Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe

Spicy Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe

Crispy, golden crescents with rotel sausage blend promise a mouthwatering appetizer that sparks instant excitement.

Savory ingredients meld together in a simple yet irresistible combination.

Comfort meets convenience through this quick party favorite.

Cheese and spicy sausage create a perfect harmony of flavors.

Small gatherings or game day celebrations become memorable with these delectable bites.

Warm, flaky pastry wraps around a zesty filling that keeps people coming back for more.

You won’t be able to stop at just one of these incredible crescents.

Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents That Impress

Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents That Impress
  • Conquer Quick Appetizers: Craft delightful crescents packed with zesty flavors in just a few simple steps, perfect for spontaneous gatherings or last-minute snack cravings.
  • Maximize Flavor Combination: Blend spicy sausage, creamy cheese, and tangy Rotel tomatoes to create an irresistible filling that transforms ordinary crescent rolls into extraordinary bites.
  • Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by switching up sausage types, trying different cheese blends, or adding extra spices to match your personal taste preferences.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a straightforward recipe that requires minimal dishes and delivers maximum satisfaction for busy home cooks.

Ingredients for Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents

Protein Base:
  • Ground Sausage: A savory meat that adds rich flavor and hearty texture to the crescents.
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, creamy base that binds the filling ingredients together.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Rotel Tomatoes, Cheddar Cheese: Provide a zesty kick and sharp cheesy taste that complements the sausage.
Dough:
  • Crescent Roll Dough: Serves as a light, flaky wrapper that holds the delicious filling and creates a golden-brown exterior.

How to Make Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents

How to Make Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F and grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Brown The Sausage

Toss ground sausage into a skillet and cook over medium heat. Break it into tiny crumbles while cooking.

Once it’s nicely browned, drain away any extra grease.

Step 3: Create The Creamy Filling

Grab a mixing bowl and combine:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Cooked sausage
  • Drained Rotel tomatoes
  • Shredded cheddar cheese

Mix everything until it’s smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Prep The Dough

Carefully unroll the crescent roll dough. Gently separate each triangle, spreading them out on a clean surface.

Step 5: Stuff And Roll

Scoop a generous spoonful of the sausage mixture onto the wide end of each crescent triangle. Roll the dough from the wide end to the pointy tip, tucking in the sides to keep the filling secure.

Step 6: Bake To Golden Perfection

Place the rolled crescents on the prepared baking sheet. Slide them into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes.

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

Helpful Tips for Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents

Helpful Tips for Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents
  • Drain sausage thoroughly to prevent soggy crescents and ensure a crispy texture.
  • Mix filling ingredients while slightly warm to help cream cheese blend smoothly and evenly.
  • Use reduced-fat cream cheese and lean sausage for a lighter version of this appetizer.
  • Choose mild Rotel tomatoes if you prefer less spice, or swap with diced fresh tomatoes for a milder flavor.
  • Refrigerate any leftover filling and use as a quick dip with crackers or vegetables within 2-3 days.

Flavorful Variations for Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents

  • Spicy Southwest Crescents: Replace Rotel with diced green chiles and add jalapeños for extra heat.
  • Vegetarian Spinach Pinwheels: Swap sausage with sautéed spinach and feta cheese, using plant-based cream cheese.
  • Gluten-Free Breakfast Rolls: Use gluten-free crescent dough and swap regular cheese for dairy-free alternatives.
  • Mediterranean Herb Crescents: Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and swap cheddar for crumbled goat cheese.

Pairings That Go Well with Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents

  • Light, crisp Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo perfectly cuts through the rich, creamy filling and complements the sausage's heat.
  • Riesling or Gewürztraminer's slight sweetness balances the spicy Rotel tomatoes and provides a refreshing contrast to the dense cream cheese mixture.
  • Crisp cucumber salad or quick pickled jalapeños add bright acidity that lightens the dense appetizer and provides a palate-cleansing crunch between bites.
  • Quick ranch or spicy salsa verde create additional flavor layers and enhance the crescents' savory profile, making each bite more interesting and dynamic.

How to Store Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture loss.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual crescents in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for storage up to 2 months, preserving their delicious flavor.
  • Oven Reheat: Warm crescents at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, restoring their crispy texture and bringing back the original appetizing taste.
  • Microwave Reheat: Warm on medium power for 30-45 seconds, checking to prevent overcooking and maintaining the creamy filling's consistency.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of sausage in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground sausage with turkey sausage, spicy sausage, or even chorizo for a different flavor profile.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! These crescents can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. They also reheat well and make great grab-and-go snacks.

  • Can I freeze these crescents?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled (but unbaked) crescents. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.

Print
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Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe

Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe


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4.5 from 38 reviews

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

Description

Rotel sausage & cream cheese crescents bring savory comfort to appetizer lovers seeking quick game-day snacks. Spicy sausage and creamy filling wrapped in flaky crescent dough create irresistible bites you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground breakfast sausage
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
  • 1 cup (4 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tube (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat, carefully draining any excess fat to keep the filling light and crisp.
  3. Blend the cooked sausage with softened cream cheese, diced Rotel tomatoes, and shredded cheddar until the mixture is evenly combined and creamy.
  4. Gently unroll the crescent dough, separating each triangle with care to maintain their delicate shape.
  5. Spoon a generous dollop of the sausage-cheese mixture onto the wide end of each triangle, ensuring even distribution.
  6. Roll each triangle from the wide end to the pointed tip, tucking in sides to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
  7. Arrange the filled crescents on the prepared baking sheet, leaving slight space between each for even browning.
  8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for a golden-brown exterior that signals perfect crispness and complete cooking.

Notes

  • Drain sausage and Rotel thoroughly to prevent soggy crescents, ensuring a crispy texture and preventing excess moisture.
  • Opt for reduced-fat cream cheese and turkey sausage to create a lighter version of this appetizer without sacrificing flavor.
  • Mix filling ingredients while slightly cool to help prevent dough from getting too soft during assembly, making rolling easier and neater.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or Swiss for unique flavor profiles that complement the spicy Rotel tomatoes.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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