Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents: A Warm, Savory Delight

Did you know that 68% of home cooks are actively searching for quick and easy breakfast or brunch recipes that can be prepared in under an hour? Are you one of them? Forget that hour! We're diving into a recipe so simple, so satisfying, and so incredibly delicious you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it every weekend: Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents. This recipe challenges the notion that great flavor requires hours in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a savory treat that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick snack. It's time to elevate your breakfast game with these irresistible, flaky delights.

Ingredients List

Here's what you'll need to bring these savory crescents to life:

1 pound breakfast sausage: Opt for ground pork sausage. Spicy or mild – your choice! For a leaner option, use turkey sausage. Taste Tip: A touch of maple syrup in the sausage beforehand really elevates the flavor profile.
8 ounces cream cheese: Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best texture, but a reduced-fat version can be substituted without dramatically altering the outcome. Creamy Note: Let the cream cheese soften to room temperature for easier mixing.
1/4 cup milk: (Whole, 2%, or even almond milk work fine!) Milk is useful for thinning out the cream-cheese mixture, making it easier to spread.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because everything's better with garlic! This adds a wonderful savory depth.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Another flavor booster that complements both the sausage and cream cheese.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A dash of pepper adds a subtle kick.
2 cans (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll dough: Use the seamless big sheet type for even easier work.
1 egg: (For egg wash) This is optional but highly recommended for achieving that beautiful golden-brown sheen.
Everything bagel seasoning. Optional but Adds amazing flavor!

Timing

Let's break down the timeline for these delicious crescents:

Preparation Time: 15 minutes (This includes browning the sausage and mixing ingredients.)
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (Depending on your oven, you're looking for a nice golden-brown color.)
Total Time: Approximately 30-35 minutes. Making this faster than ordering takeout breakfast.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to roll? (Pun intended!) Here’s how to make these Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents:

Step 1: Brown the Sausage & Drain

In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook the breakfast sausage until it is fully browned, drain the excess fat. Culinary Secret: Don't overcook the sausage – you want it to be cooked through but still slightly moist. Doing so brings both flavors in harmony and will make it more appetizing.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cooked sausage, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth. Mixing Mastery: If your cream cheese is still a bit too firm, microwave the mixture for 10-15 seconds to soften it further.

Step 3: Roll Out the Crescent Dough

Unroll your crescent roll dough on a clean, lightly floured surface. Separate the dough into triangles (or, if using seamless sheet dough, cut into squares or triangles. If triangles, Cut triangles where the triangle doesn't touch to make them easier to roll). Dough Doctor: Work quickly to keep the dough cool – warm dough tends to lose its shape.

Step 4: Fill and Roll

Spoon a generous dollop of the sausage cream cheese mixture onto the wider end of each triangle of dough. Start from the wide end and roll up towards the point. Gently pinch the edges to seal, so the delicious filling doesn't escape. Rolling Refinement: Avoid overfilling the crescents, or the filling may ooze out during baking.

Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake

Place the filled crescents on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. In a small bowl, whisk the egg and brush it lightly over the tops of the crescents. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly shiny finish. Finishing Flair: Sprinkle Everything Bagel Seasoning on top to take these to flavor town!

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the crescents are golden brown and the filling is heated through. Crispy Check: Keep a close eye on the crescents during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the baked crescents from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before devouring. Safety First: The Filling will be HOT!

Nutritional Information

Here's a quick breakdown of the approximate nutritional content per crescent (based on average ingredients and portion sizes):

Calories: Approximately 200-250
Fat: 15-20g
Saturated Fat: 8-12g
Cholesterol: 50-70mg
Sodium: 300-400mg
Carbohydrates: 15-20g
Protein: 8-10g

Disclaimer: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Want to lighten up these delicious crescents? Here are some clever swaps:

Sausage: As mentioned earlier, turkey sausage will significantly reduce the fat content. Choose a lean variety.
Cream Cheese: Lower-fat cream cheese offers a lighter alternative without sacrificing too much flavor. Or, consider using a mixture of non-fat Greek yogurt and cream cheese for extra protein. Be sure to remove extra moisture from the yogurt.
Dough: Look for whole wheat crescent roll dough for added fiber.
Spice Boost: Load up on herbs and spices, such as smoked paprika or red pepper flakes, to increase flavor without adding calories.

Serving Suggestions

These Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are incredibly versatile. Here are a few delightful serving suggestions:

Brunch Buffet: Arrange the crescents on a platter as part of a larger brunch spread.
Dipping Sauces: Serve with honey mustard, ranch dressing, or your favorite hot sauce for dipping.
Side Dish: Accompany with fried eggs, a green salad, or a fruit salad.
Weeknight Dinner: Pair with a hearty soup or chili for a satisfying meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overbaking: Keep a close watch on the baking time to prevent the crescents from drying out.
Underbaking: Ensure the dough is fully cooked, especially the center.
Overfilling: Prevent the filling from oozing out by spooning a reasonable amount onto each triangle.
Using Cold Cream Cheese: Very difficult to mix!
Skipping the Egg Wash: Neglecting the egg wash will give a paler, less appealing hue.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Leftovers: Store any leftover crescents in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Make-Ahead: The sausage cream cheese mixture can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This will significantly cut down on prep time.
Freezing: Baked crescents can be frozen for up to 2 months. Cool completely, wrap individually, and then place in a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You're now equipped to create mouthwatering Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents that will impress your family and friends and bring you joy and satisfaction. This recipe is all about quick, easy, and utterly delicious breakfast or brunch.

Now it’s your turn! Ready to try this recipe? Leave a comment with your feedback, adaptations, or serving suggestions. And if you love this recipe, share it with your friends and family! Want more simple and savory breakfast ideas? Check out our other quick and delicious recipes!

FAQs

Q: Can I use Italian sausage instead of breakfast sausage?

A: Absolutely! Italian sausage will add a bolder, spicier flavor. Just make sure to drain any excess fat after cooking.

Q: I don't have crescent roll dough. Can I use puff pastry instead?

A: Yes, you can. Puff pastry will create a flakier, richer crescent. Just be aware that the baking time may need slight adjustments.

Q: Can I add cheese to the filling?

A: Of course! Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella would be delicious additions. Mix it in with the sausage cream cheese mixture.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time and bake them later?

A: Yes! Assemble the crescents and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time.

Q: My crescents are browning too quickly. What should I do?

A: Tent the baking sheet with foil to prevent further browning. This will allow the crescents to cook through without burning.