Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe

Few recipes rival the simple charm and irresistible flavor of sausage cream cheese crescent rolls. Not only do they combine savory sausage, creamy cheese, and buttery crescent dough, but they also become a staple for parties, quick breakfasts, or satisfying snacks. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or looking for an easy recipe to keep the family happy, these crescent rolls deliver every time.

In addition, this recipe traces its roots to classic American comfort food, leveraging the versatility of crescent rolls—a dough that rose to popularity in the 1960s thanks to its ready-to-use convenience. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation time, it’s no wonder this dish has remained a favorite across generations.

Moreover, the recipe lends itself to endless creativity. For example, you can try spicy sausage variations or add shredded cheese and fresh herbs to suit your preferences. As a result, these crescent rolls are perfect for serving alongside dips, soups, or casseroles, making them a versatile addition to any meal.

For more ideas on incorporating similar ingredients, check out our Best Easy Sausage and Cream Cheese Casserole for another delightful twist on using sausage and cream cheese. Likewise, if you enjoy homemade baking, our Easy Homemade Rolls guide offers tips for creating pillowy, buttery rolls from scratch.

Finally, if you’re curious about crescent dough’s history and its versatility in modern cooking, you can learn more here.

Are you ready to roll up your sleeves? Let’s dive into the ingredients and tools you’ll need to whip up these delectable sausage cream cheese crescent rolls.

Ingredients and Equipment

Creating sausage cream cheese crescent rolls is a straightforward process that requires only a few simple ingredients and tools. Let’s ensure you have everything ready before diving in.

Ingredients

Crescent Roll Dough: 2 cans (8 ounces each) of refrigerated crescent roll dough.
Substitution Tip: If crescent roll dough is unavailable, puff pastry can work as an alternative for a flakier texture.
Sausage: 1 pound of ground breakfast sausage (mild, spicy, or seasoned to taste).
Pro Tip: Turkey or chicken sausage can be used for a lighter option.
Cream Cheese: 8 ounces of softened cream cheese.
Variation Idea: Swap in a flavored cream cheese, like chive or garlic, for added depth.
Shredded Cheese (Optional): 1/2 cup of cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack.
Seasonings (Optional): Salt, pepper, or your favorite spice blend to enhance flavor.

Equipment

Mixing Bowl: For combining the sausage and cream cheese filling.
Skillet or Frying Pan: To cook the sausage until browned and crumbly.
Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For stirring the sausage during cooking.
Baking Sheet: A large sheet to accommodate the rolls without crowding.
Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: To prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Pastry Brush (Optional): For brushing the rolls with melted butter or egg wash before baking.
Knife or Pizza Cutter: To divide dough into even sections if you’re customizing shapes.

For a detailed guide on selecting high-quality sausages for recipes, this sausage buying guide can help you choose the best option.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls

Let’s dive into the process of creating these delicious rolls, step by step. Follow these simple instructions, and your kitchen will be filled with the delightful aroma of golden crescent rolls in no time.

Preparation of sausage cream cheese crescent rolls with filling added to crescent dough. — Crescent dough triangles topped with sausage and cream cheese filling, ready to be rolled.

1. Prepare the Sausage Filling

Cook the Sausage: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground sausage, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink (about 7–10 minutes).
Drain and Cool: Remove the skillet from heat and drain any excess grease. Let the sausage cool slightly before mixing.
Combine with Cream Cheese: In a mixing bowl, blend the cooled sausage with the softened cream cheese until evenly combined. For extra flavor, consider adding shredded cheese or a pinch of salt and pepper.

Tip: Ensure the sausage is not too hot when mixing to prevent the cream cheese from melting too much.

2. Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Separate the Dough: Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into individual triangles along the perforated lines.
Flatten Slightly: Using your fingers or a rolling pin, gently flatten each triangle to create more surface area for the filling.

3. Fill and Roll the Crescents

Add the Filling: Place about 1–2 tablespoons of the sausage-cream cheese mixture onto the wider end of each triangle.
Roll It Up: Starting at the wide end, roll each triangle toward the pointed tip, encasing the filling inside. Tuck the edges slightly to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Space the rolls evenly on the prepared baking sheet to allow for proper air circulation.

4. Optional Enhancements

Brush with Butter or Egg Wash: For a glossy finish, lightly brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter or an egg wash (1 beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of water).
Add a Topping: Sprinkle with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or grated Parmesan for extra flair.

5. Bake to Perfection

Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and puffed.
Cool Slightly: Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before serving.

Tip: For even browning, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time.

Serving Suggestion

Pair these crescent rolls with dips like ranch, marinara, or honey mustard for an added burst of flavor.

If you’re curious about proper crescent dough techniques, check out this guide to handling pastry dough.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls

Creating flawless sausage cream cheese crescent rolls doesn’t require professional baking skills—just a few strategic tips to ensure perfection every time. Here’s how to elevate your rolls and avoid common pitfalls.

1. Keep the Dough Cool

Crescent roll dough is easier to handle when chilled. If the dough becomes too soft or sticky, refrigerate it for 10–15 minutes before continuing.
Avoid overworking the dough, as this can make the rolls less flaky.

2. Balance the Filling

Don’t overfill the rolls. Too much filling can cause the dough to tear or spill out during baking. Stick to about 1–2 tablespoons of filling per roll.
For added texture, mix in diced vegetables like bell peppers or onions, but keep the overall filling quantity consistent.

3. Enhance the Flavor

Add a pinch of seasoning, such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, or Italian herbs, to the filling for an extra flavor boost.
Try incorporating shredded cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, for a gooey, cheesy surprise in each bite.

4. Ensure Even Baking

Space the rolls evenly on the baking sheet to allow hot air to circulate around them. This ensures uniform cooking and prevents sogginess.
Rotate the baking sheet halfway through the bake time to achieve even browning.

5. Customize for Any Occasion

Transform this recipe into mini crescent bites for appetizers by cutting the dough triangles into smaller pieces and using a teaspoon of filling per piece.
For a breakfast twist, consider adding scrambled eggs to the sausage and cream cheese mixture.

Once your sausage cream cheese crescent rolls emerge golden and fragrant from the oven, it’s time to think about how to serve and garnish them to wow your guests. These rolls are versatile and can be enjoyed on their own or paired with complementary sides and dips.

1. Perfect Pairings

Dips and Sauces: Serve the rolls with a variety of dips to suit every palate. Options include:
- Ranch dressing for a cool and creamy pairing.
- Honey mustard for a tangy-sweet contrast.
- Marinara sauce for an Italian-inspired twist.
- Creamy garlic dip for a bold flavor boost.
Side Dishes: Round out your serving table with:
- A fresh green salad tossed with vinaigrette.
- Soups like creamy tomato or our Creamy Diced Hashbrown Loaded Potato Soup for a hearty, warming meal.
- Roasted vegetables to add a healthy and colorful touch.

2. Garnishing Tips

Add a Golden Finish: Brush the rolls with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven for an extra glossy appearance and buttery flavor.
Sprinkle for Texture: Garnish the tops of the rolls with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or grated Parmesan before baking for added visual appeal and texture.
Herb Infusion: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the rolls after baking for a fresh and aromatic finish.

3. Creative Presentation

Appetizer Platter: Arrange the crescent rolls on a wooden charcuterie board alongside small bowls of dips, fresh fruit, and cheese cubes.
Brunch Spread: Pair the rolls with scrambled eggs, bacon, and fruit salad for a complete brunch setup. Check out our Easy Homemade Rolls for another option to complement your spread.
Festive Display: Serve the rolls in a lined basket or on a decorative plate, garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs for a seasonal touch.

To summarize, these crescent rolls are a delightful addition to any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a formal brunch, their versatility ensures they’re a crowd-pleaser.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls

Even a simple recipe like sausage cream cheese crescent rolls can present a few challenges. However, by avoiding these common pitfalls, you can ensure your rolls turn out perfectly every time.

1. Avoid Overfilling the Rolls

The Issue: Adding too much filling can cause the crescent dough to tear or leak during baking.
The Fix: Therefore, stick to 1–2 tablespoons of filling per roll. For smaller-sized rolls, adjust the filling amount accordingly to maintain their shape and integrity.

2. Pay Attention to Baking Time

The Issue: Undercooking leaves the dough raw, while overcooking can make the rolls dry and tough.
The Fix: To avoid this, follow the recommended baking time of 10–12 minutes and check for a golden-brown color. Moreover, use a toothpick to test for doneness—it should come out clean when the rolls are fully cooked.

3. Always Pre-Cook the Sausage

The Issue: Using raw sausage in the filling can lead to uneven cooking and food safety concerns.
The Fix: Thus, always cook the sausage thoroughly before mixing it with cream cheese and filling the rolls.

4. Handle the Dough Properly

The Issue: Warm, overworked dough can become sticky, making it harder to roll and prone to tearing.
The Fix: Consequently, keep the crescent roll dough chilled until just before use, and handle it gently to maintain its structure and flakiness.

5. Leave Space Between Rolls

The Issue: Placing the rolls too close together can result in uneven cooking or a soggy texture.
The Fix: For this reason, arrange the rolls with at least 1–2 inches of space between them on the baking sheet to allow for proper air circulation.

6. Don’t Skip the Parchment or Mat

The Issue: Baking directly on the pan can lead to sticking, making it difficult to remove the rolls cleanly.
The Fix: Instead, use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure easy release and effortless cleanup.

For additional tips on fixing baking mishaps, refer to this helpful guide for practical solutions.

FAQs for Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls

1. What to Serve with Sausage Pinwheels?

Sausage pinwheels, or sausage cream cheese crescent rolls, pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and dips. For breakfast, serve them alongside scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, or yogurt parfaits. At parties, pair them with dips such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or marinara. For a heartier meal, consider serving them with soups like creamy tomato or our Creamy Diced Hashbrown Loaded Potato Soup.

2. Is Crescent Dough the Same as Croissant Dough?

While they may look similar, crescent dough and croissant dough are not the same. Crescent dough is made from a simple, yeasted dough that’s buttery but lacks the layered flakiness of croissant dough. Croissant dough is a laminated dough, meaning it’s folded and layered with butter to create the signature flakiness. Crescent dough is quicker to prepare and ideal for recipes like these sausage rolls.

3. What Can I Substitute for Crescent Dough?

If crescent dough isn’t available, puff pastry is an excellent substitute. It provides a flakier texture and works well in both savory and sweet recipes. For a homemade option, you can use biscuit dough or even pizza dough, though the texture will be denser.

4. What’s the Difference Between Brioche and English Muffins?

Brioche and English muffins differ in texture, flavor, and use. Brioche is a rich, buttery bread with a slightly sweet flavor, often used for sandwiches or desserts. English muffins are denser, chewier, and typically split and toasted for breakfast dishes like eggs Benedict. Both are versatile but serve different culinary purposes. For a creative brunch pairing, you could experiment with brioche or muffins as part of your spread with these crescent rolls.

Freshly baked sausage cream cheese crescent rolls served with dips. — Perfectly golden sausage cream cheese crescent rolls served with ranch, honey mustard, and marinara dips.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sausage cream cheese crescent rolls are the ultimate combination of simplicity, versatility, and flavor. Moreover, with just a few ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe becomes a reliable go-to for breakfast spreads, party platters, or even as a quick snack. The creamy, savory filling wrapped in buttery crescent dough is undeniably a treat that is sure to win over friends and family alike.

Furthermore, this recipe’s flexibility allows you to make it uniquely yours. For instance, you might prefer a spicy sausage kick, a cheesy addition, or even experimenting with a different type of dough. Consequently, the possibilities become endless, and the results are consistently delicious.

Finally, we’d love to hear how this recipe turned out for you! Therefore, feel free to share your photos and feedback in the comments, and let us know your favorite twists or serving ideas. Your creativity could, in turn, inspire others to try this recipe in new and exciting ways.