If you’re craving a warm, comforting snack that bursts with bold flavors, this Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe will become your new go-to. Combining the savory goodness of browned sausage with creamy, tangy cream cheese and the mild kick from Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, all wrapped in flaky, golden crescent rolls, these little bites are irresistible. Perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or as a delicious party appetizer, they are incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of straightforward ingredients that come together to create a dish packed with flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the rich sausage that provides heartiness to the creamy cheese that smooths everything out, and the Rotel tomatoes that add a bright, zesty pop of freshness and color.
- Ground sausage (1 lb): Use your favorite variety for a robust and juicy base that delivers rich flavor.
- Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (1 can, 10 oz, drained): Adds a subtle heat and vibrant color without overpowering the dish.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Brings a luscious, creamy texture that binds the filling beautifully.
- Crescent roll dough (2 cans, 8 oz each): The golden, flaky wrapper that holds the flavorful filling and creates that irresistible, buttery crunch.
How to Make Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground sausage until it’s perfectly browned and cooked through. This step is crucial because it builds the hearty foundation of the filling. Once done, drain any excess grease to keep the crescents from becoming too oily.
Step 2: Mix in Cream Cheese and Rotel
Next, add the softened cream cheese right into the skillet with the sausage. Stir until it melts completely, creating a creamy, savory mixture that’s both rich and smooth. Then, fold in the drained Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, evenly distributing that bright, mildly spicy flavor throughout the filling.
Step 3: Prep the Crescent Dough
While the filling melds together, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the crescent dough on a flat surface and carefully separate it into individual triangles. This simple step ensures the perfect size and shape for wrapping your flavorful filling inside.
Step 4: Assemble the Crescents
Place a generous spoonful of the sausage and cream cheese mixture at the wide end of each crescent triangle. Then, roll the dough from the wide end towards the tip, encasing the savory filling perfectly. This technique seals in all the deliciousness for a neat, handheld treat.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange the rolled crescents on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup. Slide them into your preheated oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden brown. The aroma alone will have everyone eagerly waiting.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let the crescents cool slightly so the filling sets just enough to avoid any burns. Serve these warm little pockets of savory delight and watch them disappear in no time.
How to Serve Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some freshly chopped green onions or cilantro on top for a burst of fresh color and mild herbal brightness. A light dusting of shredded cheese or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce can also enhance the flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair these crescents with a crisp garden salad or some tangy coleslaw to balance the richness of the filling. They also shine alongside a simple bowl of tomato soup or salsa for dipping, turning your snack into a more substantial meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the crescents on a rustic wooden platter or a colorful serving tray for parties. You can offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch, guacamole, or chipotle mayo, to let guests customize their bites and add extra excitement to this classic Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover crescents in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain their flavor and texture well, making for a convenient next-day snack or lunch.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the unbaked assembled crescents on a parchment-lined baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. You can bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you have fresh-tasting snacks ready anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the crescents in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can make the dough soggy, diminishing the delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Whether it’s spicy Italian, breakfast sausage, or even turkey sausage, feel free to choose what you prefer. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and flavorful to complement the cream cheese and Rotel.
Do I need to drain the Rotel tomatoes?
Yes, draining the Rotel prevents the filling from becoming too watery, which ensures your crescents stay crisp and hold together nicely.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the sausage with seasoned plant-based crumbles or a mix of sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version without sacrificing flavor.
Is it possible to use crescent dough alternatives?
You can try puff pastry dough instead of crescent rolls for a flakier crust, or even biscuit dough for a more bready texture. Just adjust the baking time accordingly and keep an eye on the browning.
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat level is mild thanks to the Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, but it’s easy to adjust by choosing mild or hot sausage or adding extra chili flakes if you like it spicier.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe enough for anyone who loves easy, flavorful comfort food. It’s a total crowd-pleaser that you can whip up fast, perfect for any occasion where you want to impress without the fuss. Give it a try and soon it’ll earn a spot among your favorite go-to recipes!
Print
Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 crescents
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents are a delicious, savory appetizer perfect for parties or snacks. Featuring a creamy, spicy filling of cooked ground sausage, softened cream cheese, and diced tomatoes with green chilies, all wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
Dough
- 2 cans crescent roll dough (8 oz each)
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease to remove extra fat.
- Combine filling ingredients: Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet with the cooked sausage and stir until the cream cheese is melted and fully combined. Then stir in the drained Rotel tomatoes and green chilies until evenly mixed into the sausage mixture.
- Prepare the dough: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the crescent roll dough on a flat surface and separate it into individual triangles as indicated on the packaging.
- Fill and roll crescents: Place a spoonful of the sausage and cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each crescent triangle. Roll each crescent starting from the wide end towards the tip, fully enclosing the filling inside the dough.
- Arrange and bake: Place the rolled crescents on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crescents are puffed and golden brown.
- Serve warm: Remove the crescents from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Drain excess grease from sausage to avoid greasy crescents.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to easily combine with the sausage.
- If desired, add extra spices like garlic powder or cayenne for more heat.
- Can be served with ranch dressing or sour cream for dipping.
- Allow crescents to cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth with hot filling.
