These Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are the perfect party snack! They have a tasty sausage filling wrapped in flaky crescent dough. Talk about a crowd-pleaser!
These little bites are super easy to make. Just mix the sausage and cream cheese, roll them up, and bake. I love having them hot from the oven—so yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This adds a rich, creamy texture to the filling. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using Neufchâtel cheese instead, which has less fat but similar taste.
Ground Breakfast Sausage: For a different flavor, use turkey sausage or Italian sausage. If you’re vegetarian, a meat substitute (like Beyond Meat sausage) works well too.
Crescent Roll Dough: If you don’t have crescent dough, puff pastry sheets can be a great alternative. Just cut them into triangles before filling!
Shredded Cheese: The cheese is optional but adds extra flavor. Feel free to swap it for your favorite cheese, like pepper jack for spice or feta for a tangy twist.
How Do I Cook Sausage Without It Becoming Greasy?
Cooking sausage properly is key to keeping your bites from being greasy. Here’s how:
- Use medium heat to cook the sausage slowly; this helps render fat without overcooking.
- Break it up into small pieces as it cooks to ensure even cooking and better texture.
- Don’t forget to drain excess grease after cooking—this prevents a soggy filling!
With these tips in mind, you can serve up delicious, non-greasy sausage bites that everyone will love!
How to Make Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 lb ground breakfast sausage
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of bake time, giving you a total of about 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for when you need a quick and delicious snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the bites from sticking.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground breakfast sausage. Cook it until it’s browned and cooked all the way through, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Once it’s nice and brown, drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside to cool slightly.
3. Mix the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and the cooked sausage. Stir everything together until well mixed. If you’re using shredded cheese, go ahead and add it to the mixture for an extra cheesy treat!
4. Prepare the Crescent Rolls:
Unroll the package of crescent dough and separate it into individual triangles. This is where the fun begins!
5. Fill and Roll:
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the sausage and cream cheese mixture onto the wide end of each crescent triangle. Starting from the wide end, roll each triangle up, enclosing the filling tightly. Place each roll seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet.
6. Brush with Egg Wash:
For a beautiful golden finish, brush the tops of the rolled bites lightly with the beaten egg.
7. Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and puffed up. You’ll love the smell filling your kitchen!
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once they’re baked, remove the bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. If you want, you can sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a nice touch.
Now, enjoy these warm, cheesy sausage bites as a perfect appetizer or snack during your next gathering!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used as a substitute! It will still provide creaminess, but the flavor might be slightly lighter. Just ensure it’s softened for easy mixing.
What If I Don’t Have Crescent Roll Dough?
No problem! You can use puff pastry instead. Just cut it into triangles or squares, and follow the same filling and rolling instructions for delicious results!
Can I Prepare These Bites in Advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the bites ahead of time, place them on the baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through for the best texture.