These Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are super tasty and easy to make! With cheesy, spicy goodness wrapped in fluffy crescent dough, they’re hard to resist.
Making these rolls always makes the kitchen smell amazing! I love serving them as snacks during game day or just at family gatherings. They disappear faster than I can bake them! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: You can use either pork or turkey sausage for this recipe. I typically go for turkey for a lighter option. You could also try chicken sausage or veggie sausage if you want to make it a bit healthier or meat-free.
Rotel Tomatoes: These add fantastic flavor with their mix of tomatoes and green chilies. If you don’t have Rotel, feel free to substitute with regular diced tomatoes and add a bit of chopped jalapeño or chili powder for heat.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is essential for creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, there’s a variety of vegan cream cheese available that works well. I once used a flavored cream cheese, and it added a unique twist!
Crescent Roll Dough: This is the wrap that holds everything together. If you don’t have crescent roll dough, you can use pizza dough or puff pastry, but make sure to adjust baking time as needed.
Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or a Mexican blend works best, but feel free to get creative! Pepper jack could give it an extra kick. You can also omit the cheese for a lighter dish.
How Do I Roll Up the Crescent Dough Properly?
Rolling the crescent dough is key to getting those perfect little rolls. Here are some steps to help you:
- After separating the dough into triangles, keep the wide end as the base for your filling.
- Use a generous tablespoon of filling—don’t skimp! Place it close to the wider end but not all the way to the edges.
- Start rolling from the larger end tightly toward the tip. This ensures the filling stays inside as it bakes.
- Make sure to pinch the edges well after rolling to seal them. This keeps the delicious filling intact.
Trust me, practice makes it easier! I always try to roll them tightly, which helps create fluffy, beautifully puffed rolls when they bake.
How to Make Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Filling:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
For The Crescent Rolls:
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 rolls)
For Garnish:
- Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. In total, you will need around 25-30 minutes from start to finish to enjoy these tasty rolls!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will help your rolls bake evenly and get that nice golden color. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make clean-up easier later.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the breakfast sausage. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks until it’s browned and crumbled. If there’s extra grease, you may want to drain it. This will keep your rolls from being too oily.
3. Mix the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, drained Rotel tomatoes, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheese. If you’d like, add the garlic and onion powders for extra flavor. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and looks delicious!
4. Prepare the Crescent Rolls:
Open the package of crescent roll dough and gently separate it into triangles. Take a generous tablespoon of the sausage mixture and place it at the larger end of each triangle. Be sure not to overfill, or they might spill out when baking!
5. Roll Them Up:
Starting from the larger end of the triangle, roll the dough up towards the tip, wrapping it around the filling snugly. Place each rolled crescent on the prepared baking sheet, making sure there’s some space between them.
6. Bake the Rolls:
Pop your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are puffed up and golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end so they don’t get too brown!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the rolls cool slightly. If you like, sprinkle some fresh chopped cilantro or parsley on top for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve these tasty treats warm and enjoy!
Can I Substitute the Sausage?
Absolutely! You can use turkey sausage for a leaner option, or even substitute with crumbled cooked chicken or a plant-based sausage if you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly for any substitutes!
What Other Ingredients Can I Add or Substitute?
If you want to mix things up, try adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the filling for extra flavor and a kick. You can also switch out the shredded cheese for a different variety, like pepper jack or mozzarella, depending on your taste preferences!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover crescent rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, so they regain their crispiness.
Can I Freeze These Crescent Rolls?
Yes! You can freeze the assembled, unbaked crescent rolls. Just place them on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time!
