I remember the first time I brought a batch of these sausage cream cheese crescent rolls to a weekend get-together. My friends lined up at the kitchen counter, waiting for the timer to ring. Ever since that day, these flaky and creamy bites have become my secret weapon for all kinds of gatherings. I’m so excited to finally pass this go-to recipe along to you!
Introduction
The Crowd-Favorite Snack
Sausage cream cheese crescent rolls offer a delicious variation on classic appetizer favorites, much like pigs in a blanket or traditional sausage rolls. However, these have the special addition of tangy cream cheese, which creates a velvety filling. The result? A delightfully rich snack that appeals to just about everyone.
If you’re a fan of sausage-based appetizers, you’ll also love this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup — it’s rich, hearty, and packed with flavor.
A Quick Look at Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
So, what sets these rolls apart? The flaky dough (often from Pillsbury), combined with softened Philadelphia cream cheese and savory turkey sausage, transforms a few simple ingredients into something truly crave-worthy. You can even customize the fillings with jalapeños, Rotel tomatoes, or shredded cheese. You can also use maple turkey sausage if you enjoy a subtle hint of sweetness in every bite.
Why You Will Love These Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
Perfect for Breakfast, Brunch, or Snacks
Most people think of crescent rolls as an afternoon snack or an easy appetizer. Yet these sausage cream cheese crescent rolls can also work wonders for breakfast or a brunch spread—especially if you want something more substantial than plain bread. For a low-carb, protein-rich morning meal, check out this Carnivore Breakfast recipe idea.
Crowd-Pleasing Taste & Texture
The creamy filling of spiced turkey sausage and smooth cream cheese contrasts beautifully with the flaky, buttery exterior. This crowd-pleasing snack often vanishes in minutes at potlucks, tailgates, or family gatherings.
Simple Ingredient List & Quick Prep
One of the biggest perks is how quickly these come together. You’ll only need a few ingredients—most of which are easy to find in any grocery store. Plus, if you’re short on time, you can prep the filling ahead and simply roll up the crescents right before baking.
What You Need to Make Them
Ingredient Breakdown
- Crescent Dough: Brands like Pillsbury are popular for their ready-to-bake sheets.
- Turkey Sausage: Choose your favorite, like Jimmy Dean’s turkey sausage or Italian-seasoned chicken sausage.
- Cream Cheese: Philadelphia cream cheese or any store brand works well.
- Seasonings (Optional): Garlic powder, onion powder, or your choice of herbs.
- Add-Ins (Optional): Diced jalapeños, Rotel tomatoes, or shredded cheese for extra flavor.
Sausage Options & Substitutions
- Mild Turkey Sausage: Best for a simple, savory flavor everyone will love.
- Italian Turkey Sausage: Adds herbs like fennel and oregano for a Mediterranean spin. Looking for a slightly sweet twist? Consider using maple turkey sausage or try pairing your rolls with this easy Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps recipe.
- Maple Turkey Sausage: Perfect for a sweet-and-savory balance.
- Spicy Chicken Sausage: Great if you want a kick of heat.
Tools & Kitchen Essentials
- Mixing Bowl: For combining cooked sausage and cream cheese.
- Skillet: To brown your sausage thoroughly.
- Baking Sheet: Nonstick or lined with parchment paper.
- Air Fryer (Optional): For those who prefer or require a faster, crispier method.
Learn How to Make These Delicious Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the turkey sausage, crumbling it into small pieces until fully browned. Drain excess fat (if any).
- Place the cooked sausage in a bowl with the softened cream cheese and mix until everything is evenly combined. Stir well to form a uniform filling.
- Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles (or leave it as a single sheet if you prefer cutting them later).
- Place about a tablespoon of filling onto the widest part of each triangle.
- Roll each crescent from the wide end toward the tip. Pinch edges to seal if needed.
- Bake on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 10–12 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are light, golden, and fully puffed.
Air Fryer vs. Oven Methods
- Air Fryer: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the filled crescents in a single layer and cook for 8–10 minutes, checking for even browning.
- Oven: Typically, it should be at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes. Keep an eye on the top color to avoid over-browning.
Transform Them into Casseroles, Pinwheels, or Dips
- Crescent Casserole: Spread half the crescent dough in a baking dish, top with sausage-cream cheese mix, then cover with another layer of dough. Bake until golden. If you love baked comfort food, you’ll enjoy exploring other savory options like this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta — creamy, cheesy, and perfect for family meals.
- Pinwheels: Spread the filling over the dough, roll it up snugly like a log, then slice it into pinwheels and bake to perfection.
- Sausage Dip: Use the same cooked sausage-cream cheese mixture as a hearty dip, perfect with veggies or chips.
Pro Tips, Serving Ideas & FAQs
Chef Ziko’s Pro Tips & Flavor Variations
- Keep the Dough Cold: Warm crescent dough can become sticky. Refrigerate if it starts to soften too much.
- Add Extra Vegetables: Spinach, diced peppers, or onions add more nutrients.
- Switch the Sauce: If you want a tangy note, add a bit of tomato sauce or salsa to the filling.
- Make Ahead: Assemble rolls in advance and refrigerate for up to a day before baking.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Breakfast or Brunch: Serve alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit for a balanced meal.
- Soups and Salads: Pair them with a light soup or simple green salad for lunch or dinner. A warming bowl of 4-ingredient Potato Soup would also complement these rolls beautifully.
- Game-Day Platter: Add them to a tray with sliders, veggie sticks, or a cheesy sausage dip.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container and refrigerate for a maximum of 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Freezer-Friendly: Flash-freeze uncooked rolls on a tray until solid, then place them in a zip-top bag. They can go directly from the freezer to the oven — just allow a few more minutes for baking.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through or use an air fryer for a quick crisp-up.
Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 pound turkey sausage browned and drained (substitute with chicken or plant-based sausage)
- 8 ounces cream cheese such as Philadelphia, softened
- 1 tube refrigerated crescent dough such as Pillsbury
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder optional
- Pinch of salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the turkey sausage, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain any excess fat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, softened cream cheese, garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Place about a tablespoon of the sausage-cream cheese mixture onto the widest part of each triangle.
- Roll each piece of dough from the wide end to the tip, enclosing the filling. Pinch or tuck any loose edges to seal.
- Arrange the rolls on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
Nutrition (Per Serving)
SERVING: 1 roll (~1/6 of recipe) | CALORIES: 220 kcal | CARBOHYDRATES: 14 g | PROTEIN: 10g | FAT: 14g | SATURATED FAT: 6g | CHOLESTEROL: 35 mg | SODIUM: 420 mg | POTASSIUM: 120 mg | FIBER: 0 g | SUGAR: 3g | VITAMIN A: 200 IU | VITAMIN C: 0mg | CALCIUM: 30mg | IRON: 1mgNotes
- Substitutions: Use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version, or try plant-based sausage if you prefer a meatless option.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes or in an air fryer for a quick crisp.
- Variations: Add diced jalapeños or shredded cheese for extra flavor. You can also transform this into a “crescent casserole” by layering the dough and filling in a baking dish.
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These sausage cream cheese crescent rolls offer a flawless balance of creamy filling and flaky dough. Whether you’re serving them as a hearty breakfast casserole option, a fun brunch treat, or a savory party appetizer, you’ll love how effortless yet impressive they can be. Feel free to experiment with different sausage flavors or add-ins, and make each batch your own! And if you’re feeling adventurous with baked goods, check out this delightful Gipfeli Recipe (Swiss Croissants) for another flaky and delicious pastry option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Crescent rolls are made from flour, yeast, butter, or vegetable oils, creating their signature light and flaky texture.
Most crescent rolls have dairy ingredients like butter or whey. Always check the packaging if you need a dairy-free option.
Press gently along the seam of the tube until it pops. Unroll the dough, separate triangles, and roll them from the wide end to the tip to form their classic crescent shape.
Bake until the crescent rolls are golden on top and firm in the center. Their internal temperature should reach 190–200°F (87–93°C).
Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below and let Chef Ziko know how it went!
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