Savory Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe

Quick & Spicy Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe

Creamy, spicy rotel sausage and cream cheese crescents bring unexpected zest to your snack game.

Crispy pastry wraps hide a molten center bursting with savory flavor.

Unexpected combinations often spark culinary magic in home kitchens.

Southern cooks know how to deliver comfort wrapped in buttery layers.

Simple ingredients merge into something special when technique meets passion.

Weekend gatherings deserve these quick, irresistible bites that vanish faster than you can plate them.

One taste guarantees these crescents will become your new party favorite.

Crescent Rolls Stuffed with Sausage and Creamy Kick

  • Whip Up Effortless Comfort: These crescents offer a super simple recipe that even beginner cooks can master without stress, requiring minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Party Snack: Perfect for game days, potlucks, or casual gatherings, these crescents deliver bold flavors that will make everyone happy and keep them coming back for more.
  • Quick Flavor Explosion: Packed with zesty Rotel tomatoes and creamy cheese, these crescents provide a mouthwatering combination that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary bite-sized treat.
  • Versatile Meal Companion: Incredibly adaptable as an appetizer, quick lunch, or side dish, these crescents work wonderfully for multiple meal scenarios and satisfy different hunger levels.

Homemade Big Mac Sauce Must-Haves

Meats:
  • Ground Sausage: Flavorful base for the filling.
Dairy:
  • Cream Cheese: Creamy binding ingredient.
  • Rotel: Zesty tomato and green chile mixture.
Dough:
  • Crescent Roll Dough: Soft, flaky pastry wrapper.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional green herb topping.

Rolling Rotel Sausage Crescents with Cheese Filling

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 375°F. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect baking.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Cook ground sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Break the meat into tiny crumbles while cooking and drain any extra fat to keep the filling light and tasty.

Step 3: Create Creamy Filling

Mix the cooked sausage with ingredients:
  • Rotel tomatoes
  • Cream cheese

Stir until cream cheese melts completely and blends smoothly with the sausage. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Unroll Crescent Dough

Gently separate crescent roll dough into individual triangles on a clean surface.

Step 5: Fill and Roll Crescents

Spoon the sausage mixture onto the wide end of each triangle. Roll the dough from the wide end toward the pointy tip, creating cute little parcels of deliciousness.

Step 6: Arrange for Baking

Place the rolled crescents on the prepared baking sheet. Keep some space between each crescent to allow even browning.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crescents turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Optional: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for extra color. Serve these warm appetizers immediately and watch them disappear!

Crescent Tips That Keep Sausage and Cream Cheese Balanced

  • Manage Meat Moisture: Drain the sausage thoroughly to prevent soggy crescents and ensure a crisp, flaky texture.
  • Cream Cheese Hack: Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother filling distribution.
  • Perfect Portion Control: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to evenly distribute the sausage mixture across crescent triangles.
  • Gluten-Free Swap: Replace traditional crescent roll dough with gluten-free crescent roll alternatives for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Spice It Up: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the sausage mixture for an extra kick of heat and flavor.

Store Rotel Sausage Crescents for a Quick Reheat

  • Store leftover crescents in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and keep flavors fresh.
  • Wrap individual crescents in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place crescents on a baking sheet and warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain crispy texture.
  • For faster reheating, use 15-20 second intervals at 50% power. Check temperature between intervals to prevent overcooking and maintain softness.

Homemade OxiClean (Non-Food Item)

  • Pair with Crisp Beer Contrast: Select a light, hoppy lager or pale ale to cut through the rich, creamy sausage filling and refresh your palate between bites.
  • Complement with Fresh Greens Salad: Toss a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the heavy, savory crescents and add a bright, zesty element.
  • Match with Spicy Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick sriracha mayo or jalapeño ranch to enhance the flavor complexity and provide a spicy kick that elevates the appetizer.
  • Cool Down with Chilled White Wine: Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to provide a clean, acidic counterpoint to the creamy, hearty crescent filling.

Homemade Big Mac Sauce Burger Mixes

  • Gluten-Free Crescent Option: Replace traditional crescent roll dough with gluten-free crescent dough or use almond flour-based pastry for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground sausage with plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms seasoned with sage and thyme for a meat-free alternative.
  • Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Use fathead dough made from mozzarella and cream cheese instead of crescent rolls, and pair with spicy chorizo or ground beef for added flavor.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños or green chiles to the sausage mixture, and sprinkle with pepper jack cheese before rolling for an extra kick of heat.

FAQs

  • What are Rotel Tomatoes and why are they used in this recipe?

Rotel tomatoes are diced tomatoes mixed with green chilies, adding a zesty and slightly spicy flavor to the sausage and cream cheese filling.

  • Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute ground sausage with turkey sausage, chorizo, or even vegetarian sausage alternatives for a different taste profile.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

These crescents can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. You can also freeze them unbaked for later use, making them a convenient make-ahead option.

  • How can I make these crescents a bit healthier?

Use reduced-fat cream cheese, lean ground sausage, and whole wheat crescent roll dough to create a lighter version of this appetizer.

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Savory Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe

Savory Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe


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4.5 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy, zesty Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents blend spicy sausage with tangy Rotel tomatoes, nestled in flaky crescent dough. Simple ingredients create an irresistible appetizer that will satisfy hungry crowds and elevate your party spread.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) ground sausage
  • 8 ounces (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cans (8 ounces or 226 grams each) refrigerated crescent roll dough

Tomato and Seasoning Ingredient:

  • 1 can (10 ounces or 283 grams) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained

Garnish (Optional):

  • Fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 375°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cook ground sausage in a skillet, crumbling into small fragments until thoroughly browned, then eliminate excess oil.
  3. Incorporate Rotel tomatoes and cream cheese into the cooked sausage, stirring until the cheese melts completely and mixture becomes uniform.
  4. Carefully unfold the crescent roll dough, separating each triangle with precision.
  5. Distribute a generous spoonful of the sausage mixture across the wider section of each triangle.
  6. Gently roll the dough from the wide base towards the pointed tip, ensuring a snug enclosure of the filling.
  7. Position the rolled crescents on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining slight separation between each piece.
  8. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the exterior achieves a rich golden-brown complexion.
  9. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for an aromatic garnish before serving these warm, savory pastries.

Notes

  • Swap out regular sausage for turkey or plant-based alternatives to create healthier or vegetarian versions of these delicious crescents.
  • Drain Rotel tomatoes thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the filling soggy and compromising the crescent’s crispy texture.
  • Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top before baking for extra gooey, melty goodness that elevates the overall flavor profile.
  • Prepare filling ahead of time and refrigerate to streamline assembly, making these crescents perfect for quick appetizers or last-minute entertaining.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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