If you love cheesy, savory, and slightly spicy appetizers, these Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents are about to become your new favorite snack! Flaky crescent rolls are stuffed with a creamy, cheesy sausage mixture, perfectly seasoned with the bold kick of Rotel tomatoes and green chilies.
These quick and easy crescent roll bites are perfect for game day, holiday parties, potlucks, or even as a hearty breakfast or snack. With just four simple ingredients, you can whip up these crowd-pleasing, cheesy, and slightly spicy pastries in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Easy & Quick – Only 4 ingredients and ready in 30 minutes!
✔️ Cheesy & Creamy – The perfect balance of melty, spicy, and savory.
✔️ Flaky & Buttery – Thanks to the crescent roll dough.
✔️ Crowd-Pleaser – Great for parties, holidays, or snack time!
✔️ Customizable – Add extra cheese, herbs, or a little heat!
Ingredients for Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents
To make these cheesy, flaky bites, you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes & green chilies, drained
- 2 (8 oz) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor:
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese (for extra cheesiness)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (for more depth)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for added spice)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
✔️ Skillet – To brown the sausage.
✔️ Mixing Bowl – To mix the creamy filling.
✔️ Baking Sheet – Lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
✔️ Spoon or Spatula – To spread the filling onto the dough.
How to Make Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess grease.
Step 2: Make the Cheesy Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, softened cream cheese, and drained Rotel. Stir until well combined and creamy. If using, add shredded cheese, garlic powder, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles.
Step 4: Fill & Roll the Crescents
Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the sausage and cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each crescent triangle. Gently roll them up from the wide end to the tip, tucking the sides in slightly to keep the filling inside.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden Brown
Place the filled crescents seam-side down on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and flaky.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and serve warm!
What to Serve with Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents
These flaky, cheesy bites are perfect on their own, but they also pair well with:
Dipping Sauces – Ranch, honey mustard, or chipotle aioli.
Side Salad – A fresh green salad balances out the richness.
Breakfast Pairings – Serve with scrambled eggs for a hearty morning meal.
Pro Tips for the Best Sausage Crescents
✔️ Use Fresh Crescent Dough – For the best texture, make sure your dough is fresh and cold before rolling.
✔️ Drain the Rotel Well – Too much liquid will make the filling runny.
✔️ Don’t Overfill – Too much filling can cause the crescents to burst while baking.
✔️ Make It Spicier – Use hot sausage or add extra chili flakes!
✔️ Make Ahead – Assemble the crescents the night before and bake fresh when ready.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storing:
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat for 30 seconds, though they won’t be as crispy.
Freezing:
- Freeze unbaked crescents on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 3-5 minutes to the baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use different sausage?
Yes! Try turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even chorizo for a different flavor.
Can I make these keto-friendly?
Yes! Use almond flour fathead dough instead of crescent rolls for a low-carb version.
What if I don’t have Rotel?
Substitute with 1 cup of diced tomatoes and 1 finely chopped jalapeño or green chilies.
Can I make these in the air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
Final Thoughts – Why You NEED to Try These Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents!
These Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents are flaky, creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! With just 4 simple ingredients, they make the perfect appetizer, party snack, or quick breakfast option.
Whether you’re making them for game day, holiday gatherings, or meal prep, they’re guaranteed to be a huge hit!
More Cheesy & Easy Recipes to Try:
- Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes – A creamy, comforting slow cooker meal!
- Cheesy Jalapeño Popper Crescent Bites – Another spicy crescent roll favorite.
- Buffalo Chicken Dip Crescent Rolls – A fun, spicy twist on a classic!
Now, grab some crescent rolls and let’s get baking!