Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are delicious little snacks that are perfect for any gathering! With tasty sausage and creamy cheese wrapped in flaky crescent dough, they’re always a hit.
These bites are super easy to make. Just mix, roll, and bake! They disappear fast, so be ready to make more. I mean, who can resist that warm, cheesy goodness? 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is the star ingredient, providing creaminess and a rich flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try a low-fat cream cheese, or even Greek yogurt for a tangier bite!
Breakfast Sausage: Choose between mild or spicy based on your taste. You can swap it with turkey sausage for a healthier alternative or use vegetarian sausage if you prefer a meatless dish.
Crescent Roll Dough: This dough gives a flaky texture. If you can’t find crescent rolls, puff pastry works well too; just cut it into triangles before rolling.
Seasonings: The garlic and onion powders enhance the flavor blend. Feel free to experiment with other herbs, like paprika or chili powder for a fun twist.
What’s the Trick to Rolling Crescent Bites with Ease?
Rolling the crescent bites might seem tricky, but it’s simple once you get the hang of it! Here’s how to make the rolling process smooth:
- Start with the wide end of the triangle for filling—this allows more room for the sausage mixture.
- Be careful not to overfill, as it can burst during baking. One heaping teaspoon is usually perfect!
- Roll gently but firmly toward the pointy end. Press the seams together to seal them and prevent any filling from leaking out.
- Position them seam side down on the baking sheet to keep them secure while baking.
How to Make Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
For the Dough:
- 1 (8 oz) tube refrigerated crescent roll dough
For the Topping:
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of baking time, making a total of 25 minutes. These quick bites are perfect for when you’re short on time but still want to impress your guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your crescent bites will bake evenly and become wonderfully golden. Make sure to either grease your baking sheet or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup!
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the breakfast sausage and cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. If there’s too much fat after cooking, feel free to drain some before moving on.
3. Make the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the cooked sausage. Add in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning (if you choose to use it!). If you’re using shredded mozzarella, sprinkle that in too. Mix everything until it’s well combined and creamy.
4. Prepare the Crescent Dough:
Now it’s time to unroll the crescent roll dough. Separate it into 8 triangles, as indicated on the package. Lay them out on your prepared baking sheet.
5. Fill the Crescents:
Take a heaping teaspoon of your sausage and cream cheese mixture and place it at the wide end of each triangle. Don’t overfill, as this can cause the filling to spill out!
6. Roll Them Up:
Starting from the wide end, roll each triangle towards the pointy end. Make sure to enclose the filling well and place each roll seam side down on the baking sheet. This helps keep everything together during baking!
7. Add Toppings:
Sprinkle the tops of the crescent bites with grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a delicious, cheesy crust as they bake!
8. Bake the Bites:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent bites are golden brown and flaky. Keep an eye on them—remember, every oven is a little different!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These bites are best enjoyed warm, so dig into your delicious creations!
Enjoy these warm, savory bites as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, perfect party snack, or tasty addition to any meal! 🥳
Can I Use Low-Fat Ingredients?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular cream cheese with low-fat cream cheese to reduce calories. Additionally, using turkey sausage or a meat alternative will make these bites lighter without sacrificing flavor.
Can I Prepare These Crescent Bites in Advance?
Yes, you can! Make the filling and assemble the bites ahead of time, then refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. Just make sure to let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before putting them in the oven, so they bake evenly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover crescent bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through, to keep them crispy.
What Dipping Sauce Pairs Well with These Bites?
A variety of dipping sauces can enhance these bites! Consider serving them with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a tangy mustard dip for a delicious complement to the savory flavors.