Savory Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents — spicy, creamy, and perfectly flaky, these golden bites are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only four ingredients and minimal prep
- Creamy, cheesy, and savory with a hint of spice
- Perfect for parties, brunches, or game day
- Kid-friendly and great for picky eaters
- Customizable with your favorite sausage or cheese
- Freezer-friendly for make-ahead convenience
- Serve warm or at room temperature
- No special equipment required
- Doubles easily for larger gatherings
- Delicious with dipping sauces or on their own
Ingredients
- 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, drained very well
- 2 (8-oz) cans refrigerated crescent rolls
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the cooked sausage, softened cream cheese, and well-drained Rotel tomatoes until fully combined.
- Unroll the crescent dough and separate into triangles. Using a pizza cutter, slice each triangle in half lengthwise to create two smaller triangles.
- Place a small scoop of the sausage mixture onto the wide end of each triangle and roll up tightly.
- Arrange the filled crescents on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Optional: pair with ranch dressing, salsa, or queso for dipping.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 32 bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories per serving: Approximately 150 kcal per crescent
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Use hot sausage or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese.
- Mini Muffin Version: Press crescent dough into mini muffin tins for bite-sized cups.
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms.
- Southwestern Twist: Add black beans and corn to the filling.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cooled crescents in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze after baking. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
- Reheating: Warm in a 325°F oven for 8–10 minutes or in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate unbaked crescents up to 24 hours in advance, or bake and reheat when ready.
What kind of sausage works best?
Any breakfast sausage—mild, hot, or maple—works great depending on your flavor preference.
Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?
Yes, reduced-fat cream cheese will still give you a creamy filling with fewer calories.
Do I need to cook the sausage before mixing it in?
Yes, the sausage must be fully cooked before mixing with the cream cheese and Rotel.
What’s the best way to drain Rotel?
Use a fine-mesh sieve or press with paper towels to remove as much liquid as possible.
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?
Yes, puff pastry can be used but may need longer baking time and yields flakier results.
Are these good at room temperature?
Yes, they’re delicious warm or at room temp, making them ideal for party trays.
Can I serve these with dipping sauces?
Absolutely—ranch, queso, salsa, or even spicy mayo all pair well.
How do I prevent them from unrolling while baking?
Roll them tightly and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Can I make a vegetarian version?
Yes, substitute the sausage with vegetarian sausage crumbles or sautéed veggies.
Conclusion
Savory Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents are a surefire hit wherever they’re served. With their creamy filling, buttery dough, and zesty flavor, they’re addictive little bites perfect for entertaining or indulging. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, prepping a holiday spread, or just craving a warm, savory snack, this recipe is fast, flavorful, and always satisfying.
More Savory Bites You’ll Love
If you can’t get enough of gooey, cheesy, crowd-pleasing appetizers, you’ll definitely want to try these delicious bites next:
- Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Bread – A bold, comforting snack that’s perfect for parties.
- Crispy Amish Onion Fritters – Crispy, golden, and bursting with savory flavor.
- Creamy Cheesy Baked Crab Dip – An indulgent dip that pairs perfectly with crackers or bread.
- Air Fryer Stuffed Pickles – Crunchy, zesty, and a total flavor bomb.
- Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken – A meaty, cheesy main dish that brings restaurant flavor home.
Savory Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 32 bites 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
These savory, four-ingredient crescent bites are packed with creamy sausage and zesty Rotel tomatoes, making them the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or breakfast treat. Quick to assemble and always a hit at parties, they’re a must-have for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 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, drained very well
- 2 (8-oz) cans refrigerated crescent rolls
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the cooked sausage, softened cream cheese, and well-drained Rotel tomatoes until fully combined.
- Unroll the crescent dough and separate into triangles. Using a pizza cutter, slice each triangle in half lengthwise to create two smaller triangles.
- Place a small scoop of the sausage mixture onto the wide end of each triangle and roll up tightly.
- Arrange the filled crescents on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Optional: pair with ranch dressing, salsa, or queso for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure the Rotel is very well drained to prevent soggy crescents.
- These can be made ahead and reheated in the oven before serving.
- Use spicy sausage or hot Rotel for an extra kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crescent bite
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg