If you’re looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack, these Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents are just the ticket! This easy recipe brings together spicy sausage, creamy cheese, and the bold flavors of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, all wrapped up in buttery crescent roll dough. They’re perfect for game days, family gatherings, or any occasion when you need a savory bite-sized treat. Plus, they’re so simple to make, you’ll have them ready in no time.
Why You’ll Love These Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents:
These Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents are the ultimate comfort food snack. They have everything you want in an appetizer: a little heat from the Rotel, the savory richness of sausage, and the creamy smoothness of melted cream cheese. Wrapped in soft, golden crescent rolls, they’re a delight to eat and incredibly easy to make.
“This recipe has been a game-day favorite in our house for years! The combination of spicy sausage, creamy cheese, and buttery crescent rolls is irresistible, and they disappear from the tray almost as soon as they come out of the oven.”
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick and easy meal, these crescents are sure to be a hit. You can even customize the filling to your liking, adding extra spice or even sneaking in some veggies for a little extra nutrition.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents:
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents:
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cans crescent roll dough (8 oz each)
Ingredient Tips
- Sausage: You can use regular or spicy sausage depending on your heat preference. If you’re not a fan of spicy foods, you can opt for mild sausage instead.
- Rotel: Rotel adds a punch of flavor with its mix of diced tomatoes and green chilies. If you want less spice, look for the mild version of Rotel.
- Crescent Rolls: Crescent roll dough is what makes this recipe so easy! Be sure to use the kind that separates into triangles for easy rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Start by cooking the sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Break up the sausage into small pieces as it cooks. You’ll want to cook it until it’s browned and no longer pink. Once the sausage is fully cooked, drain any excess grease to prevent the filling from becoming too greasy.
Pro Tip: For a healthier version, you can use turkey sausage or a leaner sausage option to cut down on fat. Just make sure it’s well-seasoned to keep the flavor!
Step 2: Make the Filling
Once the sausage is cooked and drained, lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir the mixture until the cream cheese has melted and is fully combined with the sausage. Next, stir in the drained Rotel tomatoes and green chilies. Mix everything together until the filling is evenly blended.
“Adding the cream cheese while the sausage is still warm makes it melt perfectly, creating a creamy, savory filling that pairs so well with the flaky crescent dough.”
Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Rolls
While you’re working on the filling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the crescent roll dough on a clean, flat surface. Separate the dough into individual triangles by following the perforated lines.
Crescent Roll Tip: If you want to make mini crescents, you can cut each triangle in half for bite-sized treats. These are great for serving at parties or potlucks.
Step 4: Fill and Roll
Now it’s time to assemble the crescents! Take a spoonful of the sausage and cream cheese mixture and place it onto the wide end of each crescent triangle. Be careful not to overfill them, as this can make rolling and baking a bit messy.
Once the filling is in place, carefully roll up the crescent from the wide end to the narrow tip. Make sure the filling is enclosed in the dough, and gently press the edges to seal them if necessary.
“Don’t be afraid to experiment with the filling! Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese for extra gooeyness, or mix in some cooked veggies like bell peppers or onions for added flavor.”
Step 5: Bake
Place the filled crescents on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The parchment will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Arrange them with a little space between each one so they bake evenly.
Bake the crescents in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. The crescent dough should be light and flaky, while the filling will be hot and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve
Once the crescents are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. They’re best served warm, but be careful not to bite in too quickly—the filling will be hot!
“These Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents are the perfect snack for any occasion, and they’re even better when dipped in a little ranch dressing or salsa!”
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I make Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the sausage and cream cheese filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, just fill and roll the crescents as instructed.
Q: Can I freeze these crescents?
A: Yes, you can freeze them! After baking, let the crescents cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, just pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Q: Can I use a different type of dough?
A: Crescent roll dough works best because it’s easy to roll and bake, but you can also use puff pastry or biscuit dough for a slightly different texture.
Serving Suggestions for Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents:
These Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents are versatile and delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a variety of dips and sides to elevate your spread:
- Dips: Try serving with ranch dressing, queso dip, or salsa for a fun, flavorful twist.
- Appetizer Spread: Add them to a platter alongside other finger foods like jalapeño poppers, chips and guacamole, or veggie sticks.
- Brunch Side: These crescents also work as a savory addition to a brunch spread, paired with scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad.
“I love serving these at family gatherings or on game day – they’re always the first thing to disappear!”
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Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents
These Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents are perfect for any occasion, from a quick snack to a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Give them a try, and watch how quickly they disappear!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cans crescent roll dough (8 oz each)