Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s savory, creamy, and quick to prepare? These Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are everything you need in a party snack — buttery, flaky pastry wrapped around a rich, cheesy sausage filling. Whether you’re planning a holiday gathering, game-day feast, or simple family snack, this recipe is easy to make and impossible to resist. With just a few ingredients and under 30 minutes in the kitchen, you’ll have warm, golden crescents ready to impress.
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Why These Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents Are a Must-Try
These Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents aren’t just another appetizer — they’re the ultimate finger food. Warm, savory sausage is combined with smooth cream cheese and wrapped in a buttery crescent roll for a delicious blend of textures and flavors. They’re kid-approved, freezer-friendly, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Plus, with minimal prep and cook time, they’re a go-to for last-minute get-togethers.
What makes them stand out?
- Quick to prepare: Ready in about 30 minutes
- Few ingredients: Only 3 main ingredients, plus an optional cheesy twist
- Perfect for parties: Easy to make in large batches
- Freezer-friendly: Make ahead and bake when needed
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite cheese or spices
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground Sausage: Brings savory, spiced flavor and hearty texture
- Cream Cheese: Adds a rich, creamy base that binds the filling
- Crescent Roll Dough: Buttery and flaky, it wraps the filling beautifully
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional): Boosts the cheesy factor and adds sharpness
Smart Ingredient Swaps and Additions
- Turkey Sausage: For a leaner alternative, ground turkey sausage works great without sacrificing flavor.
- Low-Fat Cream Cheese: Lighten it up by using reduced-fat cream cheese — it still delivers creaminess.
- Vegan Crescent Dough: Many store-bought crescent rolls are vegan; pair with plant-based sausage and cream cheese for a dairy-free option.
- Pepper Jack Cheese: Want a spicier twist? Substitute cheddar with shredded pepper jack.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkle on top before baking for added crunch and flavor.
How to Make Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
- Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm while you prepare the filling. - Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until fully browned. Use a wooden spoon to break it into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease to prevent soggy crescents. - Mix the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage with softened cream cheese. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. For a cheesier bite, fold in shredded cheddar cheese at this stage. - Prepare the Crescent Dough
Unroll the refrigerated crescent dough and separate it into individual triangles. Work on a clean surface or lightly floured board to prevent sticking. - Fill and Roll
Place a heaping tablespoon of the sausage and cream cheese mixture on the wide end of each triangle. Gently roll the dough toward the pointed end, enclosing the filling. - Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange the crescents on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for 11–13 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. The crescents should puff slightly and develop a light crust. - Serve Warm
Allow to cool for 2 minutes, then serve warm while the filling is still creamy and melty.
Tips & Tricks for Best Results
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before mixing for a smoother texture.
- Drain Sausage Well: Excess grease can make your crescents soggy. Use a paper towel or strainer if needed.
- Avoid Overfilling: Too much filling may cause them to burst during baking. Use about one tablespoon per crescent.
- Use Parchment Paper: For easy cleanup and even baking, line your tray with parchment paper.
- Freeze Unbaked Crescents: Assemble and freeze before baking. When ready, bake directly from frozen — just add 3–4 extra minutes.
Serving Ideas and Tasty Variations
These savory bites pair well with a variety of dips and sides:
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch, honey mustard, or marinara for extra flavor.
- Fresh Salad: Balance the richness with a crisp green salad or slaw.
- Soup Combo: Pair with tomato soup or a creamy potato soup for a cozy meal.
- Brunch Platter: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, fruit, and muffins for a hearty breakfast spread.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the filling for extra heat.
- Mini Versions: Use smaller crescent rolls or cut dough triangles in half to make bite-sized snacks.
- Sweet & Savory: Add a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of brown sugar to the filling for a sweet contrast.
Make-Ahead, Freeze, and Store Like a Pro
Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are ideal for prepping ahead of time. You can refrigerate the assembled (unbaked) crescents for up to 24 hours or freeze them for longer storage.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Store unbaked crescents in an airtight container lined with wax paper to prevent sticking.
- Freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen with a few extra minutes.
- Reheat leftovers in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.
These easy Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents offer the ultimate combo of convenience and flavor. They’re quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect for nearly every occasion — from holiday brunch to potluck dinners. Add them to your recipe rotation and watch them disappear fast!
Wrapping Up: Why Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents Belong in Your Recipe Box
Whether you’re prepping for a brunch buffet, party platter, or quick weekday snack, Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents deliver flavor, ease, and versatility in every bite. Their creamy, savory filling tucked inside golden crescent dough makes them a favorite among kids and adults alike. The best part? They’re simple enough for beginner cooks and impressive enough for any occasion.
From freezer-friendly convenience to easy customization with spices, cheeses, or plant-based options, this recipe is truly a keeper. Try them once, and they’ll quickly become your go-to for holidays, potlucks, and busy mornings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I keep Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents from getting soggy?
The key is to fully cook and drain the sausage before mixing it with cream cheese. Excess grease will seep into the dough, making it soft rather than flaky. Lining your baking tray with parchment paper and baking at the right temperature (375°F) also helps them crisp up perfectly.
Can I make Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the crescents up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. For longer storage, freeze them unbaked in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, bake directly from frozen—just add 3–4 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Are there any gluten-free options for this recipe?
Yes! While traditional crescent dough contains gluten, you can substitute it with gluten-free crescent roll dough available in many grocery stores or health food markets. Pair it with gluten-free sausage and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.
More Relevant Recipes
- Jalapeño Popper Bites Recipe: These spicy and creamy bite-sized snacks combine cream cheese, jalapeños, and crispy breading for a flavor-packed appetizer similar in style and richness to Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents. Perfect for game days or holiday gatherings.
- Cheddar Bay Sausage Cheese Balls Recipe: A savory blend of sausage, cheese, and biscuit mix, these cheesy sausage balls echo the hearty, comforting flavors of the crescent rolls while offering a slightly crispier texture and Southern-inspired twist.
- Mini Sausage Christmas Wreath Recipe: Featuring sausage and dough arranged in a festive wreath, this appetizer is both visually impressive and deliciously familiar. It’s a themed variation on sausage-filled pastries, ideal for holiday entertaining.
Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 16 crescents
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are the ultimate easy party appetizer – savory, creamy, and flaky. With just four ingredients and under 30 minutes, they make the perfect finger food for holidays, game days, or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage: provides a hearty, savory base for the filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: adds creaminess and richness
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough: creates the flaky, golden exterior
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional): adds extra cheesiness and sharp flavor
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until fully browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage with softened cream cheese until well mixed. If desired, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles.
- Place a heaping tablespoon of the sausage mixture on the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll the dough toward the narrow end to enclose the filling, and place each crescent on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool for 2 minutes and serve warm.
Notes
- Drain the sausage thoroughly to avoid soggy crescents.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
- You can make and freeze these crescents before baking – just bake from frozen with a few extra minutes.
- Add spices like garlic powder or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crescent
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg