Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
Get ready to introduce your friends and family to the star of every party: Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls. These bites are irresistibly golden, buttery, and flaky on the outside, while the inside delivers a creamy, cheesy, and a little bit spicy experience with every single bite. Whether you’re whipping up a quick game-day snack or need something crowd-pleasing for a potluck, this recipe never fails to impress—plus, it’s practically effortless!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients—each one here plays an essential role, from the craveable sausage to the dreamy cream cheese, making Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls unforgettable. You only need a handful of simple, familiar items to create something truly special.
- Crescent roll dough: This refrigerated dough is the shortcut to that classic flaky, buttery crust we all know and love.
- Breakfast sausage: Go for mild or spicy to match your heat preference—sausage brings both hearty flavor and satisfying texture.
- Rotel tomatoes with green chilies: Drain them well; they add a perfect acidic, zesty kick and a pop of color.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese swirls into the filling for super-smooth, tangy richness.
- Garlic powder: The secret seasoning boost—just a touch rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Onion powder: Adds gentle sweetness and depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste for a perfectly balanced bite every time.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): For a little extra melt and flavor, cheddar is an easy way to upgrade your rolls.
How to Make Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls bake evenly and release effortlessly.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook the sausage until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked—no pink spots left. As it cooks, break it up with a spatula for even bites. Once done, drain off any excess fat.
Step 3: Add Rotel Tomatoes
Toss in the well-drained Rotel tomatoes and cook the mixture for 1–2 extra minutes. This step removes any leftover moisture, preventing soggy rolls and concentrating those vibrant flavors.
Step 4: Mix in Cream Cheese and Spices
Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the cream cheese while it’s still warm so it melts in easily. Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and—if you’re feeling cheesy—add the optional cheddar. Mix until fully combined and creamy, then let the filling cool slightly.
Step 5: Fill and Roll the Dough
Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 8 triangles. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the sausage filling onto the wide end of each triangle. Then, roll up each crescent, tucking the filling gently inside, from the wide base toward the point.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the filled crescents on your prepared baking sheet. Slide them into the oven and bake for 12–14 minutes or until golden brown and beautifully flaky. Let them cool for a few minutes—they’ll be piping hot!—before serving.
How to Serve Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a light dusting of extra cheddar cheese just before serving gives these rolls irresistible color and a fresh finish. You can also pair them with a side of salsa or a dollop of sour cream if you want a little extra zing.
Side Dishes
Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are awesome on their own, but they also shine next to simple green salads, roasted veggies, or a big fruit platter. For parties, think crunchy crudités and dips to round out your spread!
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the crescent rolls in a circle to form a festive “ring” or pile them up on a rustic board with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Mini flags or party picks add a playful touch when hosting events or serving at game night.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls to room temperature, then stash them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll be perfect for up to three days—if they last that long!
Freezing
Want to get ahead? Assemble the crescent rolls, line them up on a baking tray, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and they’ll keep for a couple of months. Bake straight from frozen, adding just a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Reheating
For best results, reheat rolls in a 350°F oven for 5–8 minutes until warm and crisp. The microwave works in a pinch, but you might lose a bit of that flaky crunch—totally worth it for a speedy snack!
FAQs
Can I make Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the filling and roll up your crescents the night before, then pop them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just preheat the oven—fresh, hot appetizers in minutes.
What type Appetizer, Snack
Both mild and spicy breakfast sausage are fantastic. Choose according to your crowd’s taste—mild for little ones or spice fans, go bold with the spicy variety!
Can I use a different cheese instead of cream cheese?
While cream cheese contributes that signature creamy texture, you can experiment with other soft cheeses like ricotta or goat cheese. Just be sure it melts smoothly into the sausage mixture.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Make sure the filling is not too warm or runny before rolling. Chilling it for a few minutes helps it stay put inside the dough while baking, keeping your rolls neat and packed with flavor.
Are Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls appropriate for freezing?
Definitely! Freeze the uncooked, filled rolls for a super-convenient appetizer later. Bake straight from frozen and enjoy the same delicious results—no thawing needed.
Final Thoughts
Like all the best recipes, Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls bring people together around irresistible, shareable comfort food. They’re quick, adaptable, and guaranteed to add a spark to any gathering—so don’t hesitate, give them a try and watch them disappear!
Print
Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 8 crescent rolls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are a delicious and easy appetizer or snack perfect for any occasion. Flaky crescent roll dough is filled with a savory mixture of breakfast sausage, creamy Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, and smooth cream cheese, then baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Crescent Roll Dough:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
Sausage Mixture:
- 1/2 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1/2 cup Rotel tomatoes with green chilies (drained well)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat. Add the drained Rotel and cook for 1–2 more minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Prepare Filling: Remove from heat and stir in the cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and optional cheddar cheese until fully combined. Let cool slightly.
- Assemble Rolls: Unroll the crescent dough and separate into 8 triangles. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the sausage mixture onto the wide end of each triangle. Roll up the dough, starting at the wide end and rolling toward the point, enclosing the filling.
- Bake: Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12–14 minutes, or until golden brown and flaky. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For easier filling, chill the sausage mixture briefly before rolling.
- You can double the recipe and freeze unbaked rolls for later—bake straight from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the cook time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
