Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents
Ingredients:
1 lb ground sausage
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent rolls
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat Oven: 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 thoroughly cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 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: Place the filled crescents on the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve: Remove the crescents from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy as a quick breakfast, tasty snack, or flavorful appetizer.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serve Fresh and Warm: Enjoy the crescents warm and flaky, straight from the oven.
Accompaniments: Pair with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or spicy mustard for extra flavor.
Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the crescents in advance, cover with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning.
Freezing: Freeze baked and cooled crescents in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once firm, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Reheat from frozen in a preheated oven until warmed through.
Reinvent Leftovers: Use crumbled crescents over salads, as a base for mini breakfast sandwiches, or in savory bread pudding recipes.
Variations:
Vegetarian Twist: Substitute ground sausage with crumbled tofu or cooked mushrooms. Add diced bell peppers, spinach, or sundried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
Spicy Kick: Use spicy ground sausage or add diced jalapeños or green chilies to the cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking for extra heat.
Cheesy Delight: Try 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 sausage cream cheese 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 spoon a small amount of filling onto each triangle. Bake until golden brown and serve as bite-sized appetizers.
Enjoy your Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents as a versatile and delightful treat for any occasion!