These flaky crescent rolls, stuffed with a rich, savory sausage and creamy cheese filling, are an irresistible appetizer or snack perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a casual brunch, as a party appetizer, or for a cozy family dinner, these rolls deliver a perfect balance of buttery, flaky pastry and hearty, flavorful filling. With the option to add extra cheddar cheese and a garnish of fresh parsley, they’re sure to become a crowd favorite.
Crescent rolls, with their buttery layers, are a versatile base for both sweet and savory fillings. In this recipe, we combine the comfort of creamy cheese with the rich, spicy flavor of sausage, all wrapped in golden, flaky pastry.
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 rolls)
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 lb (225 g) sausage (breakfast or Italian sausage)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup (30 g) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Sausage
Begin by cooking the sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Break the sausage into crumbles as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly and is fully cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the sausage is browned, drain any excess fat, and set it aside to cool slightly. This will make it easier to handle when mixing it with the other ingredients.
2. Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the cooked sausage with the softened cream cheese. The warmth from the sausage will help the cream cheese melt slightly, making it easier to mix. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper, ensuring that the seasonings are evenly distributed. If you prefer an extra cheesy kick, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese at this point.
This filling should be smooth, creamy, and well-seasoned, with the sausage and cheese creating a rich, savory contrast to the light crescent roll dough.
3. Assemble the Crescents
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles along the perforated lines. Each can typically contains 8 triangles.
Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the sausage and cream cheese filling onto the wide end of each dough triangle. Be careful not to overfill, as too much filling can cause the crescents to open during baking.
Starting at the wide end, roll the dough up towards the narrow tip to form the classic crescent shape. Tuck in any loose edges to prevent the filling from spilling out.
4. Bake
Place the assembled crescents on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent the rolls from sticking and make cleanup easier. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and crispy on top. The buttery dough should be flaky, and the filling should be heated through and slightly bubbling.
5. Serve
Once baked, allow the crescents to cool for 1-2 minutes on the baking sheet. This allows the filling to set slightly, making them easier to handle.
For an extra touch of color and flavor, garnish the rolls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving. This adds a bright, herbaceous contrast to the rich, cheesy filling.
These crescent rolls are best enjoyed warm but can also be served at room temperature. They make for a perfect bite-sized treat that’s both savory and satisfying.
Tips for Success
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the sausage and cream cheese filling in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before assembling the rolls. This makes it easy to whip up the crescents right before serving.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese adds a sharp, tangy note, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
- Customizable Filling: Feel free to add in extra ingredients like diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the filling for a more complex flavor.
Nutritional Information (per roll)
- Servings: 8 rolls
- Calories: 220
- Total Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 390mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 6g
These Flaky Crescent Rolls Stuffed with Savory Sausage and Creamy Cheese offer the perfect combination of rich flavors and textures. They’re an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that works well for breakfasts, parties, or as a hearty snack. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, these rolls come together quickly, delivering impressive results with little effort.
