Description: Flaky, savory, and irresistibly delicious, these Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents are the perfect appetizer, snack, or even a quick and satisfying breakfast. The creamy filling, packed with flavorful sausage and a kick of Rotel, is encased in buttery crescent roll dough, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone reaching for more. Easy to prepare and bake, these crescents are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened: Cream cheese forms the base of our delicious filling. Softening it beforehand ensures it blends smoothly with the other ingredients, creating a creamy and cohesive texture. Using full-fat cream cheese will provide the richest flavor, but you can use a lower-fat option if desired.
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained: Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies add a burst of flavor and a gentle kick of heat to the filling. Draining the tomatoes is crucial to prevent the filling from becoming too watery, which can make the crescents soggy. You can choose the heat level of the Rotel based on your preference, from mild to hot.
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled: Breakfast sausage is the star of our savory filling. Cook it thoroughly and crumble it into small pieces for even distribution within the crescents. You can use your favorite type of breakfast sausage, such as mild, hot, or maple-flavored. Consider using Italian sausage (sweet or hot), chorizo, or even ground turkey sausage to switch it up. If you’re trying to keep it lean, use chicken sausage and remove as much grease as possible.
- 1 package (8 oz) crescent roll dough: Crescent roll dough provides the flaky, buttery crust for our crescents. You can use the refrigerated seamless sheets or the classic perforated rolls, both work equally well. Make sure the dough is cold when you unroll it, as this will make it easier to handle. Don’t let it sit at room temperature for too long, as it can become sticky.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a savory depth of flavor to the filling. It complements the sausage and Rotel beautifully. If you prefer fresh garlic, you can substitute 2-3 cloves of minced garlic for the garlic powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Onion powder enhances the savory flavor profile of the filling. It adds a subtle sweetness that balances the other ingredients. As with garlic powder, you can substitute fresh, finely diced onion for onion powder. Use about 1/4 cup of finely diced onion.
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin: Cumin adds a warm, earthy note to the filling. It complements the chili powder and Rotel, creating a well-rounded flavor profile. Adjust the amount of cumin to your liking.
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder: Chili powder provides a touch of warmth and complexity to the filling. It enhances the other spices and adds a subtle smoky note. You can use mild or hot chili powder, depending on your preference.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Black pepper adds a subtle spice and enhances the overall flavor of the filling. Freshly ground black pepper is always best, but pre-ground pepper will also work.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Shredded cheddar cheese adds a cheesy, melty element to the crescents. It complements the savory filling and provides a satisfying texture. You can use any type of cheese you like, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Colby jack. You could even mix cheeses for a richer, more complex flavor.
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the crescents bake evenly and reach a golden-brown color. Grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Greasing the baking sheet prevents the crescents from sticking, while parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Prepare Sausage Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, drained Rotel, cooked and crumbled sausage, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined. Ensure the cream cheese is fully incorporated and there are no lumps. This step is crucial for achieving a cohesive and flavorful filling. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 3: Roll the Crescents: Unroll the crescent roll dough on a clean, lightly floured surface. Separate into individual triangles. Work quickly, as the dough can become sticky if it gets too warm. If using seamless sheets, slice the dough into triangles.
Step 4: Assemble Crescents: Place about a tablespoon of the sausage and cream cheese mixture in the center of each crescent triangle. Optionally, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Rolling too much filling can result in crescents that don’t seal properly, leading to filling leaking out during baking. Gently roll the dough up from the wide end to the point, pinching the edges to seal. Sealing the edges properly is essential to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
Step 5: Bake: Place the filled crescents onto the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down. This helps prevent them from unrolling during baking. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and the filling is heated through. Keep a close eye on the crescents to prevent them from burning.
Cooking Rating: Easy
Why you will love this recipe:
These Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents are a guaranteed hit for several reasons:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory sausage, creamy cheese, spicy Rotel, and flaky crescent dough creates a symphony of flavors that is simply irresistible.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, these crescents are a breeze to whip up, even for beginner cooks.
- Versatile: Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a quick breakfast, these crescents are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed any time of day.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply looking for a satisfying snack, these crescents are sure to be a hit with everyone.
- Customizable: You can easily customize the filling to suit your taste preferences by adding different types of cheese, spices, or vegetables.
- Kid-Friendly: The mild flavor and fun shape make these crescents a hit with kids of all ages.
- Quick: From start to finish, these crescents can be ready in under 30 minutes.
- Portable: Great for picnics or lunchboxes!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm as an appetizer or snack.
- Pair with a side of salsa or sour cream for dipping.
- Enjoy them for breakfast with a side of fruit.
- Serve them at your next party or potluck.
- Great as part of a brunch buffet.
- Offer a spicy dipping sauce for those who want an extra kick.
- Consider a side salad for a more complete meal.
Tips:
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
- Drain the Rotel thoroughly to prevent the filling from being too watery.
- Don’t overfill the crescents, as this can cause them to leak during baking.
- Seal the edges of the crescents tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out.
- Keep a close eye on the crescents while they are baking to prevent them from burning.
- For an extra-golden finish, brush the tops of the crescents with melted butter or an egg wash before baking.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, sausage, and spices to create your own unique flavor combinations.
- Prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the crescents.
- If you don’t have crescent roll dough, you can use puff pastry instead.
- Add other fillings! Consider mushrooms, onions, peppers, or spinach.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 12 minutes Total Time: 22 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 450mg (Can vary significantly depending on the type of sausage used. Opt for low-sodium sausage if concerned)
Conclusion:
These Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents are a simple yet satisfying recipe that is perfect for any occasion. With their flaky crust, creamy filling, and irresistible flavor, they are sure to become a new family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy these delightful little bites of happiness! The versatility of this recipe makes it a keeper, and with a few tweaks, you can easily adapt it to your own personal preferences.
Questions and Answers:
- Q: Can I use a different type of sausage?
- A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage, such as Italian sausage, chorizo, or even ground turkey sausage. Just make sure to cook the sausage thoroughly before adding it to the filling. If you are using chorizo, remember that it can be quite greasy, so drain it well.
- Q: What if I don’t like spicy food?
- A: No problem! You can use mild Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies or substitute them with plain diced tomatoes. You can also omit the chili powder for a milder flavor.
- Q: Can I make these crescents ahead of time?
- A: Yes, you can assemble the crescents ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a minute or two to the baking time. You can also bake them ahead of time and reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Q: Can I freeze these crescents?
- A: Yes, you can freeze the baked crescents. Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Q: Can I use different types of cheese?
- A: Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Colby jack. You can also use a blend of cheeses for a richer, more complex flavor. Cream cheese can also be replaced with ricotta, farmer’s cheese, or marscapone.
