Baked Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents

If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that works for breakfast, brunch, holidays, potlucks, and game day parties, these Baked Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are exactly what you need. Flaky, buttery crescent rolls are stuffed with a rich and savory sausage cream cheese filling, then baked until golden brown and perfectly puffed. The result is a warm, creamy, irresistible bite that disappears fast from any serving tray.

This recipe is simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough to serve at gatherings. With just a few affordable ingredients and less than 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s one of the best easy crescent roll appetizer recipes you can make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons these sausage cream cheese crescents are always a hit:

Made with only a handful of simple ingredients
Ready in about 25–30 minutes
Perfect for meal prep or make-ahead appetizers
Freezer-friendly
Kid-approved and family-friendly
Great for breakfast or savory snacks

The combination of creamy cheese and seasoned sausage wrapped in flaky pastry creates the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Every bite is buttery on the outside and creamy on the inside.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses basic ingredients you can find at any grocery store:

1 pound ground breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, but recommended)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper

Optional additions for extra flavor:

Chopped green onions
Red pepper flakes for heat
Cooked crumbled bacon
Everything bagel seasoning
Parmesan cheese for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

Place a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground sausage and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. This usually takes about 6–8 minutes.

Once cooked, drain any excess grease and allow the sausage to cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

Cooked sausage
Softened cream cheese
Garlic powder
Black pepper
Shredded cheddar cheese (if using)

Mix until smooth and well combined. The warmth of the sausage will help melt the cream cheese, making it easier to mix into a creamy filling.

Step 4: Prepare the Crescent Dough

Open the crescent roll cans and carefully unroll the dough. Separate the dough along the perforated lines to form triangles.

Lay the triangles flat on a clean surface.

Step 5: Fill and Roll

Place about one tablespoon of the sausage cream cheese mixture on the wide end of each triangle.

Starting at the wide end, gently roll each crescent toward the pointed tip. Make sure the tip is tucked underneath to keep the crescent sealed during baking.

Arrange the filled crescents on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the crescents are golden brown and puffed.

The tops should look lightly crisp and beautifully browned, while the inside remains soft and creamy.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the crescents to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set slightly and prevents burns from hot cheese.

Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Tips for Perfect Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents

Make sure your cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps.
Do not overfill, as the mixture can leak out while baking.
For extra golden color, brush the tops lightly with melted butter before baking.
Sprinkle sesame seeds or everything seasoning on top for added texture and flavor.

Delicious Variations

This recipe is easy to customize depending on your taste preferences.

Spicy Version

Use hot breakfast sausage and add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Breakfast Crescents

Add scrambled eggs to the sausage mixture for a heartier breakfast option.

Italian Style

Swap breakfast sausage for Italian sausage and use mozzarella instead of cheddar.

Low-Carb Option

Instead of crescent rolls, use low-carb dough alternatives or serve the filling in mini bell peppers.

Serving Ideas

These baked crescents are perfect for:

Holiday brunch spreads
Christmas morning breakfast
Baby showers
Potluck dinners
Game day snack tables
Weekend family breakfasts

They pair well with:

Honey mustard dip
Ranch dressing
Marinara sauce
Spicy aioli
Fresh fruit on the side

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

You can freeze baked crescents for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually and store in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating

Oven: 300°F for 8–10 minutes
Air fryer: 3–4 minutes at 325°F
Microwave: 20–30 seconds (note that the pastry may soften)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes. You can assemble them a few hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I use crescent roll sheets instead of triangles?

Absolutely. Cut the sheet into squares or rectangles, fill, and roll or fold as desired.

Why did my filling leak out?

Overfilling or not sealing properly can cause leakage. Use about one tablespoon of filling per crescent.

Final Thoughts

These Baked Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are one of the easiest and most satisfying savory recipes you can make. With creamy, flavorful filling wrapped in flaky golden pastry, they deliver comfort and flavor in every bite.

Whether you’re preparing a holiday breakfast, planning a party appetizer, or simply craving a warm savory snack, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen.