These Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are a tasty treat, perfect for any gathering! Flaky crescent dough wraps around a delicious mix of sausage and cream cheese for a warm, comforting bite.
They’re super easy to make—just roll, fill, and bake! I love serving them at parties, and they’re always gone in a snap. Who can resist that cheesy goodness? 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is key to creating a rich, creamy filling. If you need a dairy-free option, you can use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream cheese substitute.
Breakfast Sausage: I like using pork sausage for its flavor, but turkey sausage is a lighter option. You could also use chicken sausage or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version!
Italian Seasoning: This adds a nice touch, but you can replace it with crushed red pepper for spice or some fresh herbs like parsley or basil for freshness.
Crescent Roll Dough: If you don’t have crescent roll dough, you can try puff pastry or even make your own dough if you’re feeling adventurous!
How Do I Get the Crescent Bites to Bake Evenly?
Getting those crescent bites to bake perfectly is all about the right preparation and temperature. Here’s how you can ensure they come out golden and delicious:
- Preheat your oven as directed—this helps the dough rise and brown evenly.
- Make sure to space the bites apart on the baking sheet; this lets heat circulate so they cook evenly.
- Keep an eye on them as they bake. Every oven is different, so check for golden-brown color at the lower end of the baking time.
- Let them cool a few minutes after baking; this helps the filling set a bit and makes them easier to enjoy!
How to Make Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dough:
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prepare and another 12-15 minutes to bake. So, in just about 25-30 minutes, you’ll have warm and tasty Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Bites ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or give it a light grease. This will help the bites not stick after they come out of the oven.
2. Cooking the Sausage:
In a skillet over medium heat, add your breakfast sausage. Cook it until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break it up into small crumbles with a spatula while it cooks. Once cooked, drain any excess grease and transfer the sausage to a mixing bowl. Let it cool for a few minutes.
3. Mixing the Filling:
Add the softened cream cheese to the bowl with the cooked sausage. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning (if you’re using it), garlic powder, and season with a little salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s nice and creamy. This is the delicious filling that holds everything together!
4. Assembling the Crescent Bites:
Now for the fun part! Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into the triangles as per the package instructions. On each triangle, place about 1 tablespoon of the sausage-cream cheese mixture near the wide end. Roll the dough up from the wide end to the point, making sure to enclose the filling inside. Don’t worry about perfection; they’ll still taste great!
5. Baking the Bites:
Arrange your rolled-up crescent bites on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the bites from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These little bites are best enjoyed warm, so dig in and enjoy your cheesy, savory treats!
Can I Use Reduced-Fat Cream Cheese?
Yes, reduced-fat cream cheese works well in this recipe! It may slightly alter the creaminess, but the flavors will still be delicious.
Can I Make These Crescent Bites Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the sausage with a vegetarian sausage or even sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a hearty filling. Just ensure you check the other ingredients for any animal products.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
Can I Freeze These Crescent Bites?
Yes! To freeze, bake them first, then let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from the freezer in the oven for about 15-20 minutes at 350°F (175°C) or until heated through.