Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents

Savory, Cheesy, and Flaky Crescent Roll Appetizers
Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
- Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆ (Very Easy)
- Servings: 16 crescents (8 servings)
- Course: Appetizer, Snack, Breakfast
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Introduction
Looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer or party snack? These Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are your go-to recipe. With just three main ingredients — sausage, cream cheese, and crescent roll dough — you get a rich, savory filling wrapped in a flaky, golden pastry. They’re perfect for brunch, potlucks, game day, or even an indulgent breakfast on the go.
Not only are they incredibly satisfying, but they’re also fast, easy, and require no special equipment. Make a batch in under 30 minutes and watch them disappear in minutes!
Ingredients
Basic Ingredients
- 1 pound (454g) breakfast sausage (pork, chicken, or turkey)
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough (16 crescents total)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning or chopped chives
- A dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes (for spice lovers)
Tools You’ll Need
- Skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Spoon or small scoop
- Oven (preheated to 375°F / 190°C)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Time: 7–10 minutes
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage, breaking it up with a spatula.
- Stir frequently until sausage is fully browned and no longer pink.
- Drain any excess fat using a slotted spoon or paper towel.
For a leaner option, use turkey or chicken sausage.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling
Time: 3 minutes
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage with the softened cream cheese.
- Mix until fully combined. The heat from the sausage should help melt the cream cheese.
- Add any optional seasonings or cheese here (e.g., cheddar, garlic powder, herbs).
Tip: If the cream cheese is too firm, microwave it for 15 seconds to soften.
Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Rolls
Time: 3–5 minutes
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Open the crescent roll cans and unroll the dough onto a clean surface.
- Separate into 16 triangles along the perforated lines.
Step 4: Fill and Roll
Time: 5–7 minutes
- Place about 1 tablespoon of sausage filling at the wide end of each triangle.
- Gently roll up each triangle from the wide end to the narrow tip, forming crescent shapes.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each.
Optional: Lightly brush with beaten egg for a shiny finish.
Step 5: Bake
Time: 15–18 minutes
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a side of marinara, ranch dressing, or honey mustard for dipping.
- Perfect for breakfast trays, holiday brunches, tailgates, or weeknight snacks.
- Pair with fruit salad or eggs for a complete breakfast spread.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–6 minutes.
- Freeze before or after baking:
- Unbaked: Freeze filled crescents on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes.
- Baked: Freeze cooled crescents. Reheat in oven or air fryer until warmed through.
Nutrition (Per Crescent Roll)
Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 180–200 kcal |
Protein | 5g |
Carbohydrates | 10g |
Fat | 15g |
Saturated Fat | 6g |
Sodium | 340mg |
Fiber | <1g |
Sugar | 1g |
Nutrition varies based on sausage type and add-ins.
Variations & Substitutions
Version | How to Make It |
---|---|
Spicy | Use hot sausage or add red pepper flakes or jalapeños |
Low-Fat | Use turkey sausage + reduced-fat cream cheese |
Cheesy | Add extra shredded cheese or top with parmesan |
Vegetarian | Use plant-based sausage crumbles |
Breakfast Style | Add scrambled eggs to the filling |
Tips for Success
- Don’t overfill the crescents — it makes rolling and sealing difficult.
- Use a small scoop or spoon for evenly portioning the filling.
- For extra crispy bottoms, bake directly on the tray without parchment.
- Want a pretty presentation? Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning before baking!
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate unbaked crescents for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
Do I need to pre-cook the sausage?
Yes, the sausage must be fully cooked before combining with cream cheese and rolling into crescents.
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Yes! Puff pastry will be flakier and a bit more decadent — bake according to puff pastry instructions.
Are they good at room temperature?
They’re best warm, but still delicious at room temp — perfect for parties and buffets.
Final Thoughts
These Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents check all the boxes: easy, cheesy, flaky, satisfying, and downright addictive. With only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you get big flavor in little packages.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed hit — simple comfort food done right.