There is nothing quite like the comforting, savory burst of flavors packed inside the Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe. This dish perfectly combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a hint of spicy tomato and hearty sausage, all wrapped up in warm, flaky crescent roll dough. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough for weeknight dinners yet exciting enough to impress guests. If you want a snack or appetizer that’s irresistibly tasty and easy to prepare, this recipe will become your new favorite go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, coming together to create a balance of taste, texture, and vibrant color. From the savory sausage to the zingy diced tomatoes with chilies, every component is essential to making these crescent rolls truly special.
- 1 pound plain sausage, cooked and crumbled: Provides the rich, meaty base and a satisfying savory flavor.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Adds a creamy texture that binds the filling and offers smooth richness.
- 10-ounce can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained very well: Brings a zesty kick and vibrant red color, adding brightness to every bite.
- 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped (optional): Introduces a fresh, herbal note and lovely green flecks throughout.
- 1-2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped (optional): Offers a burst of citrusy freshness for those who love a little extra flavor complexity.
- 2 tubes of crescent rolls, cut each triangle up the middle lengthwise: Delivers flaky, buttery pockets that perfectly cradle the filling.
How to Make Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), which ensures it’s ready to give your crescent rolls that perfect golden brown finish. While the oven warms, mix the cooked and crumbled sausage, softened cream cheese, and drained Rotel tomatoes in a bowl. If you want, add the fresh parsley and cilantro for extra brightness. This blend is the heart of the recipe, marrying creamy cheese with spicy tomato and savory sausage in every bite.
Step 2: Shape the Crescent Rolls
Unroll the crescent dough and, using a pizza cutter, slice each triangle down the middle lengthwise to create narrower, longer triangles. This step helps you get more rolls and gives a fun twist on the classic shape. Then, scoop a heaping teaspoon or small cookie scoop of the sausage mixture onto the wide base of each triangle. The filling should be generous but able to roll up without spilling.
Step 3: Roll and Bake
Roll each triangle carefully from the wide end toward the point, fully enclosing the filling to create neat little packets. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to avoid sticking and to make cleanup easier. Bake these beauties for about 15 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and you can smell the combination of cheesy sausage mingling with baked dough. This is the moment when the magic happens — all those flavors inside meld and the rolls become perfectly flaky on the outside.
How to Serve Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro right after baking adds a pop of color and herbal freshness that brightens every bite. For those who enjoy a little heat, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce pairs beautifully with the creamy filling.
Side Dishes
These crescent rolls are incredibly versatile when it comes to sides. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly, while a bowl of fresh salsa or guacamole complements the Tex-Mex vibe. For a heartier meal, serve with seasoned rice or black beans for a complete flavor-packed feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Arrange the rolls on a rustic wooden board garnished with colorful fresh herbs and small bowls of dips like sour cream or spicy queso. You can also thread cocktail picks through each roll for easy finger food at parties or family gatherings. Presentation can elevate these simple treats to showstopper status.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They remain delicious and make a fantastic next-day snack or quick meal. Be sure to let them cool completely before storing to maintain the flaky texture.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, these crescent rolls freeze beautifully. After rolling but before baking, place them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for a fresh-from-the-oven experience anytime you crave them.
Reheating
Reheat your Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes to restore that crispy outside and warm, melty filling. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the dough soggy instead of flaky.
FAQs
Can I use spicy sausage instead of plain sausage?
Absolutely! Using spicy sausage will add an extra kick to the filling, making the crescent rolls even zestier. Just be mindful of the overall heat level to suit your taste.
Can I substitute the crescent rolls with puff pastry?
Puff pastry works as a great alternative if you want an even flakier texture, although the crescent rolls offer a buttery softness that is distinctive in this recipe.
Is it necessary to drain the Rotel before mixing?
Yes, draining the Rotel well prevents the filling from becoming too watery, which helps keep the crescent rolls from getting soggy during baking.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
You can swap the sausage with a plant-based ground meat substitute or sautéed mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version that keeps the creamy and savory flavors intact.
How long can I freeze the prepped rolls?
These rolls can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality. Just ensure they are well wrapped to avoid freezer burn.
Final Thoughts
If you are searching for a recipe that’s quick, flavorful, and guaranteed to delight, the Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe is an absolute winner. Whether for game-day snacking, potlucks, or cozy nights at home, these crescent rolls offer a perfect harmony of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors wrapped in golden, flaky dough. Dive in and share this simple yet irresistible treat with your loved ones—you’ll be amazed at how fast they disappear!
Print
Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for gatherings or snacks. Featuring a savory blend of cooked sausage, creamy cheese, and tangy diced tomatoes with green chilies wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough, they bake to golden perfection in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 pound plain sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 10-ounce can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained very well
- 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped (optional)
- 1–2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped (optional)
Dough
- 2 tubes of crescent rolls, each triangle cut in half lengthwise
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the crescent rolls.
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the cooked and crumbled sausage, softened cream cheese, drained Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, and, if desired, the finely chopped parsley and cilantro. Set the mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare crescent dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough tubes. Using a pizza cutter, slice each triangle in half lengthwise, resulting in two long, skinny triangles ready for filling.
- Assemble crescent rolls: Using a small cookie scoop or a heaping teaspoon, place a portion of the sausage mixture at the wide base of each crescent triangle. Carefully roll the dough up toward the tip, encasing the filling inside.
- Bake: Arrange the filled crescent rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- Be sure to drain the Rotel tomatoes thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the crescents soggy.
- For a spicier version, use a Rotel with extra hot diced tomatoes or add some chili powder to the filling.
- These crescent rolls can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add an extra couple of minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Serve warm for best taste.
- Optional herbs like parsley and cilantro add freshness but can be omitted if preferred.
