This hearty sausage and cream cheese crescent roll appetizer has been my go-to party food for years. The combination of spicy Rotel tomatoes, savory sausage, and creamy cheese all wrapped in flaky pastry creates irresistible bites that disappear within minutes at any gathering.
I first made these for a last-minute Super Bowl party when I needed something quick but impressive. The entire tray vanished before halftime, and now they're requested at every gathering I host.
Ingredients
- Plain sausage: The foundation of flavor here, providing savory protein that pairs perfectly with the cream cheese
- Cream cheese: Creates the creamy binding texture that holds everything together and balances the spice
- Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies: Adds the perfect amount of heat and acidity; look for the original version for moderate spice
- Fresh parsley: Optional but adds bright color and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness
- Fresh cilantro: Optional but brings a distinctive zesty flavor that complements the Mexican-inspired flavors
- Crescent roll tubes: The buttery, flaky vessel for our filling; use name brand for best results
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the filling:
- Mix thoroughly cooked and crumbled sausage with softened cream cheese, well-drained Rotel tomatoes, and chopped herbs if using. Ensure cream cheese is completely room temperature for easiest mixing and the Rotel is drained extremely well to prevent soggy rolls.
- Cut the crescents:
- Unroll each crescent roll triangle and use a pizza cutter to slice each triangle lengthwise, creating two long, skinny triangles. This technique yields more appetizer-sized portions and ensures proper filling-to-pastry ratio.
- Fill and roll:
- Place a small cookie scoop or heaping teaspoon of filling on the wide end of each triangle. Roll up starting from the wide end, gently tucking the sides as you go to prevent filling from escaping during baking.
- Bake to perfection:
- Arrange the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about an inch between each piece. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for exactly 15 minutes until the crescents turn golden brown and flaky.
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The Rotel tomatoes are truly what makes this recipe special. I discovered their magic after a friend from Texas introduced me to them years ago. The perfectly balanced heat and acidity they bring simply cannot be replicated with regular diced tomatoes and separate peppers.
Make-Ahead Instructions
These crescent rolls work beautifully as a make-ahead appetizer. Prepare them completely up to the baking step, then refrigerate on the baking sheet for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply add 2-3 minutes to the baking time. This has saved me countless times when hosting, allowing me to enjoy my own parties instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
Variations to Try
The basic recipe is delicious as written, but consider these tasty twists. Use breakfast sausage and add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar for morning brunch bites. Substitute chorizo for regular sausage and add a pinch of cumin for a more Mexican-inspired flavor. For a vegetarian option, replace the sausage with finely chopped mushrooms sautéed with onions until all moisture evaporates.
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Serving Suggestions
These crescents are perfect at room temperature, making them ideal for buffet-style gatherings. Arrange on a platter with small dishes of ranch or sour cream dipping sauce. For a more substantial meal, pair with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette. The rolls also complement soup beautifully, especially tomato bisque or chicken tortilla soup.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or a mix of shredded cheese for a different texture and flavor.
- → How do I keep the rolls crispy after baking?
Cool them on a wire rack to prevent steam from making the pastry soggy.
- → Can I freeze the rolls before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled rolls and bake straight from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the sausage with a plant-based alternative or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- → What dipping sauces pair best with these rolls?
Ranch dressing, sour cream, or a spicy sriracha mayo complement the flavors wonderfully.