What’s the secret to a stress-free weeknight dinner? It starts with these incredibly easy baked sausage cream cheese crescents, made with flaky homemade dough and savory sausage. Perfect for a quick family favorite meal, save this idea for a delicious homemade treat that’s sure to please, try it soon

baked sausage cream cheese crescents on a white plate

Introduction

Welcome to the world of effortless yet impressive baking with our delectable baked sausage cream cheese crescents! This recipe is a masterclass in balancing flavors and textures, using everyday ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. The combination of savory sausage, rich cream cheese, and flaky crescent rolls is a match made in heaven, perfect for a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or even as a side dish for your next family gathering. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal preparation and cooking time, making it an ideal choice for busy days when you still want to impress.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The sausage provides a meaty, savory flavor, while the cream cheese adds a tangy, creamy element. Both ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets, making this recipe highly accessible.
Ease of preparation: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is a breeze to prepare. Even those new to baking can achieve professional-looking results with minimal effort.
Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, the presentation of these baked sausage cream cheese crescents is impressive. They’re perfect for serving to guests or as a special treat for your family.

Key Ingredients

The stars of this recipe are undoubtedly the sausage, cream cheese, and crescent rolls. For the sausage, you can use any variety you like, but for a more traditional flavor, stick with a classic pork sausage. The cream cheese should be softened to make it easier to mix with the cooked, crumbled sausage. As for the crescent rolls, they can be found in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also try making your own crescent roll dough from scratch. Practical substitutions include using different types of cheese or adding some diced veggies to the sausage mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, cook the sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it’s no longer pink. Drain the excess fat and let the sausage cool slightly.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the cooled sausage until well combined. You can also add any desired seasonings or diced herbs to the mixture at this stage.
Step 3: Open the package of crescent rolls and separate the dough into triangles. Place a tablespoon or two of the sausage and cream cheese mixture onto the center of each dough triangle. Roll the dough into crescent shapes, starting from the wide end and curling towards the pointed end. Place the rolled crescents onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about an inch of space between each crescent.
Step 4: Bake the crescents in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve them warm, perhaps with a side of fruit or a green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Handy Tips

Make sure to not overfill the crescent rolls, as this can cause them to burst open during baking. Also, keep an eye on them while they’re in the oven, as the baking time might vary depending on your oven and the size of your crescents.

Heat Control

For this recipe, it’s crucial to have your oven at the right temperature. An oven that’s too hot can cause the crescents to burn on the outside before they’re fully cooked on the inside, while an oven that’s too cool can result in undercooked or soggy crescents. Keep an eye on them after the 10-minute mark, and adjust the baking time as needed. They’re done when they’re golden brown and firm to the touch.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this recipe comes from the flaky, baked crescent rolls. To achieve the perfect crunch, make sure your oven is at the correct temperature, and don’t overbake the crescents. You want them to be golden brown but still soft and flaky on the inside. If you prefer an extra crunchy top, you can brush the tops of the crescents with a little bit of egg wash (beaten egg mixed with a bit of water) before baking.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Storage Tips

These baked sausage cream cheese crescents are best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for a few minutes until warmed through. You can also freeze them before baking; simply place the filled, unrolled crescents on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Bake frozen crescents for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re looking to give these delicious crescents as a gift, consider packaging them in a decorative tin or basket. You could also wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a gift bag. For a more personalized touch, include a jar of your favorite jam or a small block of cheese to complement the savory flavor of the sausage.

Flavor Variations

Different spices: Try adding some dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sausage mixture for a more complex flavor profile.
Creative toppings: Before baking, sprinkle some grated cheese or chopped fresh herbs on top of the crescents for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredient swaps: For a vegetarian version, you could substitute the sausage with a plant-based alternative or with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If your crescents turn out too dense, it might be because the dough was overworked. Try to handle the dough gently and minimize the amount of time you spend rolling out the crescents.
Ingredient replacements: If you can’t find crescent roll dough, you could try using puff pastry as a substitute. Just be aware that the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on your crescents while they’re baking. If they’re getting too brown, cover the baking sheet with foil to prevent burning. If they’re not browning at all, it might be because your oven is too cool; try increasing the temperature by 25°F (15°C) and check again after a few minutes.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the filled, unrolled crescents for up to 2 months. Simply bake them for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown.
Is it gluten-free? Unfortunately, most commercial crescent roll dough contains gluten. However, you can try making your own gluten-free crescent roll dough from scratch or look for gluten-free alternatives in the store.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or even triple the recipe if you’re serving a large crowd. Just keep in mind that you might need to bake the crescents in batches to prevent overcrowding the baking sheet.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these baked sausage cream cheese crescents are a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. With their flaky, buttery crust and savory, cheesy filling, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to make the recipe your own. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a great way to impress your friends and family with minimal effort. So go ahead, get baking, and enjoy the ooohs and ahhhs as you present your beautifully baked sausage cream cheese crescents on a white plate!

Baked Sausage Cream Crescents