Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents

This flaky, savory sausage and cream cheese crescent appetizer has been my go-to party recipe for years. The combination of buttery crescents with the rich, creamy filling creates irresistible bites that disappear within minutes at every gathering.

I first made these crescents for a last-minute game day gathering, and they were such a hit that guests actually asked for the recipe before leaving. Now they're requested at practically every family function.

Ingredients

• 2 cans 8 oz each crescent roll dough Fresh dough creates that perfect flaky texture and golden color
• 1 pound breakfast sausage Choose a quality brand with good fat content for better flavor
• 8 ounces cream cheese Full-fat works best for creaminess look for Philadelphia brand
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional Adds extra gooeyness and flavor depth
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder Enhances savory notes without overpowering
• Salt and pepper to taste Adjust based on how seasoned your sausage already is

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prep

Turn your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Make sure your cream cheese has been sitting out for about 30 minutes to soften properly. If your sausage isn't already cooked, brown it now in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked with no pink remaining, then drain excess grease.

Create the Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage with softened cream cheese. Using a spatula, fold them together until well incorporated. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then mix again. If using cheddar cheese, fold it in last. The mixture should be thick but spreadable. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Prepare the Crescents

Unroll the crescent dough on a clean surface and separate along the perforated lines into triangles. If the dough is sticking, lightly flour your work surface. Each can should give you 8 triangles for a total of 16 crescents.

Fill and Roll

Place 1-2 tablespoons of the sausage mixture on the wide end of each triangle. Be careful not to overfill or the mixture will ooze out during baking. Gently roll each triangle starting from the wide end and rolling toward the pointed tip. Place each rolled crescent on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch between them.

Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Watch them closely after the 10-minute mark as oven temperatures vary. The crescents should be golden brown with slightly puffed dough. The tops may crack slightly, which is perfectly normal.

Rest Before Serving

Allow the crescents to cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set slightly and prevents burning your mouth on the hot filling. Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy while still warm.

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The first time I served these at my sister's baby shower, they created such a buzz that I had to email the recipe to half the guests before the day was over. The secret is using good quality sausage with the right balance of fat and meat for maximum flavor.

Make-Ahead Options

These crescents are perfect for preparing in advance, which is a lifesaver for busy hosts. You can prepare the sausage and cream cheese mixture up to two days ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to use, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly for easier spreading. Alternatively, you can assemble the entire crescents and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours. Just add 2-3 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Ingredient Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. If breakfast sausage isn't your thing, try Italian sausage for a different flavor profile or even ground turkey sausage for a lighter option. Not a cheddar fan? Pepper jack adds a nice kick, while mozzarella creates a gooey, stretchy texture. Vegetarians can substitute plant-based sausage crumbles mixed with a bit of smoked paprika to mimic that savory depth. The crescent rolls themselves can be swapped for puff pastry sheets cut into triangles for an even flakier texture.

Serving Suggestions

These crescents are delicious on their own, but pairing them with complementary items elevates the experience. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit and a light arugula salad to balance the richness. As an appetizer, provide a small bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping, which adds acidity to cut through the creamy filling. For game day spreads, arrange them on a platter with buffalo wings, veggie sticks, and blue cheese dip for a crowd-pleasing feast. They also make an excellent addition to holiday buffets, where they can be enjoyed at room temperature.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these crescents ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sausage and cream cheese filling up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate it. You can also assemble the crescents completely and refrigerate them unbaked for several hours before baking. Just add 1-2 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the refrigerator.

→ What type of sausage works best for this recipe?

Breakfast sausage (either mild or hot, depending on your preference) works perfectly for these crescents. You can also use Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to fully cook and drain the sausage before mixing with the cream cheese.

→ Can I freeze these crescents?

Yes! You can freeze them either before or after baking. To freeze unbaked crescents, place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the cooking time. For baked crescents, cool completely, then freeze and reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.

→ What can I serve with these sausage cream cheese crescents?

These crescents are delicious on their own, but pair wonderfully with a marinara or ranch dipping sauce. For a complete appetizer spread, serve alongside fresh vegetables, a fruit platter, or other finger foods like meatballs or chicken wings.

→ How can I add more flavor to the filling?

While the basic recipe is delicious, you can customize the filling by adding diced jalapeños for heat, chopped green onions, fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce. The shredded cheddar mentioned as optional adds excellent flavor and creaminess.

→ Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese or crescent dough?

Yes, reduced-fat cream cheese works well in this recipe, though the filling may be slightly less creamy. Reduced-fat crescent dough can also be used, but the texture might be slightly different. Both substitutions work if you're looking to reduce calories.