If you are on the lookout for a snack that is bursting with bold, zesty flavors and satisfying, cheesy goodness, the Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe is an absolute must-try. This crowd-pleasing appetizer combines savory breakfast sausage, smooth cream cheese, and the spicy kick of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, all wrapped in flaky, buttery crescent rolls. From game day gatherings to casual get-togethers, these bites deliver a perfect mix of flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up these delicious crescents, you only need a handful of simple ingredients that pack a serious punch. Each element works harmoniously to create the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory in every bite.
- Breakfast sausage (1 lb, cooked and crumbled): Provides a rich, savory foundation with just the right amount of seasoning to complement the other ingredients.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Adds a luscious, creamy texture that binds everything together beautifully.
- Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (10 oz can, drained very well): Brings a vibrant, tangy heat that’s signature to this recipe and lifts the overall flavor.
- Refrigerated crescent rolls (2 cans, 8 oz each): The flaky, buttery dough that envelopes all the delicious filling, turning each bite into a golden, irresistible treat.
How to Make Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 375ºF. This ensures it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the crescents to a beautiful golden brown while keeping the filling warm and melty.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine your cooked and crumbled sausage with the softened cream cheese and the thoroughly drained Rotel tomatoes and green chilies. Mixing these ingredients well is key to distributing that flavorful spicy punch evenly throughout each crescent.
Step 3: Prepare the Crescents
Open the refrigerated crescent rolls and separate them into triangles. To make bite-sized pieces, cut each triangle in half lengthwise, creating two smaller triangles. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, place a dollop of the sausage mixture near the wide end of each triangle, then carefully roll them up toward the pointed end, sealing in the filling.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the rolled crescents on a baking sheet with a little space between each one, then place them in the oven for about 15 minutes. Bake until the crescent rolls are puffed up and golden brown, with the filling melted inside, ready to wow anyone who takes a bite.
How to Serve Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, sprinkle a little chopped fresh cilantro or green onions over the warm crescents right before serving. A light dusting of smoked paprika or a drizzle of hot sauce can also add a lovely finishing touch, bringing an extra layer of flavor that brightens up every mouthful.
Side Dishes
These crescents pair wonderfully with cool, fresh sides that balance their richness. Think crisp garden salads, crunchy veggie sticks with ranch dressing, or even a refreshing fruit salsa to contrast the heat. The combination makes for a well-rounded snack plate perfect for any occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange the crescents on a large platter circling a bowl of salsa or guacamole for dipping. You could also skewer several in a row on decorative cocktail picks, making them easy to grab and enjoy at parties. Their bite-size nature makes them super versatile for any spread!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers—which is rare because these tend to vanish quickly—store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, keeping that savory flavor intact.
Freezing
You can freeze these crescents before baking by assembling them on a tray and freezing until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To revive their flaky texture and warm, melty filling, reheat crescents in a preheated oven at 350ºF for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the dough soggy rather than crisp and golden.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While breakfast sausage works perfectly, you can switch it out for spicy Italian sausage or even turkey sausage based on your preference. Just be sure to cook and crumble it beforehand for the best flavor and texture.
What if I don’t have Rotel tomatoes and green chilies?
You can make a quick substitute with canned diced tomatoes and a few chopped green chilies or jalapeños. Drain thoroughly to avoid soggy crescents, and adjust the spice level to your taste.
Are these crescents suitable for a party appetizer?
Definitely! The Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe yields bite-sized portions that are perfect for sharing. Their combination of flavors and easy-to-eat form make them a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, you can mix the sausage, cream cheese, and Rotel filling a day before you plan to assemble the crescents. Just keep it refrigerated until you are ready to roll and bake.
How spicy are these crescents?
The heat level is mild to moderate, thanks to the Rotel tomatoes and green chilies. If you prefer more heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra chopped jalapeños to the filling.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe that brings people together around a shared craving for savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy bites. Easy to make, downright addictive, and perfect for nearly any occasion, these crescents have become one of my go-to favorites to impress friends and family alike. I can’t wait for you to try them and see just how quickly they disappear from the plate!
Print
Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 32 bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents featuring a savory blend of cooked breakfast sausage, creamy softened cream cheese, and flavorful diced tomatoes with green chilies, all wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 (1-lb) roll breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, well drained
Dough
- 2 (8-oz) cans refrigerated crescent rolls
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375ºF to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the crescent bites evenly and to a perfect golden brown.
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage with the softened cream cheese and drained Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated creating a creamy and flavorful filling.
- Assemble Crescents: Separate each can of crescent rolls into individual triangles. Then cut each triangle in half lengthwise, creating two smaller triangles. Using a small cookie scoop, place a portion of the sausage mixture onto the wider end of each small triangle and roll it up tightly towards the point, sealing the filling inside.
- Bake: Place the rolled crescents on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the crescents turn golden brown and the filling is heated through.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the Rotel tomatoes and green chilies very well to avoid soggy crescents.
- You can substitute breakfast sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Serve warm as an appetizer or party snack.
- These crescents can be made ahead and reheated in the oven for freshness.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to evenly portion filling for uniform bites.
