If you’re craving a snack that’s the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and a little bit spicy, then this Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe is absolutely calling your name. Imagine tender sausage cooked right, blended luxuriously with cream cheese, and brightened up by the zing of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies — all wrapped up in golden, flaky crescent rolls. This dish is a total crowd-pleaser, quick to whip up, and comforting enough to satisfy snack attacks or game day gatherings with equal ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe comes down to just a handful of straightforward ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each one brings something special to the party, whether that’s richness, a little kick, or buttery crispness.
- Ground sausage (1 lb): Choose your favorite variety for a flavorful and juicy base that’s full of savory goodness.
- Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (10 oz can, drained): Adds a bright, zesty pop with just the right amount of heat and moisture.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Brings creamy richness that melds beautifully with the sausage and balances the spice.
- Crescent roll dough (2 cans, 8 oz each): Provides flaky, buttery pockets to wrap up all that delicious filling perfectly.
How to Make Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and browning the ground sausage. Make sure it’s fully cooked and no longer pink, then drain off any excess grease to keep your crescents from getting too oily.
Step 2: Mix in Cream Cheese and Rotel
Lower the heat, add the softened cream cheese to the sausage, and stir until it melts into a creamy mixture. Next, fold in the drained Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, mixing until everything is evenly combined. This creates the flavorful, creamy filling your crescents need.
Step 3: Prepare Crescent Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the crescent dough on a flat surface and separate it into individual triangles, ready to be filled.
Step 4: Fill and Roll Crescents
Place a generous spoonful of the sausage and cream cheese filling on the wide end of each crescent triangle. Then carefully roll each triangle from the wide end toward the point, enclosing the filling inside.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Arrange your filled crescents on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crescents turn a beautiful golden brown and look irresistibly flaky.
Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once baked, let the crescents cool for a few minutes so the filling sets but don’t wait too long — these bites taste best warm, fresh from the oven!
How to Serve Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your crescents with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions adds a lovely burst of color and a subtle freshness that complements the richness of the filling. For a little extra zing, offer sour cream or a creamy ranch dip on the side.
Side Dishes
These crescents are perfect as a standalone snack, but if you’re serving them as part of a meal, pair them with a crisp garden salad or some crunchy veggie sticks to cut through the richness. A bowl of chili or a light soup can also turn this into a heartier affair.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual gatherings, serve these Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe bites on a wooden board with small dipping bowls around. You could also slice them in half and add a bit of extra cheese on top, broiling briefly for a melty finish that ramps up the indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to grab a quick snack or reheat for a second round of deliciousness.
Freezing
You can freeze these crescents before baking by placing them on a lined tray and freezing until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. When ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your stored crescents into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warm and crisp. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to make the crescent dough soggy rather than flaky.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Feel free to use spicy sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based alternatives depending on your preference. Each will give the crescents a unique twist while still being delicious.
Is it necessary to drain the Rotel tomatoes?
Yes, draining the Rotel helps prevent the crescent dough from getting soggy. It ensures the filling has the perfect consistency to stay inside without making a mess.
Can these crescents be made vegetarian?
Sure! Substitute the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative, and you’ll still get that creamy, flavorful filling everyone will love.
What is the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
To soften cream cheese faster, cut it into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes or give it a quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, checking often so it doesn’t melt.
Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Definitely! Chopped jalapeños, shredded cheese, or even some sautéed onions can add extra layers of flavor and texture. Just keep the filling balanced to avoid it becoming too runny or too thick.
Final Thoughts
This Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe has just the right combination of ease and flavor to make it a staple in your recipe book. From appetizer to snack, it’s a warm, comforting, and utterly satisfying bite that’s sure to get everyone asking for more. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a little slice of savory heaven!
Print
Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents are a savory, cheesy appetizer perfect for parties or game day. Ground sausage is cooked and mixed with cream cheese and diced tomatoes with green chilies, then wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough and baked until golden. They’re easy to prepare and serve warm for a satisfying, flavorful bite.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cans crescent roll dough (8 oz each)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Combine with Cream Cheese and Rotel: Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet with the cooked sausage and stir until the cream cheese melts and is fully combined. Then stir in the drained Rotel tomatoes and green chilies until the mixture is evenly blended.
- Prepare Crescent Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the crescent roll dough on a flat, clean surface and separate each can’s dough into its pre-cut triangular sections.
- Fill and Roll Crescents: Spoon a generous amount of the sausage mixture onto the wide end of each crescent triangle. Roll the dough from the wide end toward the tip, enclosing the filling tightly.
- Bake the Crescents: Place the filled crescents seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crescents are puffed and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the crescents to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm as a tasty appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the excess grease from the sausage to avoid soggy crescents.
- The cream cheese should be softened to easily melt into the sausage mixture.
- You can add extra spices like garlic powder or cumin to the filling for enhanced flavor.
- Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping.
- These can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
