If you’re looking for a recipe that’s guaranteed to disappear fast at brunch or game day, these sausage with cream cheese and crescent rolls are it. The flaky, buttery dough hugs a creamy, savory filling that melts in your mouth.
I started making these little bites for a church brunch years ago. They’ve become one of those recipes I always keep tucked in my hosting notebook: easy, affordable, and adored by everyone. When I pull a pan of these golden crescents out of the oven, the kitchen smells like comfort, and I know everyone in the house will be gathered around in no time.
Sausage with Cream Cheese and Crescent Rolls
This sausage cream cheese crescents recipe is one of my go-tos because it’s so simple yet so satisfying. The filling is creamy, the pastry is buttery, and you can have them ready in about 30 minutes. I like how these are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or party appetizers; whatever your hosting needs, they fit right in. They’re also great for stress-free entertaining. The filling can be made ahead, and the rolls bake quickly when the company’s on the way. No fancy ingredients, just delicious comfort food you’ll be proud to share. For more easy bite-friendly foods, you might also want to try these Party Pickle Roll Ups and Southern Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls (Only 4 Ingredients!).
Ingredient Notes
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Breakfast Sausage: I like using Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage, but any brand or even turkey sausage will do. You can also try making your own with this Juicy Maple Chicken Breakfast Sausage recipe to give your crescent rolls a fresh-from-scratch touch. Pulse-cooked sausage in a food processor for a fine texture.
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat for extra creaminess, or try reduced-fat for a lighter bite. Jalapeño cream cheese gives a nice twist.
- Crescent Rolls: Refrigerated crescent roll dough works perfectly, regular or reduced-fat. Keep it chilled until you’re ready to use.
How To Make Sausage with Cream Cheese and Crescent Rolls
Cook the Sausage & Mix the Filling
Brown the sausage over medium heat, breaking it into tiny crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease, and if you’d like, pulse it a few times in the food processor for a fine, even texture.
Pro Tip: Always let the sausage cool slightly before mixing with the cream cheese so it blends smoothly without melting.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage and softened cream cheese until creamy and well blended. If your cream cheese isn’t soft, microwave it on the “soften” setting for 10 to 15 seconds first.
Fill, Roll, & Bake
Open the crescent roll cans and separate the dough into triangles. Use a pizza cutter to slice each triangle in half lengthwise for smaller bites.
Place a heaping teaspoon of filling at the wide end of each triangle. Spread slightly toward the point, then roll up gently, tucking the filling as you go. Arrange on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Pro Tip: For extra color, brush the tops lightly with melted butter before baking.
Yes! Make the filling up to 3 days ahead and store it in the fridge. Assemble and bake fresh when needed.
Variations, Substitutions, and Recipe Tips
Dietary Modifications: Use turkey sausage and reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter version. Crescent rolls are often available in reduced-fat or gluten-free varieties.
Flavor Enhancements: Add shredded cheddar, diced bell pepper, or a sprinkle of garlic powder for a fun twist.
Add-In Options: Mix in cooked bacon bits or a spoonful of drained Rotel tomatoes for color and spice.
Simple Substitutions: Out of sausage? Try cooked ground chicken or plant-based meat crumbles.
Tips for Recipe Success: Keep the dough cold for easier rolling. Bake on parchment for crisp bottoms and easy cleanup.
Hospitality Challenge
Take a 15-minute porch pause. Brew some sweet tea or lemonade, bake a few sausage crescent bites, and text a nearby friend: “Taking a quick break on the porch. Want to join me for a snack and chat?” Set out a simple tray with fruit, napkins, and consider placing a small bowl of Honey Roasted Pecans for a sweet treat to nibble on, or Marinated Olives for a salty contrast. Lead the conversation to thoughtful questions like “What’s been bringing you joy lately?” or “What’s something I can pray about with you?” Just listen, encourage, and remind them they’re not alone.
More Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers & Snacks
- Pecans Glazed with Brown Sugar and Spice (Crispy & Buttery)
- Cheesy Beef Taco Dip Recipe Layered in Crock Pot
- Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs with Buffalo Sauce
- Sticky BBQ Chicken Wings Crock Pot Recipe
- Crunchy And Sweet Cashew Brittle Recipe
These sausage with cream cheese and crescent rolls are the perfect bite-sized comfort food for breakfast or hosting friends. If you have any questions about making this recipe, feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
Sausage with Cream Cheese and Crescent Rolls Made Easy
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Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature (regular or reduced-fat)
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls, 8-ounce per cans, keep chilled in your refrigerator until you are ready to use the dough
Instructions
Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Make the Filling
- Cook the sausage over medium heat in a skillet. Break the sausage into tiny pieces while it cooks.1 pound breakfast sausage
- Drain off any excess fat. Blot with paper towels if necessary. Note * If you have large size pieces of sausage after you are done cooking, it is best to pulse the sausage in a food processor a few times before mixing with the cream cheese.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the cooked sausage and softened cream cheese until well combined. Note* If you didn’t have time to let your cream cheese come to room temperature pop in in the microwave and hit the soften button before stirring in the sausage.8 ounces cream cheese
Prepare Dough and Bake
- Open crescent roll cans and separate into triangles.2 cans refrigerated crescent rolls
- Cut each triangle in half lengthwise to make two smaller triangles (a pizza cutter works great).
- Place a heaping teaspoonful of sausage filling onto the wide end and then spread about half say down to the point of each triangle.
- Start with the point and roll up toward the wider end, tucking in the filling as you go.
- Arrange on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Serve
- Enjoy warm out of the oven, or let them cool to room temperature.
Gina’s Notes and Tips
- Room Temperature: Best enjoyed within 2 hours of baking.
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked crescents on a sheet pan first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Keeps up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes, or use an air fryer for a crisp finish.
