🥐 Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
Introduction
Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are the ultimate comfort snack — warm, flaky, creamy, and bursting with savory flavor in every bite. Combining buttery crescent roll dough with a rich filling of seasoned sausage and smooth cream cheese, these little golden bundles are crowd-pleasers that work equally well as a breakfast treat, appetizer, or quick party bite. They’re quick to make, easy to love, and always disappear fast from the table.
Origin and Cultural Significance
While not tied to a specific region, Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are a modern staple of American comfort cuisine, often found at potlucks, tailgates, and family gatherings across the country. The recipe reflects the creativity of home cooks who began experimenting with refrigerated crescent roll dough in the mid-20th century — a time when convenience foods became popular in American kitchens.
Over the years, this dish became a go-to for Southern brunch spreads and festive get-togethers, embodying the spirit of sharing, warmth, and easy indulgence. It’s a recipe that brings people together with its irresistible aroma and satisfying flavor.
Ingredients and Quantities
For the Filling:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
For the Crescents:
- 2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing, optional)
Optional Additions
- Cheese Boost: Add ½ cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack to the filling.
- Herbs: Mix in 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh chives or parsley for freshness.
- Sweet Heat: Drizzle with hot honey or serve with a side of spicy jam.
- Veggie Twist: Add finely chopped sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach to the filling.
- Breakfast Upgrade: Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon into the sausage mixture for extra richness.
Tips for Success
- Drain excess grease from the cooked sausage before adding cream cheese to prevent soggy crescents.
- Seal edges tightly when rolling the crescents to keep the filling from leaking out.
- Chill dough briefly if it becomes too soft — cold dough bakes up flakier.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup and even baking.
- Don’t overfill: A teaspoon or so of filling per triangle is perfect.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Combine the filling: In a bowl, mix the cooked sausage with cream cheese, garlic powder, pepper, and red pepper flakes until well blended.
- Prepare the dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles.
- Add the filling: Place a small spoonful of the sausage mixture at the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll up tightly, starting from the wide end toward the point, enclosing the filling.
- Optional: Brush tops lightly with melted butter for extra golden color.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until crescents are puffed and golden brown.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Description
Each Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent is a perfect little pocket of comfort — flaky and buttery on the outside, creamy and savory on the inside. The mild tang of the cream cheese blends with the seasoned sausage to create a harmonious bite that’s satisfying any time of day. They’re perfect for breakfast on the go, holiday brunches, or as appetizers that vanish within minutes at a party.
Nutritional Information (Per Crescent – based on 16 crescents)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~180 kcal |
| Total Fat | 13 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 30 mg |
| Sodium | 330 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Sugars | 2 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
(Values may vary based on brands and serving sizes.)
Conclusion
Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are proof that the simplest ingredients can yield extraordinary results. Whether served fresh out of the oven on a cozy weekend morning or shared among friends at a game-day gathering, they capture the essence of comfort, convenience, and pure enjoyment.
Recommendation
Serve these crescents warm with a side of scrambled eggs, fruit salad, or hash browns for a complete breakfast spread. For parties, pair them with mustard dipping sauce or spicy aioli. They also reheat beautifully — just pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes to restore their crispness.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
Although these crescents are undeniably indulgent, you can make small adjustments to enjoy them more healthfully:
- Use reduced-fat cream cheese or neufchâtel cheese.
- Try turkey sausage or plant-based crumbles for a leaner option.
- Choose whole-grain crescent dough if available.
- Pair with fresh fruit or a green smoothie for a balanced meal.
Moderation is key — enjoy these savory pastries as a treat that nourishes both the body and the soul.