Easy & Delicious Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents
There’s something utterly irresistible about the smell of warm, flaky crescent rolls wafting through the kitchen. It not only brings my family flocking to the table, but it also takes me back to a weekend barbecue we hosted last summer. My sister introduced these decadent little morsels at the party, and let’s just say they were the highlight of the evening! Every time I make them, I can’t help but smile as I remember the laughter and joy shared over good food.
This delightful recipe is not only easy to whip up but is also a hit at every gathering, be it a casual family dinner or an all-out game day fiesta. Whether you prefer a mild or spicy kick, these Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents can be customized to fit your taste perfectly. So, let’s jump right in, shall we?
What’s in Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents?
- Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough: The fluffy base of our crescents; it provides that warm, flaky goodness. You can’t go wrong with a brand like Pillsbury, but any refrigerated dough will do the trick!
- Breakfast Sausage: Choose your adventure with mild or spicy – it’s all about what puts that smile on your face! Brands like Jimmy Dean have been my go-to for a flavor-packed experience.
- Cream Cheese: This richness takes our filling to the next level, making everything creamy and dreamy. Remember to get it soft so it mixes flawlessly!
- Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles: This canned goodness adds a flavorful punch. Make sure to drain them well to keep the filling from getting too soupy.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or a cheese blend works like a charm! I love to mix it up; sometimes I even sneak in a bit of pepper jack for an extra kick.
- Fresh Parsley: This little green sprinkle adds a lovely touch and a burst of color to our crescents before serving.
- Cooking Spray or Olive Oil: Lightly grease your baking sheet to ensure those crescents pop out beautifully when baked!
Are Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents Good for You?
These crescent rolls are the perfect balance of flavor and fun, but let’s dive into their health aspects.
First off, the combination of breakfast sausage and cream cheese does mean these bites are a bit on the indulgent side, so moderation is key! The sausage packs in protein, while the cheese gives us some calcium goodness. The Rotel tomatoes and green chilies bring in some vitamins C and A—an added benefit you can feel good about!
One thing to keep in mind is that if you’re watching your sodium intake, the processed items like sausage and cream cheese can be a bit high in salt. So, if that’s a concern, consider using lower-sodium versions of these ingredients. Balance is essential—enjoy them at a gathering, but perhaps not every day of the week!
Ingredients List
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, according to preference)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooking spray or olive oil (optional, for greasing the baking sheet)
How to Make Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents?
- First things first, preheat that oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a nice coat of cooking spray.
- Grab a large skillet and cook your breakfast sausage over medium heat until it’s beautifully browned and crumbly. Drain any grease so we keep things tasty but not overly greasy.
- Reduce the heat to low, then add in that soft cream cheese – trust me, this is where the magic happens! Stir until melted and mixed throughout.
- Next, fold in your drained Rotel tomatoes and the shredded cheese until everything is heated through and just divine. Remove from heat and let it cool a tad.
- Unroll that crescent roll dough and separate it into those tempting triangles as indicated on the package.
- At the wide end of each triangle, place a generous spoonful of your sausage and cheese mixture. Roll it up like a burrito, starting at the wide end and tucking it towards the point.
- Place those crescents seam-side down on the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until they’re golden brown and gleaming!
- Once they’re ready, give them a moment to cool before garnishing with chopped fresh parsley for that pop of color!
More Than Just Crescents!
These lovelies are perfect for any occasion! You can switch up the flavors by adding jalapeños for extra heat or even some sautéed bell peppers for a veggie twist. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces—ranch or salsa, anyone? They are also freezer-friendly! Just freeze unbaked crescents on the sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the freezer (add a couple of extra minutes to the bake time), and you have a snack ready at a moment’s notice!
So go ahead, gather your loved ones and give these Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents a shot. I promise they’ll become a crowd favorite! And hey, I’d love to hear how they turn out—feel free to share your stories and little tweaks! Happy baking! 🍽️
