Rotel Sausage Cream Crescents

This mouthwatering Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents recipe has become my go-to party appetizer over the years. With just four simple ingredients, these savory bites create an explosion of flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more. The combination of spicy sausage, creamy cheese, and flaky crescent rolls creates an irresistible appetizer that disappears within minutes at any gathering.

I first made these crescents for a last-minute game day gathering when I needed something quick that would feed a crowd. My friends devoured them so quickly I barely got to try one myself. Now they specifically request these savory bites whenever we get together for any occasion.

Ingredients

• Breakfast sausage: The foundation of flavor in this recipe. Jimmy Dean is my preferred brand for its perfect balance of spices, but turkey sausage works well for a lighter option.
• Cream cheese: Creates that luxurious, creamy texture that binds everything together. Bring to room temperature for easiest mixing.
• Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies: Adds the perfect kick of spice and acidity. Be extremely thorough with draining to prevent soggy crescents.
• Refrigerated crescent rolls: The flaky, buttery wrapper that holds everything together. Store brand works just as well as name brand here.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the filling:

Cook the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully browned, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain off all excess fat, then pulse in a food processor for a finer texture that distributes evenly throughout the filling. This step takes about 8 minutes total but creates the perfect base.

Create the mixture:

Combine the cooked sausage with softened cream cheese and thoroughly drained Rotel in a large mixing bowl. Mix until completely incorporated with no streaks of cream cheese remaining. The mixture should hold together well and not be watery at all. This consistent texture ensures every bite has the perfect flavor balance.

Prepare the crescents:

Unroll the refrigerated crescent dough and separate into triangles on a clean work surface. Using a pizza cutter, slice each triangle lengthwise to create two narrow triangles. This step allows you to make twice as many appetizers with the same amount of ingredients while keeping each bite properly proportioned.

Fill and roll:

Place a small scoop of the sausage mixture on the wide end of each crescent triangle. A cookie scoop ensures uniform portions. Carefully roll from the wide end to the pointed tip, slightly tucking the edges to seal in the filling. This technique prevents filling from leaking during baking.

Bake to perfection:

Arrange the crescents on a parchment-lined baking sheet with at least an inch between each one. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for exactly 15 minutes until golden brown and slightly puffy. The bottoms should be crisp but not burned.

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The Rotel tomatoes are genuinely the secret ingredient that makes these crescents special. The first time I made these without properly draining them, the crescents turned out soggy and disappointing. Now I drain them in a colander and actually press them between paper towels to remove every bit of excess moisture. This extra step makes all the difference in the final texture.

Make-Ahead Tips

These crescents are perfect for busy hosts. You can prepare the filling completely up to three days before your event and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply bring the filling to room temperature for easier scooping, then proceed with rolling and baking. The slightly chilled filling actually makes the dough easier to handle during assembly.

Flavor Variations

While the classic recipe is perfect as is, you can customize these crescents to suit your taste preferences. Try using spicy breakfast sausage for extra heat, or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. Vegetarians can substitute plant-based sausage crumbles with excellent results. For cheese lovers, adding a quarter cup of shredded cheddar or pepper jack to the filling creates an even more indulgent experience without compromising the texture.

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Serving Suggestions

These versatile crescents work beautifully for almost any occasion. For breakfast, serve alongside fresh fruit and coffee. As an appetizer, arrange on a platter with small dishes of salsa and sour cream for dipping. They also make an excellent addition to a brunch buffet alongside egg dishes and fruit salad. To make them more substantial for a light lunch, serve with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

Storage Solutions

If you somehow end up with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as this can make the crescent dough tough and chewy. These crescents also freeze beautifully after baking. Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to two months. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F for about 15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

→ What type of sausage should I use?

Any breakfast sausage works well, but you can also substitute turkey sausage for a lighter option. Brands like Jimmy Dean are commonly used.

→ How do I ensure the filling isn’t too wet?

Drain the Rotel tomatoes very well using a colander. Press out excess moisture with paper towels to prevent soggy crescents.

→ Can I use reduced-fat ingredients?

Yes, you can substitute reduced-fat crescent rolls and low-fat cream cheese without compromising the flavor.

→ Do I need special tools to make these crescents?

While not strictly necessary, tools like a small cookie scoop for the filling, a pizza cutter to cut the crescent dough, and parchment paper make the process easier.

→ How should I serve these crescents?

These bites are delicious hot out of the oven but can also be served at room temperature, making them ideal for gatherings and parties.