These Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents are a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties, game days, or any occasion that calls for a savory snack. Flaky crescent rolls are filled with a creamy, flavorful mixture of sausage, cream cheese, and Rotel tomatoes, creating a bite-sized treat that’s simple to make yet loaded with flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a delicious snack ready in no time. Here’s how to make this tasty appetizer, along with tips, variations, and answers to common questions!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage (regular or spicy, depending on your preference)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained (choose mild or hot to control the heat level)
- 2 (8 oz) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Sausage Mixture
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until it’s fully browned and no longer pink.
- Drain Excess Grease: Once the sausage is cooked, drain any excess grease from the pan to avoid a greasy filling.
- Mix with Cream Cheese and Rotel: With the skillet off the heat, add the softened cream cheese and drained Rotel tomatoes. Stir until the cream cheese melts and is fully combined with the sausage, creating a creamy, savory filling.
Prepare the Crescent Rolls
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Separate Crescent Roll Dough: Open the cans of crescent roll dough and unroll them on a clean work surface. Separate the dough along the perforated lines to create individual triangles.
- Fill the Crescents: Place about a tablespoon of the sausage mixture on the wide end of each triangle. Be careful not to overfill, as too much filling can cause the crescent rolls to break apart during baking.
- Roll Up: Starting from the wide end with the filling, gently roll each crescent toward the point, encasing the filling inside. Pinch the edges lightly to keep the filling from leaking out.
Bake the Crescents
- Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the filled crescents on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each to allow for expansion.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescents are golden brown and the dough is fully cooked.
- Cool Slightly and Serve: Allow the crescents to cool for a couple of minutes before serving. They’re delicious when warm, but they’re also enjoyable at room temperature.
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Sausage: Both spicy and mild sausage work well for this recipe, so select based on your flavor preferences. If you want to add a touch of heat, spicy sausage or hot Rotel can bring an extra kick.
- Avoid Overfilling: A tablespoon of filling is usually perfect. Overfilling the crescent rolls can cause the filling to seep out during baking, so it’s better to use a little less filling and save any leftovers for additional rolls.
- Drain the Rotel Thoroughly: Removing excess liquid from the Rotel tomatoes is essential to keep the filling from being watery, which can cause the crescents to become soggy.
- Use Softened Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is easier to mix and creates a smoother filling. If your cream cheese is straight from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes or microwave it in short intervals until soft.
Serving Suggestions
These Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents are versatile and can be served with various dips and sides:
- Dips: Serve with ranch dressing, salsa, or even a warm cheese dip for extra flavor.
- Vegetable Platter: Add a side of fresh veggies like celery, carrots, and bell peppers for a refreshing contrast.
- Sauces: Spicy mustard, marinara, or a creamy garlic sauce are also delicious for dipping.
Variations
- Cheese Lover’s Crescents: Add shredded cheese, like cheddar or pepper jack, to the sausage mixture for an even cheesier filling.
- Jalapeño Kick: For spice lovers, add diced jalapeños to the filling or sprinkle a bit of cayenne pepper into the mixture.
- Southwest Flavor: Add a sprinkle of taco seasoning to the sausage mixture before combining with cream cheese for a Southwestern twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or seasoned black beans for a meat-free version.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these crescent rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and roll the crescent rolls with filling, then refrigerate them on a baking sheet for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven and follow the baking instructions. This option is great for entertaining or busy days.
2. Can I freeze these crescents?
Absolutely! These crescent rolls freeze well. After baking, let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. They make a convenient make-ahead snack or appetizer.
3. Can I use low-fat ingredients?
Yes, you can use low-fat sausage, reduced-fat cream cheese, and light crescent roll dough if you prefer. While the flavor may vary slightly, the dish will still be delicious.
4. Can I use different fillings?
Of course! This recipe is versatile. You can try using cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or even ham and cheese as filling variations. For vegetarians, try using sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and cheese.
5. How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for 5-8 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a few seconds, though they may lose a bit of their crispiness.
6. Can I use homemade dough instead of crescent rolls?
Yes! If you have a favorite homemade crescent roll or pastry dough recipe, feel free to use it. Just be sure to follow similar baking times and temperatures.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only four main ingredients and minimal prep, these crescent rolls are incredibly easy to make. This recipe is ideal for beginners or anyone looking for a fast appetizer.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From game days to holiday gatherings, these bite-sized snacks are great for sharing. They’re warm, savory, and satisfying, making them a crowd-pleaser at any event.
- Customizable: With endless filling options and ingredient swaps, you can make these rolls exactly to your taste or dietary needs.
- Great Make-Ahead Option: They can be prepared ahead of time and either baked fresh or reheated as needed.
Conclusion
Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents are the ultimate savory snack that combines the rich, creamy flavors of sausage, cream cheese, and Rotel tomatoes, all wrapped in a flaky crescent roll. This recipe is perfect for gatherings and get-togethers, as it’s easy to make, travels well, and is always a crowd favorite. With minimal prep, you can create an appetizer that’s flavorful, satisfying, and sure to disappear quickly.
Whether you stick with the classic recipe or experiment with variations, these crescents are bound to become a staple in your recipe collection. Their warm, cheesy goodness and crispy exterior make them irresistible, and their bite-sized form makes them perfect for sharing. So next time you need a quick and delicious appetizer, give these Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents a try—you won’t be disappointed!
