Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. (225g) cream cheese: Softened to room temperature
• 1 lb. (450g) ground sausage: Use your preferred type, mild or spicy
• 1 can (8 oz.) refrigerated crescent roll dough: Typically found in the refrigerated section of grocery stores

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your crescents bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown color.
2. Brown the sausage: Place a skillet over medium heat and add the ground sausage. Cook the sausage until it is fully browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess grease from the sausage to avoid a greasy filling.
3. Combine sausage and cream cheese: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage with the softened cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until the two ingredients are fully integrated. The cream cheese should coat the sausage evenly, creating a smooth and creamy filling.

2. Assembling the Crescents

1. Prepare the crescent dough: Unroll the crescent dough on a clean work surface. If the dough has perforations, gently press them together to avoid gaps that could let the filling escape. The dough will typically be divided into 8 triangles.
2. Fill the crescents: Place a generous spoonful of the sausage and cream cheese mixture at the wider end of each dough triangle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the filling to leak out during baking.
3. Roll the crescents: Starting at the wide end, roll each triangle towards the point, wrapping the filling securely inside. Pinch the sides slightly to ensure the filling stays inside during baking. Place each crescent on an ungreased baking sheet.

3. Baking and Serving

1. Bake the crescents: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescents are golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to avoid over-browning.
2. Cool and serve: Once baked, remove the crescents from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a serving plate. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Detailed Ingredient Breakdown

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese adds a rich, tangy flavor that balances the savory sausage perfectly. Its creamy texture ensures that the filling stays moist and flavorful. When selecting cream cheese, full-fat versions provide the richest flavor, but reduced-fat varieties can also be used if you’re looking to reduce calories. Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing; otherwise, it will be challenging to incorporate evenly into the sausage.

Ground Sausage

The type of sausage you choose greatly influences the final flavor of your crescents. Mild sausage offers a more traditional taste, allowing the cream cheese to shine. If you prefer a bit of heat, opt for a spicy sausage. Italian sausage can also be used for a different flavor profile, adding a hint of herbs and spices. Cooking the sausage properly is crucial to ensure that it’s fully browned and any excess fat is drained off, preventing a greasy filling.

Crescent Roll Dough

Crescent roll dough is a convenient and time-saving option for these savory pastries. Its buttery, flaky texture complements the creamy filling beautifully. When working with the dough, keep it as cold as possible to prevent it from becoming too sticky or difficult to handle. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own crescent dough from scratch, but the pre-made version works perfectly well for a quick and easy appetizer.

Tips for Success

1. Avoid overfilling: It might be tempting to stuff as much filling as possible into each crescent, but overfilling can cause the dough to tear or the filling to spill out during baking. Aim for about 1-2 tablespoons of filling per crescent.
2. Seal the edges: To prevent the filling from leaking, pinch the sides of the dough together after rolling. This creates a secure pocket for the sausage and cream cheese mixture.
3. Monitor baking time: Since ovens can vary, keep an eye on your crescents as they bake. They should be golden brown when done, which typically takes around 12-15 minutes. Over-baking can cause the dough to become too dry.
4. Serve fresh: These crescents are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. If you need to make them ahead of time, consider reheating them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispness.

Variations and Add-Ins

Herbed Crescents: Add finely chopped herbs like parsley, chives, or dill to the cream cheese mixture for a burst of fresh flavor. Herbs add an aromatic quality that enhances the overall taste.

Cheesy Sausage Crescents: For an extra layer of richness, mix in shredded cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack into the filling. The cheese melts as the crescents bake, creating a gooey, flavorful center.

Vegetable Sausage Crescents: Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach into the sausage mixture. This not only adds color but also a nutritional boost. Make sure to cook the vegetables beforehand to remove excess moisture.

Sweet and Spicy Crescents: Add a touch of sweetness with a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey mixed into the filling. The sweetness pairs wonderfully with spicy sausage, creating a balanced and unique flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These sausage cream cheese crescents make a versatile appetizer that can be served at a variety of occasions. Here are a few pairing ideas:

1. Brunch: Pair these crescents with fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, and a mimosa for a delightful brunch spread. The rich, savory flavor of the crescents complements the freshness of fruit and the lightness of eggs.
2. Game Day Snacks: Serve the crescents alongside a platter of crudités and your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch or honey mustard. They are perfect for snacking while watching the game.
3. Holiday Gatherings: These crescents are a hit at holiday parties, especially when served with a selection of cheeses, cured meats, and olives. Their small size and rich flavor make them an ideal finger food.
4. Dipping Sauces: Consider serving the crescents with dipping sauces such as marinara, honey mustard, or even a spicy aioli. The dips add an extra dimension of flavor and make the dish more interactive for guests.

Nutritional Information and Health Insights

These sausage cream cheese crescents are indulgent, but they can still fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.

• Calories: Each crescent contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the type of sausage and cream cheese used.
• Protein: The sausage provides a good source of protein, with each crescent offering about 8-10 grams.
• Fat: The combination of sausage and cream cheese makes these crescents high in fat, with around 20-25 grams per serving. Opt for reduced-fat sausage and cream cheese to lower the fat content.
• Carbohydrates: The crescent dough contributes about 15-20 grams of carbohydrates per crescent.

Health Tips

1. Lower fat options: To reduce the fat content, consider using turkey sausage and low-fat cream cheese. These swaps can significantly cut calories and fat without sacrificing flavor.
2. Increase fiber: Add some finely chopped vegetables to the filling, like spinach or mushrooms, to boost the fiber content. This also adds vitamins and minerals to the dish.
3. Portion control: These crescents are rich, so enjoying one or two as part of a larger meal can help keep your overall calorie intake in check.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), they can be stored and reheated easily:

1. Refrigeration: Place any leftover crescents in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The crescents can be reheated in the oven or microwave before serving.
2. Freezing: These crescents freeze well, making them a great make-ahead option. Freeze the unbaked crescents on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
3. Reheating: To reheat, place the crescents in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make the dough chewy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different type of dough for these crescents?

Yes, you can use other types of dough if crescent roll dough is not available. Puff pastry or biscuit dough can be good alternatives. Puff pastry will create a flakier, more delicate crescent, while biscuit dough will result in a denser, more substantial roll. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as these doughs may require different cooking times.

What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?

If you forgot to take your cream cheese out of the fridge ahead of time, you can soften it quickly by microwaving it for about 15-20 seconds on low power. Be sure to check it frequently to ensure it doesn’t melt. Alternatively, you can cut the cream cheese into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.

Can I make these crescents ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the crescents ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. Assemble the crescents, place them on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the crescents from the fridge while the oven preheats to allow the dough to warm slightly, then bake as directed.

How can I make these crescents spicier?

To add more heat to the crescents, you can use spicy sausage or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling. Additionally, serving the crescents with a spicy dipping sauce, like a chipotle mayo or sriracha, can also turn up the heat.

Conclusion

Sausage cream cheese crescents are a delicious and versatile appetizer that are sure to impress your guests. Whether served at a casual brunch or a festive holiday gathering, their rich and savory flavor, combined with the buttery crescent dough, makes them an irresistible treat. With endless variations and simple preparation, these crescents are a go-to recipe that you’ll return to time and time again.