Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe

Craving a Game-Day or Party-Ready Appetizer?

Are you on the hunt for that perfect, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to whip up? In a world filled with complex recipes, we often overlook the magic of combining a few key, comforting ingredients. Did you know that over 50% of home cooks look for recipes that can be made in under 30 minutes? If that sounds like you, then get ready to meet your new favorite! These Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are a warm hug in every bite, featuring buttery, flaky crescent dough embracing a rich, savory filling of seasoned ground sausage, luscious cream cheese, and the zesty kick of Rotel tomatoes and green chilies. They’re the ultimate easy appetizer, perfect for game days, holiday gatherings, or even just a satisfying snack attack. Get ready to impress without the stress!

Irresistible Ingredients

The beauty of these rolls lies in their straightforward yet impactful ingredient list. Each component plays a crucial role in creating that symphony of flavors and textures. Imagine the crisp, golden exterior of the crescent roll giving way to a molten, creamy center with a slight tang and a hint of spice. That’s what we’re aiming for!

• 1 lb Ground Beef Sausage: Choose a sausage you love! A medium-spicy Italian sausage or a classic breakfast sausage will both work wonderfully. This provides the savory, hearty foundation. (Substitution: Ground pork, turkey, or chicken sausage can be used. Adjust seasonings if using a milder option.)
• 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened: Full-fat cream cheese is key for that luxuriously smooth and rich texture. It acts as the creamy binder for our filling. (Substitution: Light cream cheese can be used, but the filling might be slightly less decadent.)
• 1 (10 oz) can Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies, undrained: This canned wonder brings a delightful combination of acidity from the tomatoes and a gentle warmth from the green chilies, cutting through the richness. (Substitution: Diced tomatoes with jalapeños or green chilies, and a pinch of cayenne pepper, can work if Rotel is unavailable.)
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder: A little extra garlic enhances the savory depth.
• 1/4 tsp Onion Powder: Complements the garlic and sausage, adding another layer of aromatic flavor.
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle bite.
• 2 (8 oz) cans Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough: The flaky, buttery layers are non-negotiable for that classic texture. Look for the large perforations that make them easy to separate. (Substitution: You can use crescent roll sheets if available; they require less sealing.)

Perfect Timing

Compared to other appetizer recipes that can take an hour or more of active preparation and cooking, these Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are incredibly swift. The average appetizer requiring cooking takes around 45 minutes total. Our recipe comes in at just over half that, making it ideal for last-minute entertaining or a quick, satisfying bite!

Step-by-Step Assembly

Let’s get cooking! These steps are designed to be super clear, so you can focus on the deliciousness.

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage

First things first, grab a skillet and start browning your pound of ground sausage over medium heat. As it crumbles and cooks, break it up into small, bite-sized pieces. We want it thoroughly cooked and beautifully browned. Once it’s done, carefully drain off any excess grease. This step is crucial for ensuring a clean, great-tasting filling and preventing greasy rolls!

Step 2: Blend the Creamy Filling

Now, let’s make that decadent filling! To the skillet with your cooked sausage, add the softened cream cheese. Stir it in until it starts to melt and combine with the sausage. Next, pour in the entire can of undrained Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and wonderfully creamy. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. The goal is a thick, spreadable, and utterly delicious filling.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

Time to bring it all together! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Now, unroll your two cans of crescent dough onto a clean surface. If you’re using the perforated kind, gently press the seams together to form larger rectangles. You can use your fingers or a small rolling pin for this. Once you have your dough base, spoon the sausage and cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough. Spread it out, leaving a small border around the edges. Then, carefully roll up each sheet of dough, starting from one long side, like you’re rolling up a jelly roll. Try to get a nice, tight roll to keep all that glorious filling inside.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Once your rolls are tightly formed, carefully slice them into individual pieces. You should aim for about 1-inch thick slices. Arrange these slices cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure they have a little bit of space between them, as they will expand as they bake. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are beautifully golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them, as oven times can vary!

Nutritional Snapshot

While these rolls are a treat, it’s good to have an idea of what you’re enjoying. The following are approximate values per roll (assuming 16 rolls per recipe) and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

• Calories: ~200-250
• Protein: ~8-10g
• Fat: ~15-20g
• Carbohydrates: ~10-15g

Note: These are estimates and can change depending on the type of sausage and dough used.

Healthier Twists Without Sacrificing Flavor

Want to enjoy these without the indulgence? We’ve got you covered with smart swaps that keep the flavor profile exciting:

• Leaner Protein: Swap the regular sausage for lean ground turkey or chicken sausage.
• Reduced-Fat Cream Cheese: Use a light or Neufchâtel cream cheese. You might need to add a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
• Whole Wheat Dough: Look for whole wheat crescent roll alternatives or consider a whole wheat biscuit dough if available.
• Veggie Boost: Finely dice and sauté some bell peppers or onions along with the sausage for added nutrients and flavor.
• Spicier Kick: For heat without extra fat, increase the green chilies in the Rotel or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Serving Suggestions to Wow Your Guests

These rolls are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm straight from the oven for the best experience!

• Appetizer Platter: Arrange them on a festive platter with a side of extra Rotel dip or a spicy ranch for dipping.
• Game Day Spread: They are the perfect accompaniment to wings, nachos, and other game-day favorites.
• Potluck Perfection: Their easy transportability makes them ideal for any gathering.
• Quick Lunch: Pair a couple of rolls with a fresh green salad for a light yet satisfying lunch.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

To ensure your Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls turn out perfectly every time, keep these simple tips in mind:

• Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can cause the rolls to burst open during baking.
• Seal Tightly: Ensure the dough seams are pressed together well to prevent filling leakage.
• Properly Drain Sausage: Excess grease can make the rolls soggy and less appealing.
• Softened Cream Cheese: Using cold cream cheese will result in lumps, not a smooth filling.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on them; they can go from golden to burnt quickly.

Storing Your Delicious Creations

Leftovers? Lucky you! Store cooled rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in a microwave for a quicker option, though they might lose some of their crispiness.

Your New Go-To Appetizer

These Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly magnificent. They are the perfect blend of creamy, savory, cheesy goodness wrapped in flaky, buttery dough. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a delightful snack, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and prepare to be amazed by how easy and delicious homemade appetizers can be!

Frequently Asked Questions

Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents

---

• Author: Chef Emy

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

These buttery crescent rolls are stuffed with a creamy, spicy mixture of beef sausage, cream cheese, and Rotel tomatoes with green chilies. Perfect for parties, snacks, or appetizers, they’re irresistibly delicious and easy to make!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1pound beef sausage, cooked and crumbled1(8-ounce) package of cream cheese, softened1(10-ounce) can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, well drained2(8-ounce) cans of refrigerated crescent rolls
• 1(8-ounce) package of cream cheese, softened1(10-ounce) can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, well drained2(8-ounce) cans of refrigerated crescent rolls
• 1(10-ounce) can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, well drained2(8-ounce) cans of refrigerated crescent rolls
• 2(8-ounce) cans of refrigerated crescent rolls

---

Instructions

1. 1️⃣Preheat the Oven:Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 2️⃣Prepare the Filling:In a large bowl, combine the cooked and crumbled beef sausage, softened cream cheese, and well-drained Rotel tomatoes. Mix until fully combined.3️⃣Prep the Crescent Dough:Unroll the crescent rolls and separate them into individual triangles. Cut each triangle in half lengthwise to create smaller triangles.4️⃣Fill and Roll:Using a cookie scoop or spoon, place a small amount of the sausage and cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each crescent triangle. Gently roll the dough, starting from the wide end and tucking the filling inside as you go.5️⃣Bake:Place the crescents on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the crescents are golden brown.6️⃣Serve:Remove the crescents from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These are best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven!
3. 3️⃣Prep the Crescent Dough:Unroll the crescent rolls and separate them into individual triangles. Cut each triangle in half lengthwise to create smaller triangles.4️⃣Fill and Roll:Using a cookie scoop or spoon, place a small amount of the sausage and cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each crescent triangle. Gently roll the dough, starting from the wide end and tucking the filling inside as you go.5️⃣Bake:Place the crescents on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the crescents are golden brown.6️⃣Serve:Remove the crescents from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These are best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven!
4. 4️⃣Fill and Roll:Using a cookie scoop or spoon, place a small amount of the sausage and cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each crescent triangle. Gently roll the dough, starting from the wide end and tucking the filling inside as you go.
5. 5️⃣Bake:Place the crescents on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the crescents are golden brown.6️⃣Serve:Remove the crescents from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These are best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven!
6. 6️⃣Serve:Remove the crescents from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These are best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven!

Notes

Customizations:Add shredded cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, to the filling for an extra cheesy kick.Make-Ahead Tip:Assemble the crescents and refrigerate them covered until ready to bake.Spice Level:For a milder version, use mild Rotel or swap with diced plain tomatoes.
Make-Ahead Tip:Assemble the crescents and refrigerate them covered until ready to bake.Spice Level:For a milder version, use mild Rotel or swap with diced plain tomatoes.
Spice Level:For a milder version, use mild Rotel or swap with diced plain tomatoes.