Quick Overview
Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are a delightful treat that brings together the rich flavors of seasoned sausage and creamy cheese wrapped in a flaky crescent dough. These rolls make an excellent appetizer for parties or a quick snack when you need something tasty. The combination of textures and flavors will leave your guests asking for more. Easy to prepare and bake, this recipe is perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
Ingredient Breakdown
Sausage
Use 1 pound of your favorite breakfast sausage. The sausage adds a hearty flavor to the rolls. Choose mild or spicy based on your preference.
Cream Cheese
You will need 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened at room temperature. This ingredient contributes a rich, creamy texture that balances the savory sausage perfectly.
Crescent Dough
A package of refrigerated crescent roll dough (about 8 oz.) is necessary for wrapping the filling. This dough provides a light and flaky outer layer that complements the filling beautifully.
Shredded Cheese
Adding 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese enhances the flavor profile. The cheesy goodness melts wonderfully within the rolls, adding richness to each bite.
Seasoning
1 teaspoon of garlic powder and salt to taste elevates the dish’s overall flavor. These seasonings bring out the natural taste of the ingredients without overpowering them.
Step By Step Recipe: Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your rolls will bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden brown color as they cook.
Prepare the Sausage Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked through. Break it up into small pieces with a spatula while cooking for even browning. Drain any excess grease before removing from heat.
Mix in Cream Cheese
Once the sausage has cooled slightly, add 8 ounces of softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir well until fully combined with the sausage mixture, creating a creamy filling that binds everything together.
Add Shredded Cheese and Seasoning
Next, mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese along with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and salt to taste. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated and the cheese begins to melt from the heat of the filling.
Roll Out Crescent Dough
Open your package of refrigerated crescent roll dough and unroll it onto a clean surface. Separate it into triangles as indicated on the packaging. Make sure there are no tears; if there are, pinch them together gently.
Fill Each Triangle
Place about 2 tablespoons of the sausage cream cheese mixture at the wide end of each triangle. Carefully roll them up towards the point end while tucking in sides as you go to form neat shapes.
Bake Until Golden Brown
Arrange your filled rolls on an ungreased baking sheet with their ends tucked underneath to prevent them from unrolling during baking. Bake in your preheated oven for approximately 12-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
Cool Before Serving
Once baked, remove the crescent rolls from oven and let them cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes before serving. This cooling time allows flavors to settle while also making them easier to handle.
Serving and Storing Tips
Serving Suggestions
These Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls can be served warm or at room temperature. Pair them with dipping sauces like ranch or marinara for added flavor during gatherings or parties.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in an oven set at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes before serving again for best results.
Freezing Unbaked Rolls
For future convenience, you can freeze unbaked rolls before cooking them. Place rolled-up crescents on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper until frozen solid; then transfer to a freezer bag for storage lasting up to three months.
Reheating Tips
When reheating baked rolls from refrigerated storage, place them in an oven set at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through—approximately 10 minutes—to maintain their flaky texture without becoming soggy.
Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake when making sausage cream cheese crescent rolls is not fully cooking the sausage before wrapping it. This can lead to a raw center, which is unappetizing and potentially unsafe. Always ensure the sausage is browned and cooked through prior to mixing with cream cheese.
Another mistake is using too much filling. While it may be tempting to load up the crescent rolls, overstuffing can cause them to burst during baking. Stick to a moderate amount of filling for a perfect roll that holds together beautifully.
Not sealing the edges of the crescent rolls properly is another issue. If the seams are not pinched together well, the filling may leak out while baking. Take the time to press the edges firmly to avoid this problem.
Forgetting to preheat your oven can result in uneven baking. Make sure your oven reaches the desired temperature before placing your sausage cream cheese crescent rolls inside. This step ensures they bake evenly and achieve a nice golden brown color.
Lastly, don’t skip on the seasoning. A lack of seasoning can lead to bland rolls. Add spices or herbs to your sausage mixture for an extra flavor kick that elevates every bite of your delicious crescent rolls.
Tips and Tricks
Using high-quality ingredients can significantly enhance your sausage cream cheese crescent rolls. Choose fresh sausages, preferably with herbs or spices that complement the cream cheese. Mixing in some shredded cheese adds richness and flavor; cheddar or mozzarella works wonderfully.
When assembling your rolls, lay out the crescent dough triangles on a clean surface and use a rolling pin to slightly flatten them. This creates more surface area for filling and results in flakier rolls once baked. Spreading softened cream cheese evenly across each triangle also helps ensure every bite has a balanced flavor.
Baking time is critical for achieving perfectly golden crescent rolls. Monitor them closely towards the end of the recommended baking time—remove them as soon as they turn golden brown on top. This will give you that crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and flavorful.
Experimenting with different herbs and spices can add uniqueness to your recipe. Consider adding garlic powder, onion powder, or even crushed red pepper flakes for an unexpected twist. Mixing in fresh herbs like chives or parsley brings freshness and color, enhancing both taste and presentation.
Lastly, serving these savory bites with dipping sauces can elevate your appetizer game even further! A simple ranch dressing or spicy mustard pairs excellently with sausage cream cheese crescent rolls, providing extra layers of flavor for guests to enjoy.
Suggestions for Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
For an extra touch of flavor in your sausage cream cheese crescent rolls, consider adding sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers or onions into the filling mixture. These veggies not only add taste but also enhance texture, making each bite more enjoyable.
Using different types of sausage can create a unique spin on this classic recipe. Try switching up traditional pork sausage with turkey or chicken sausages for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor. You could also explore flavored sausages like Italian or chorizo for something distinctively different.
If you want to impress guests at gatherings, consider garnishing baked rolls with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro right before serving. This simple addition provides visual appeal and hints at additional flavors within the dish.
Pairing sausage cream cheese crescent rolls with complementary sides can make for a well-rounded meal or snack platter. Fresh fruit salad or crispy vegetable sticks provide balance and brightness alongside these rich appetizers.
Finally, if you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer until warmed through; this helps maintain their flaky texture without getting soggy in the microwave.
FAQs
What ingredients do I need for sausage cream cheese crescent rolls?
To make delicious sausage cream cheese crescent rolls, you will need refrigerated crescent roll dough, cooked breakfast sausage (or any preferred type), cream cheese at room temperature, shredded cheese (optional), garlic powder, onion powder, and salt & pepper for seasoning. These ingredients combine seamlessly into tasty bites perfect as appetizers or snacks!
How long do I bake sausage cream cheese crescent rolls?
Bake your sausage cream cheese crescent rolls at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown on top. Baking times may vary based on your oven; keep an eye on them during those last few minutes so they don’t overcook! Enjoy perfectly baked crescents right out of the oven!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare these tasty treats ahead of time by assembling them but leaving them unbaked in the refrigerator overnight wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil until ready to bake! Just remember that you may need an extra minute or two when baking if they’re cold from refrigeration!
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover sausage cream cheese crescent rolls in an airtight container placed in the refrigerator for up three days after cooking! To reheat efficiently while maintaining crispness, try using either an oven set at 350°F (175°C) or an air fryer instead of microwaving!
Can I freeze these rolls for later use?
Absolutely! After assembling but before baking, freeze individual rolled crescents on a baking sheet until solid then transfer them into freezer bags! They will last well up six months frozen; just bake directly from frozen state following normal cooking instructions plus add additional few minutes if necessary!
What dipping sauces pair well with these rolls?
Sausage cream cheese crescent rolls pair beautifully with various dipping sauces! Classic choices include ranch dressing or honey mustard sauce; however spicy sriracha mayo brings exciting heat while marinara sauce provides an Italian twist great alongside cheesy bites! Experiment based on personal preferences!
Summary
Sausage cream cheese crescent rolls are delightful appetizers that bring joy to any gathering. Avoid common mistakes like undercooking sausage or overstuffing by following helpful tips during preparation stages. Enhance flavors through quality ingredients and innovative fillings while considering enjoyable dipping sauces! With proper storage techniques available after cooking, you’ll always love having these savory treats ready whenever needed!