Savory Stuffed Crescent Rolls

This savory sausage cream cheese crescent recipe has become my weekend brunch staple for lazy mornings when I want something impressive without the fuss. The combination of flaky, buttery crescent dough wrapped around a creamy, seasoned sausage filling creates bite-sized delights that disappear faster than I can serve them.

I first made these for a holiday brunch when my in-laws visited unexpectedly, and they've been requesting them at every family gathering since. The empty plate is always the best compliment.

Ingredients

• 1 can crescent roll dough The foundation of this recipe providing that irresistible flaky texture. Look for butter flavored varieties for extra richness.
• 1/2 lb breakfast sausage Adds savory protein and flavor. Choose high quality sausage with visible herbs and spices for best results.
• 8 oz cream cheese Creates the creamy base that holds everything together. Allow to fully soften at room temperature for easiest mixing.
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese Optional but adds rich depth. Freshly grated melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Infuses the filling with subtle aromatic flavor without overwhelming.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder Provides savory depth without the texture of fresh onions.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Balances the richness with a touch of spice. Freshly ground offers the most flavor.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley Optional garnish that adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Setup

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This temperature ensures the perfect balance between browning the outside while fully cooking the inside. The parchment prevents any cheese from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Cook The Sausage

Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it into small, even crumbles as it cooks. You want to ensure every bite has sausage flavor. Drain thoroughly on paper towels to prevent excess grease from making your crescents soggy.

Mix The Filling

Combine the cooled sausage with softened cream cheese, spices, and optional cheddar in a mixing bowl until completely incorporated. The filling should be thick but spreadable. If your cream cheese isn't soft enough, your mixture will be lumpy, so patience with room temperature ingredients pays off here.

Assemble The Crescents

Unroll the crescent dough on a clean surface and separate into triangles along the perforations. Place about 1-2 tablespoons of filling on the wide end of each triangle, being careful not to overfill. Roll from the wide end to the point, gently stretching the dough slightly as you roll to fully encase the filling.

Bake To Golden Perfection

Arrange the rolled crescents on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch between each for proper air circulation. Bake for 12-15 minutes until they reach a deep golden brown. The color is your indicator of flakiness, so resist the urge to remove them too early.

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My family's favorite variation includes using maple breakfast sausage and adding a tiny drizzle of maple syrup over the tops right after baking. I discovered this combination during a holiday breakfast when my daughter accidentally spilled syrup onto her savory crescent, and it turned out to be a delicious mistake we now recreate intentionally.

Make-Ahead and Storage

These crescents reheat beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep. After baking, allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They'll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible as it can make the crescents soggy and lose their signature flakiness.

Ingredient Swaps and Variations

The versatility of this recipe is what makes it a staple in my kitchen. For a spicier version, substitute hot Italian sausage or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling. If you prefer a more Mediterranean flavor profile, try using ground lamb with feta cheese and a sprinkle of oregano instead of cheddar. For a breakfast-forward twist, add a small amount of scrambled eggs to the filling mixture before rolling. Each variation creates an entirely new experience with the same easy preparation method.

Serving Suggestions

These crescents stand beautifully on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with complementary sides. For brunch, serve alongside a simple fruit salad with honey-lime dressing to balance the richness. When offering as appetizers, a tangy dipping sauce like honey mustard or a simple herb aioli elevates them to party-worthy status. For a light dinner, pair with a peppery arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creamy filling.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these crescents ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare these crescents completely, then freeze them unbaked on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to serve, bake directly from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the original baking time. Alternatively, assemble the filling up to 2 days ahead and store refrigerated, then fill and bake crescents when needed.

→ What type of sausage works best for these crescents?

Both breakfast sausage and Italian sausage work wonderfully in this recipe. Breakfast sausage offers a traditional flavor with hints of sage, while Italian sausage provides more herbs and spices. For extra heat, try spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the filling. Turkey or chicken sausage can be substituted for a lighter option.

→ Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Absolutely! Finely diced and sautéed vegetables make excellent additions to the filling. Try spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions. Just make sure to cook and drain vegetables thoroughly before adding to prevent excess moisture that could make the crescents soggy.

→ How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during baking?

To minimize leakage, don't overfill the crescents—about 1-1.5 tablespoons of filling per triangle is ideal. Ensure the filling is placed on the wide end, then roll tightly, pinching the edges to seal. Chill the assembled crescents for 15 minutes before baking to help the dough firm up and maintain its shape in the oven.

→ What can I serve with these sausage cream cheese crescents?

These crescents pair beautifully with a variety of sides. For breakfast or brunch, serve with fresh fruit, yogurt, or scrambled eggs. As an appetizer, offer with marinara sauce for dipping. For a heartier meal, accompany with a green salad or soup. They're versatile enough to complement almost any menu!

→ How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. This method helps maintain the flaky texture better than microwave reheating, which can make them soggy.