If you crave a savory, flaky bite that bursts with creamy, spicy goodness, then you are going to adore these Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls. This recipe brings together the rich, comforting flavors of breakfast sausage and velvety cream cheese, accented by fire-roasted tomatoes and a hint of fresh parsley, all wrapped up in buttery crescent roll dough that bakes to golden perfection. Whether you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a fun party snack, or a satisfying breakfast treat, Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls deliver irresistibly every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these rolls lies in their simple yet essential ingredients. Each plays an important role: the breakfast sausage provides a savory base, cream cheese adds luscious creaminess, fire-roasted tomatoes and green chilies inject a flavorful kick, and the crescent dough wraps everything up into a gorgeous flaky package. Fresh parsley brightens the whole dish with a burst of color and freshness.
- Breakfast sausage: Use a good-quality pork or turkey sausage for a hearty, well-spiced filling.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese makes the filling smooth and creamy—room temperature is best.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes and green chilies: Well-drained to avoid sogginess, they add smoky flavor and a touch of heat.
- Fresh parsley: Finely chopped to give the rolls a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of green.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: Two cans provide the perfect flaky and buttery crust that’s so easy to work with.
How to Make Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This setup ensures your crescent rolls bake evenly and don’t stick, plus cleanup is a breeze.
Step 2: Cook and Mix the Filling
Start by cooking the breakfast sausage until it’s browned and crumbly. In a medium bowl, combine the hot sausage with softened cream cheese, well-drained fire-roasted tomatoes and green chilies, and chopped parsley. Stir until the mixture is creamy and perfectly blended—this combination is where all the wonderful flavors meld together.
Step 3: Roll Out the Crescent Dough
Open one canister of crescent dough and roll it out on a clean surface. Use a pizza cutter to separate the dough along the perforations, then cut each large triangle in half lengthwise to create 16 smaller triangles. This makes perfectly bite-sized rolls.
Step 4: Fill and Roll the Dough
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the sausage cream cheese filling onto the wide end of each dough triangle. Gently stretch the top of the dough over the filling and roll toward the pointed end, sealing the edges as you go. Place each roll on your prepared baking sheet with a little space around them to allow for rising.
Step 5: Repeat and Bake
Repeat the filling and rolling process with the second can of crescent dough and remaining filling to make a total of 32 rolls. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until they’re golden brown and irresistibly flaky. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
Garnishes
These rolls look fantastic when sprinkled with some extra chopped fresh parsley or finely grated sharp cheddar cheese right after baking. A light drizzle of sriracha or a brush of melted butter can add an appealing sheen and extra depth of flavor.
Side Dishes
Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls pair marvelously with fresh fruit or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. For brunch gatherings, offer alongside scrambled eggs or a zesty homemade salsa for dipping. They’re equally delightful accompanied by a tangy ranch dressing or a smoky chipotle dip.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party platter, arrange the crescent rolls in a circular pattern with a bowl of dipping sauce in the center. You can also skewer a few rolls with toothpicks and serve them as elegant finger food. Another idea is to cut the rolls into smaller bite-sized pieces to create perfect savory popcorn bites at snack time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls left over, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This helps retain their freshness without drying out the dough, keeping the filling creamy and delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze these rolls either before baking or after they’ve cooled. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then heat to regain that fresh-baked taste and flaky texture.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat the rolls in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Microwaving is quicker but may cause the dough to become slightly soggy, so oven reheating is preferred whenever possible.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute breakfast sausage with spicy Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative. Just be sure to adjust seasonings if the sausage is already heavily flavored.
Is it okay to use frozen crescent dough instead of refrigerated?
While refrigerated crescent dough is recommended for best texture and ease of handling, you can use frozen dough if you thaw it completely according to package instructions before rolling and filling.
Can I make these rolls ahead of time and bake later?
Yes! Prepare and roll the Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls, then refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours before baking. This is perfect for saving time on busy mornings or party days.
What dipping sauces go well with these crescent rolls?
Ranch dressing, salsa, honey mustard, or even a tangy marinara sauce complement the savory filling beautifully. Try a few to find your favorite combo.
How spicy are these rolls with the green chilies included?
The fire-roasted tomatoes and green chilies add a gentle mild heat and smoky flavor without overpowering the dish, making these rolls friendly for most palates while still offering a subtle kick.
Final Thoughts
These Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls truly are a game changer for breakfast, parties, or anytime snacks. The creamy, savory filling wrapped in buttery, flaky dough makes for a comforting, crave-worthy bite every single time. I encourage you to roll up a batch and share them with your loved ones—you’ll soon understand why they’re one of my absolute favorite dishes to make and serve!