If you are craving a crowd-pleasing appetizer that is bursting with flavor and comes together in no time, the Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe is pure magic. This dish combines savory ground sausage, tangy Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, creamy cheese, and flaky crescent roll dough for an irresistible bite-sized treat. It’s perfect for game days, potlucks, or whenever you want something cozy, easy, and loaded with a delicious Southwestern flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients here are delightfully simple but essential, each bringing something unique to this recipe. From the buttery crescent dough providing the perfect golden crust to the creamy cheese mixture that packs in the flavor, you’ll love how every element plays its part beautifully.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: This is your flaky, golden vessel that wraps up all the tasty fillings.
- Ground breakfast sausage: Adds a rich, savory base with a little hearty texture to every bite.
- Cream cheese (softened): Brings creaminess that balances the spices and keeps the filling luscious.
- Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained): Infuses a tangy, mildly spicy kick that wakes up the palate.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to add sharpness and gooey goodness inside the crescents.
How to Make Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and getting your baking sheet ready. Next, cook the ground breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Be sure to break it apart as it cooks and continue until it is nicely browned. Once cooked, drain the excess grease so the filling doesn’t get too oily, but keep that savory flavor locked in.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the cooked sausage, drained Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir all the ingredients until they form a uniform, flavorful filling. This creamy and zesty mix will be the star inside every crescent.
Step 3: Assemble the Crescents
Carefully unroll your refrigerated crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles. Spoon roughly one tablespoon of the sausage and cheese filling onto the wide end of each triangle. Then, roll the dough from the wide end toward the tip, sealing the filling inside the crescent shape.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place each filled crescent on your baking sheet, spaced evenly so they bake beautifully and crisp up on all sides. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the crescents turn a gorgeous golden brown color and puff up slightly. The smell alone will have you ready to dive in!
How to Serve Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this already fantastic dish, consider sprinkling some fresh chopped cilantro or green onions on top right after baking. They add a bit of freshness and a pop of color that makes every bite visually and flavorfully exciting.
Side Dishes
These crescents pair wonderfully with simple sides like a fresh garden salad or some crunchy veggie sticks. You can also serve them alongside tangy salsa or guacamole to complement the Southwest flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or family gatherings, arrange the crescents on a platter lined with lettuce leaves for a festive presentation. You can serve them with small dipping bowls of sour cream or a spicy ranch dip to make sharing even more fun and interactive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe treats, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days and are just as delicious when enjoyed cold or reheated.
Freezing
Want to prepare these crescents ahead of time? You can assemble them fully and freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the crescents in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes or until they are warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that perfect flaky texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! While ground breakfast sausage works beautifully for its flavor and texture, you can substitute with spicy sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based option to suit your preferences.
Do I need to drain the Rotel tomatoes before mixing?
Yes, draining the tomatoes helps prevent the filling from becoming too watery, ensuring your crescents stay flaky and hold their shape perfectly when baked.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the sausage and add more cheese or incorporate sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for a vegetarian-friendly version that’s just as tasty.
How spicy is this dish?
The level of spice depends on the Rotel tomatoes you use. They typically have a mild kick, but you can choose mild, original, or spicy versions to adjust the heat to your liking.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing and baking later?
Yes, you can assemble the crescents in advance, freeze them, and bake directly from the freezer. This is a fantastic way to enjoy homemade appetizers with little prep on the day you need them.
Final Thoughts
If you want to experience the perfect blend of cheesy, savory, and just a little zing, the Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s easy to make, wonderfully flavorful, and sure to become a favorite for you and everyone you share it with. I can’t wait for you to try making this delicious dish and watch it disappear at your next gathering!
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Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
These Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents are a delicious, easy-to-make appetizer featuring savory ground breakfast sausage combined with creamy cheese and spicy Rotel tomatoes, all wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for game days, parties, or a tasty snack any time.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz)
- 1/2 lb ground breakfast sausage
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground breakfast sausage until it is fully browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease thoroughly to avoid soggy crescents.
- Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the cooked sausage, drained Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the refrigerated crescent roll dough onto a clean surface and carefully separate it into individual triangular pieces as indicated on the package.
- Fill Crescents: Place approximately one tablespoon of the sausage and cheese filling on the wide end of each crescent triangle. Carefully roll up the dough from the wide end toward the tip to form crescent shapes.
- Bake Crescents: Arrange the filled crescents on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crescents are puffed and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving warm as a flavorful appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the cooked sausage well to prevent excess grease from making the crescents soggy.
- You can substitute breakfast sausage with spicy Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Allow the cream cheese to soften to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch or salsa for extra flavor.
- These crescents can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- For a spicier kick, use jalapeño Rotel instead of mild.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
