Elevate Your Appetizers with Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
Introduction: Get ready to elevate your appetizer game with a crowd-pleasing favorite—Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents. These delightful crescent rolls are stuffed with a savory mixture of cooked sausage, creamy cream cheese, and melted cheddar cheese, creating a flavor-packed bite that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, potluck, or simply craving a satisfying snack, these crescents are sure to impress. So let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe and discover how to create irresistible appetizers that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients:
- 16 oz bulk sausage, cooked and crumbled (any flavor)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or any cheese)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked and crumbled sausage with the softened cream cheese until well blended.
- Unroll the refrigerated crescent rolls onto a clean surface and separate them into triangles.
- Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the sausage and cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each crescent roll triangle.
- Sprinkle a pinch of shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage mixture on each crescent roll.
- Starting at the wide end, roll up each crescent roll tightly, sealing the edges to enclose the filling.
- Place the filled crescent rolls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each roll.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescents are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy the deliciousness of these Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Customize the flavor of your crescents by using your favorite variety of bulk sausage, such as Italian, breakfast, or spicy.
- Add extra ingredients to the filling for additional flavor and texture, such as diced onions, bell peppers, or jalapeños.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique twist. Pepper jack, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese would all work well in this recipe.
- For a touch of sweetness, drizzle honey over the cooked crescents before serving.
Keto and Low Carb Versions:
- To make this recipe keto-friendly or low-carb, use a low-carb sausage and substitute the crescent rolls with a keto-friendly dough made from almond flour or coconut flour.
- Replace the cream cheese with a mixture of softened cream cheese and mayonnaise for added richness and flavor.
- Use shredded low-carb cheese such as cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella instead of sharp cheddar cheese.
With their irresistible combination of savory sausage, creamy cream cheese, and gooey melted cheddar cheese, these Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Whether you serve them as appetizers, snacks, or even a meal, their delicious flavor and easy preparation make them a go-to recipe for any occasion. So go ahead, whip up a batch of these tasty crescents and watch them disappear in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I prepare the filling ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sausage and cream cheese mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before filling the crescent rolls.
- Can I freeze the filled crescent rolls before baking? Yes, you can assemble the filled crescent rolls and freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag for long-term storage. When ready to bake, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
- Can I use pre-cooked sausage in this recipe? While you can use pre-cooked sausage in this recipe, it may not have as much flavor as freshly cooked sausage. If using pre-cooked sausage, be sure to season it well before mixing it with the cream cheese.
- Can I make mini crescents instead of large ones? Absolutely! You can use mini crescent rolls and adjust the filling accordingly for bite-sized appetizers that are perfect for parties and gatherings.
- Can I add herbs and spices to the filling? Yes, feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to the filling for extra flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary would add a nice touch, as well as spices like paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper.
- Can I use phyllo dough instead of crescent rolls? Yes, you can use phyllo dough instead of crescent rolls for a lighter and flakier pastry. Simply brush each sheet of phyllo dough with melted butter or olive oil, layer them together, and cut into squares before filling and rolling.
- Can I serve these crescents with dipping sauce? Absolutely! These crescents pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or barbecue sauce. Serve them on the side for dipping or drizzle the sauce over the top before serving.
- Can I make vegetarian crescents? Yes, you can make vegetarian crescents by substituting the sausage with cooked and crumbled tofu or meatless sausage. You can also add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling for added flavor and texture.
- Can I make these crescents in an air fryer? Yes, you can make these crescents in an air fryer by placing them in a single layer in the basket and cooking at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Be sure to preheat the air fryer before cooking.
- Can I use leftover crescents for other recipes? Absolutely! Leftover crescents can be sliced and used as a base for mini pizzas, or chopped and added to salads, soups, or pasta dishes for extra flavor and texture.
