These Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents are the ultimate party appetizer or a fun, savory snack that everyone will love. With a delicious blend of spicy sausage, creamy cream cheese, and the tangy kick of Rotel tomatoes, all wrapped in a buttery crescent roll, these little bites are a crowd favorite. The best part? They’re super easy to make and always a hit at parties!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and just a few steps to create these delicious crescents.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of sausage, cream cheese, and Rotel gives each bite a burst of flavor.
- Perfect for Parties: Great for game day, potlucks, or just a snack for the family.
- Kid-Friendly: Mild enough for kids but with enough flavor to please adults.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these savory crescents:
- Crescent roll dough (store-bought)
- Ground sausage (spicy or mild)
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Rotel tomatoes (drained)
- Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Garlic powder (optional)
- Onion powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card below!
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until browned and fully cooked through. Break up the sausage into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside to cool.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, drained Rotel tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and the cooked sausage. Stir until everything is well mixed. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Rolls
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Place a generous spoonful of the sausage and cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each crescent triangle.
Step 4: Roll Up the Crescents
Starting at the wide end, roll up each crescent, wrapping the filling inside. Place the rolled crescents on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 5: Bake the Crescents
Bake the crescents in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let the crescents cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these tasty little bites as a snack, appetizer, or side dish!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Sausage Choices: You can use either spicy sausage for a kick or mild sausage for a more subtle flavor. You can also use turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- Make It Spicier: If you like more heat, use hot Rotel or add some extra chili flakes or hot sauce to the filling.
- Extra Cheese: Feel free to sprinkle more shredded cheese on top of the crescents before baking for an extra cheesy finish.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Different Meat: Swap out the sausage for cooked ground beef, turkey, or even cooked chicken for a different twist.
- Low-Carb Option: Use low-carb or gluten-free crescent rolls for a lighter version of this recipe.
- Veggie Version: Skip the meat and add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents are fantastic served on their own as a snack or appetizer. They’re also perfect alongside a fresh green salad or paired with dipping sauces like ranch, sour cream, or salsa. For drinks, serve with a cold beer, iced tea, or a fruity cocktail.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the crescents on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for 30-45 seconds if you’re in a hurry.
- Freezing: To freeze, assemble the crescents but don’t bake them. Freeze the unbaked crescents on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, cook from frozen for an extra 2-3 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the crescents and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze them and bake them later.
2. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of Rotel?
Yes! If you prefer fresh tomatoes, chop them finely and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the filling.
3. What else can I add to the filling?
Feel free to add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even some jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
4. Can I make these without the crescent dough?
If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, try using phyllo dough or a low-carb dough substitute.
Conclusion
These Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents are the perfect combination of creamy, savory, and a little bit of spice. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, an appetizer for a party, or just something to munch on during game day, these crescents will never disappoint. Try them today and watch them disappear in no time
Print
Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (or 8 crescents) 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents are the perfect appetizer or snack! Packed with flavorful sausage, creamy cheese, and a spicy kick from Rotel, all wrapped in buttery crescent dough, they’re easy to make and always a hit at parties.
Ingredients
- 1 package (8 ounces) crescent roll dough
- 1 pound ground sausage (breakfast sausage or Italian sausage)
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesy flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the cream cheese to the sausage and stir until melted and fully incorporated.
- Stir in the drained Rotel, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough on a flat surface and separate the triangles.
- Place a heaping spoonful of the sausage and cream cheese mixture at the wide end of each crescent roll triangle.
- Roll up the crescents tightly, starting at the wide end, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each crescent for an extra cheesy topping.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crescents are golden brown and fully cooked.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can make the sausage mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- If you prefer a milder version, use a can of plain diced tomatoes instead of Rotel.
- These are perfect for parties, game days, or as an easy appetizer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crescent
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg