Rotel Sausage And Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe

Savory Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe

Crispy, golden crescents packed with zesty rotel sausage and cream cheese promise a flavor explosion that’ll make taste buds dance.

Comfort food meets spicy excitement in this simple yet irresistible appetizer.

The creamy, savory filling nestled inside flaky pastry creates a perfect handheld treat.

Sausage lovers and party hosts will adore how quickly these crescents come together.

Weekend gatherings or game day snacking just got a delicious upgrade.

Warm, cheesy, and packed with southwestern flair, these crescents are sure to vanish from the plate in minutes.

Prepare to become the culinary hero at your next social gathering.

Why These Rotel Sausage Crescents Are a Hit

  • Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up these delightful crescents in minutes with minimal kitchen skills required, perfect for busy home cooks or sudden snack cravings.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Fusion: Combine zesty Rotel tomatoes, creamy cheese, and savory sausage for a mouthwatering bite that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
  • Versatile Party Pleaser: Ideal for game day gatherings, potlucks, family brunches, or casual get-togethers where finger foods shine and make socializing a breeze.
  • Budget-Friendly Comfort Bite: Use affordable ingredients to create a delicious treat that doesn't break the bank while delivering maximum flavor and satisfaction.

What You Need for Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Bites

Main Ingredients:

Protein Ingredients:
  • Beef Sausage: A savory and flavorful meat that adds a delicious kick.
  • Cream Cheese: A smooth and creamy base that brings richness to the filling.
Dough Ingredients:
  • Crescent Rolls: Soft and buttery pastry dough perfect for wrapping.
Flavor Enhancer Ingredients:
  • Rotel Tomatoes: Zesty canned tomatoes with green chilies that add a spicy touch.

How to Make Rotel Sausage Crescent Rolls

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C).

Get ready for some delicious magic to happen.

Step 2: Whip Up the Flavor Explosion

Grab a mixing bowl and combine these mouthwatering ingredients:
  • Cooked and crumbled beef sausage
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Well-drained Rotel tomatoes

Mix everything until it’s perfectly blended and looks irresistible.

Step 3: Transform the Crescent Dough

Carefully unroll those crescent rolls and separate each triangle.

Take your knife and slice each triangle in half lengthwise, creating smaller triangles that are perfect for stuffing.

Step 4: Stuff and Roll with Deliciousness

Grab your cookie scoop or spoon and dollop a generous amount of the sausage and cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each crescent triangle.

Start rolling from the wide end, gently tucking the filling inside as you go.

Each roll should be a neat little package of flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange your loaded crescents on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Slide them into the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes.

Watch for that gorgeous golden-brown color that signals they’re ready to devour.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Pull those beauties out of the oven and let them cool just a bit.

These crescents are best served warm, straight from the oven, promising a burst of flavor in every single bite.

Pro Tips for Golden and Savory Crescent Bites

  • Pat Rotel tomatoes completely dry to prevent soggy crescents and ensure a crisp, flaky texture.
  • Select a well-seasoned beef or pork sausage that complements the cream cheese for maximum flavor depth.
  • Swap regular Rotel for mild or hot versions depending on your heat preference and guest tolerance.
  • Use a small cookie scoop for consistent filling size, preventing overstuffed or underfilled crescents.
  • Replace cream cheese with a sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor profile and added excitement.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat These Crescent Snacks

  • Store leftover crescents in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Warm crescents at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness and restore original texture. Avoid microwaving to maintain pastry's crunch.
  • Wrap cooled crescents tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Consume within 2 days for best flavor and texture. Reheated crescents might lose some initial crispness but will still taste delicious.

What to Serve With Rotel Sausage Crescents

  • Perfect Pairing Picks
  • Craft a Zesty Salsa Sidekick: Whip up a fresh pico de gallo with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice to cut through the richness of the creamy crescents and add a bright, tangy contrast.
  • Brew a Cold Beer Companion: Select a crisp amber ale or light lager that complements the savory sausage and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy, cheesy filling.
  • Create a Cool Ranch Dip: Mix sour cream, ranch seasoning, and a dash of hot sauce to provide a creamy, spicy dipping sauce that enhances the crescents' flavor profile and adds an extra layer of excitement.
  • Design a Citrus Mocktail: Blend fresh orange juice, sparkling water, and a touch of lime to create a light, zesty drink that helps cleanse the palate between bites of the rich, hearty appetizer.

Fun Twists on Classic Sausage Crescents

  • Vegetarian Version: Replace beef sausage with plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms for a meat-free alternative that keeps the creamy texture and zesty flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crescent roll dough and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Spicy Southwestern Spin: Add diced jalapeños or swap Rotel for fire-roasted tomatoes with green chiles to increase heat and complexity of the appetizer.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute crescent dough with lettuce wraps or use thin sliced bell peppers as a base to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the original filling's rich taste.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! You can swap beef sausage for ground turkey, pork sausage, or chicken sausage. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked before mixing with cream cheese and Rotel.

  • How do I prevent the crescents from leaking?

Seal the edges carefully when rolling, and don’t overfill the triangles. A gentle touch while rolling helps keep the filling inside during baking.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The Rotel tomatoes can add a mild kick, but the cream cheese helps balance the heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, choose mild Rotel or drain some of the peppers.

  • Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the crescents and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

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Rotel Sausage And Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe

Rotel Sausage And Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe


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4.6 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Rotel sausage and cream cheese crescents deliver a spicy southwestern twist on classic party appetizers. Savory sausage, zesty Rotel tomatoes, and creamy cheese nestled in buttery crescent dough create an irresistible bite you’ll crave at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound beef sausage, cooked and crumbled

Dairy:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened

Pantry Items:

  • 10 ounces (283 grams) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, well drained
  • 16 ounces (454 grams) refrigerated crescent rolls (2 8-ounce cans)

Instructions

  1. Warm the culinary workspace by heating the oven to a precise 375°F (190°C), ensuring an ideal baking environment.
  2. Craft the savory filling by thoroughly blending the pre-cooked, finely crumbled beef sausage with silky cream cheese and the zesty, well-drained Rotel tomatoes until the mixture achieves a uniform consistency.
  3. Carefully unfurl the crescent roll dough and methodically separate each triangle, then slice each triangle lengthwise to create more petite, manageable pastry sections.
  4. Utilize a cookie scoop to strategically deposit a measured portion of the robust sausage and cream cheese mixture onto the broader end of each miniature crescent triangle, then delicately roll the dough, ensuring the filling remains securely enclosed.
  5. Arrange the assembled crescents on a parchment-lined baking sheet, positioning them with thoughtful spacing to promote even golden browning.
  6. Transfer the prepared crescents into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, watching for a rich, appetizing golden-brown coloration that signals perfect doneness.
  7. Once removed from the oven, allow the crescents a brief moment to cool, which helps stabilize their structure and intense flavors, then serve immediately to capture their peak deliciousness.

Notes

  • Swap sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner protein option that’s lower in fat.
  • Drain Rotel tomatoes thoroughly to prevent soggy crescent rolls and ensure a crisp texture.
  • Use reduced-fat cream cheese to cut down on calories without sacrificing creamy flavor.
  • Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top before baking for an extra cheesy kick that adds golden-brown crispiness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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