute—though, keep in mind it’ll be flakier and might not have that classic crescent roll taste.

Kitchen Gear: What You Need (and What You Can Totally Skip)

No need for any fancy gadgets here—one of the many reasons I love this recipe. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• Baking sheet: A good baking sheet is crucial for getting those crescents golden and crisp. Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Cookie scoop: While not essential, a small cookie scoop makes it super easy to portion out the sausage and cream cheese mixture onto the crescent rolls. If you don’t have one, a spoon will work just fine.
• Mixing bowl: You’ll need a decent-sized mixing bowl to combine the sausage and cream cheese.

Step-by-Step: My Foolproof Method (and a Few Hard-Learned Lessons)

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Getting the oven preheated is key because you want those crescents to start baking as soon as they go in—no soggy bottoms here!

2. Cook the Sausage

Brown the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease. Don’t rush this step—make sure the sausage is cooked through and crispy at the edges for the best texture.

3. Mix the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage with softened cream cheese. Make sure the cream cheese is soft enough to mix smoothly. If you forget to soften it, just pop it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to take the chill off.

4. Prep the Crescent Dough

Unroll the crescent rolls and separate them into triangles. The recipe calls for cutting each triangle in half, which gives you more bite-sized pieces—perfect for parties or snacking.

5. Assemble the Crescents

Scoop about a tablespoon of the sausage mixture onto each dough triangle. Roll them up starting from the wide end, tucking the point underneath so it doesn’t pop open while baking.

6. Bake Until Golden

Place the crescents on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.

Fun Variations to Try

• Spicy Sausage Crescents: Use hot breakfast sausage or spicy beef chorizo for extra heat. You can even mix in shredded pepper jack cheese.
• Gluten-Free Option: Look for gluten-free crescent roll dough and ensure your sausage is gluten-free.
• Veggie-Filled Crescents: For a meatless option, substitute sautéed mushrooms and spinach for the sausage.
• Seasonal Twist: In the fall, try adding a bit of diced apple to the sausage mixture for a sweet and savory combo.

Hosting Tips: Serving and Presentation

For parties, arrange them on a large platter with fresh herbs for garnish. They look beautiful surrounded by sprigs of rosemary or thyme. Sprinkle a little shredded cheese or a dash of paprika on top before baking for added color and flavor.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. You can also freeze them before baking; just bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Scaling Up (or Down)

This recipe makes about 32 mini crescents. To scale it up, double the ingredients. When scaling, ensure the cream cheese is extra soft to avoid lumps. If making a smaller batch, simply cut everything in half.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the crescents and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze them?
Yes! Assemble and freeze before baking. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Can I add cheese to the filling?
Definitely! Cheddar or mozzarella are great options for an extra cheesy twist.

Print