Buttery Crescents With Savory Filling

This hearty sausage cream cheese crescent roll recipe has become my go-to for quick breakfasts and potluck gatherings. The combination of flaky pastry and savory filling creates irresistible bites that disappear within minutes whenever I serve them.

I first made these rolls for a last minute brunch when my in laws surprised us with a visit. They were such a hit that my mother in law called three times that week asking for the recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 pound pork or turkey sausage. Quality matters here as the flavor carries the dish. I prefer using Jimmy Dean original for its balanced seasoning.
• 8 ounces cream cheese softened. Full fat works best for creaminess but light cream cheese can work in a pinch.
• 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls. Pillsbury brand creates the flakiest texture but store brands work well too.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Your Oven

Preheat your oven to exactly 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. The parchment also helps the bottoms brown evenly.

Cook The Sausage

Break the sausage into a cold skillet then turn heat to medium. Use a wooden spoon to break it into small crumbles as it cooks. This should take about 7 minutes until no pink remains. Drain thoroughly on paper towels to prevent soggy rolls.

Create The Filling

Transfer the drained sausage to a mixing bowl and add the softened cream cheese while the sausage is still warm. This helps the cream cheese melt slightly and blend more easily. Mix thoroughly until no white streaks remain.

Prepare The Dough

Carefully unroll the crescent dough onto a clean work surface. Cut each triangle in half lengthwise to create 16 smaller triangles per can. This makes perfectly sized two bite appetizers rather than full size rolls.

Assemble The Rolls

Place about 1 tablespoon of the sausage mixture on the wide end of each triangle. Be careful not to overfill or the mixture will leak during baking. Roll from the wide end toward the pointed tip, ensuring the tip is tucked underneath.

Bake To Perfection

Arrange the rolls on your prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, watching carefully after 10 minutes. They should be deeply golden brown with no pale doughy spots visible.

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The first time I served these at a family gathering, my nephew who notoriously hates cream cheese ate seven of them before asking what was in them. His face when I revealed the secret ingredient was priceless, but he still went back for more.

Make Ahead Magic

This recipe shines as a make ahead option. The sausage cream cheese mixture can be prepared up to three days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly for easier spreading. You can even assemble the entire rolls and refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours before baking.

Flavor Variations

While the classic version is delicious, experimenting with flavors takes these rolls to new heights. Try adding 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture for extra richness, or incorporate 2 tablespoons of diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. For a breakfast version, mix in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and a dash of cinnamon. Italian sausage with a teaspoon of dried Italian herbs creates a dinner worthy variation.

Serving Suggestions

These versatile rolls pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. For breakfast, serve alongside fresh fruit and coffee. As an appetizer, offer with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. For a more substantial meal, pair with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette. They also make excellent additions to holiday brunch buffets alongside egg dishes and mimosas.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover rolls maintain their quality surprisingly well when stored properly. Place completely cooled rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through. While microwave reheating works in a pinch, it tends to make the pastry slightly soggy. For longer storage, freeze baked and cooled rolls in a single layer then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months.

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Common Questions

→ Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes! The sausage and cream cheese filling can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes assembly much quicker when you're ready to bake.

→ What type of sausage works best?

Both pork and turkey sausage work well in this recipe. Choose regular, hot, or Italian sausage depending on your flavor preference. For best results, use ground breakfast sausage rather than links.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover crescents in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture when reheating, place them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes rather than using a microwave.

→ Can I freeze these crescents?

Yes! Assemble the crescents completely, then freeze them unbaked on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, place them directly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and add 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

→ What can I add to enhance the flavor?

While delicious as-is, you can customize these crescents by adding shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or herbs like chives or parsley to the filling. A sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning on top before baking adds great texture and flavor.

→ Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes! Air fry at 320°F for about 8-10 minutes until golden brown. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding, which ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness.