Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
Ingredients:
1 lb ground sausage
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent rolls
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions:
Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat and let it cool slightly.
Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the cooked sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Assemble the Crescents: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Spoon a portion of the sausage cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each triangle. Roll up the crescents, starting from the wide end and tucking in the sides to enclose the filling.
Bake to Perfection: Place the filled crescents on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove the crescents from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them as a quick breakfast, tasty snack, or flavorful appetizer.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serve Fresh and Warm: These crescents are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when they’re still warm and flaky. Serve immediately for the best experience.
Accompaniments: Pair with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or spicy mustard to enhance their flavor.
Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the crescents and refrigerate them on a baking sheet covered with plastic wrap until ready to bake. Bake as directed when needed.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Freezing: Freeze baked and cooled crescents in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Reinvent Leftovers: Crumble leftover crescents over salads, use as a base for mini breakfast sandwiches, or incorporate into savory bread pudding recipes.
Variations to Spice Up Your Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents:
Vegetarian Twist: Replace sausage with crumbled tofu or cooked mushrooms. Add diced bell peppers, spinach, or sundried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Spicy Kick: Use spicy sausage or add diced jalapeños or green chilies to the filling. Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking.
Cheesy Delight: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for spice, smoked gouda for a rich flavor, or Swiss for a creamy taste.
Herbaceous Infusion: Mix chopped fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil into the cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle dried Italian seasoning or rosemary on top before baking.
Sweet and Savory Combo: Spread a thin layer of cranberry sauce or fig jam on the dough before adding the filling for a sweet and savory twist.
International Flavors: Add diced chorizo and chopped green olives for a Spanish twist, curry powder and mango chutney for an Indian flair, or soy sauce and sesame oil for an Asian fusion.
Mini Crescent Bites: Use mini crescent roll dough and a small amount of filling for bite-sized appetizers, perfect for gatherings. Bake until golden brown and serve as finger foods.