Looking for a mouthwatering, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s quick and easy to prepare? Look no further than Sausage Cream Cheese Rotel Crescent Rolls! This irresistible recipe combines savory sausage, creamy cheese, and a zesty kick from Rotel tomatoes, all wrapped up in buttery crescent roll dough. Perfect for parties, game days, or even a cozy family dinner, these bite-sized rolls are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Why You’ll Love Sausage Cream Cheese Rotel Crescent Rolls
These little rolls pack a punch of flavor, thanks to the perfect blend of ingredients:
- Savory sausage: Adds a deliciously hearty base to each bite.
- Cream cheese: Provides a smooth, creamy texture that balances the spice and richness of the sausage.
- Rotel tomatoes: Infused with green chilies, these tomatoes bring a zesty, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
- Crescent rolls: The flaky, golden dough forms the perfect wrap, making each roll light and crisp.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want a quick snack, these rolls are a guaranteed winner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this easy and delicious dish, you’ll need:
- 1 package (8 oz) of crescent roll dough
- 1 pound of breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1 package (8 oz) of cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 oz) of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for added cheesy goodness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and crumbled, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Mix the Filling: Reduce the heat to low, and add the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until it melts and combines smoothly with the sausage. Add the drained Rotel tomatoes, salt, and pepper, and mix well. If you want an extra cheesy touch, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Prepare the Crescent Rolls: Unroll the crescent dough and separate the triangles. Place a spoonful of the sausage and cream cheese mixture at the wider end of each triangle. Roll them up, starting at the wide end, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and flaky.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the Sausage Cream Cheese Rotel Crescent Rolls to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm as an appetizer, snack, or even a fun main dish!
Tips for the Perfect Sausage Cream Cheese Rotel Crescent Rolls
- Customize the Heat: If you prefer less spice, use a mild version of Rotel or rinse the tomatoes to reduce the heat. For extra spice, try adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, simply assemble the crescent rolls and bake.
- Dipping Sauce: These rolls are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of ranch dressing, salsa, or sour cream for dipping.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Any Occasion
These Sausage Cream Cheese Rotel Crescent Rolls are versatile, easy to make, and always a crowd favorite. Whether you’re planning a casual get-together, a tailgate, or a family dinner, they are sure to impress. With minimal effort and ingredients, you can create an appetizer that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Serving and Storage Tips for Sausage Cream Cheese Rotel Crescent Rolls
Serving Tips:
- Warm is Best: Serve these rolls fresh from the oven when they’re golden and flaky for the best taste and texture. If you’re serving them at a party or gathering, try to keep them warm in a chafing dish or slow cooker set on warm.
- Dipping Sauces: While these rolls are delicious on their own, pairing them with dipping sauces can elevate the experience. Ranch dressing, sour cream, salsa, or guacamole all make great choices.
- Garnish: Add a finishing touch by sprinkling some chopped fresh cilantro or green onions on top of the rolls for added flavor and a pop of color.
- Appetizer or Main Dish: These rolls are versatile enough to serve as appetizers or even as a main dish for a casual dinner. Pair them with a simple salad or veggie side dish for a complete meal.
Storage Tips:
- Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftover Sausage Cream Cheese Rotel Crescent Rolls, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the rolls on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to prevent over-browning, and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, but the texture may not be as crisp.
- Freezing: These crescent rolls also freeze well. After baking and cooling, store them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1-2 months.
- Reheating from Frozen: When ready to enjoy, bake the frozen rolls directly from the freezer at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until they are fully heated through and crispy on the outside.
With these tips, you can enjoy your Sausage Cream Cheese Rotel Crescent Rolls fresh or saved for later without sacrificing flavor or texture!
1. Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute the breakfast sausage with other types of sausage, such as turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a lighter or dietary-friendly option. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and crumble it as directed in the recipe.
2. Can I make these Sausage Cream Cheese Rotel Crescent Rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just assemble the rolls with the dough and bake them. Alternatively, you can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 4 hours before baking.
3. How can I make these rolls spicier?
If you love spice, there are a few easy ways to kick up the heat. Use a hot version of Rotel tomatoes or add finely chopped jalapeños or green chilies to the filling. You can also drizzle some hot sauce on top before serving for an extra layer of heat.
4. Can I freeze these rolls for later?
Yes, you can freeze these crescent rolls! After baking and cooling, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. To reheat, bake them directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy on the outside.
Sausage Cream Cheese Rotel Crescent Rolls
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 crescent rolls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Sausage Cream Cheese Rotel Crescent Rolls are packed with savory sausage, tangy cream cheese, and a kick from Rotel tomatoes. Wrapped in buttery crescent rolls and baked to golden perfection, they’re a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained well
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, softened cream cheese, and well-drained Rotel tomatoes. Mix until thoroughly combined.
- Assemble the Rolls:
- Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into triangles. Cut each triangle in half lengthwise to make smaller, skinnier triangles.
- Place a spoonful (about 1 tbsp) of the sausage mixture on the wider end of each triangle. Roll up towards the narrow end, encasing the filling.
- Bake:
- Arrange the filled rolls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced apart. Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until the crescents are golden brown.
- Serve: Serve warm, optionally with ranch dressing or sriracha mayo for dipping.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Variations: Add shredded cheddar cheese to the filling for extra creaminess, or use spicy sausage for a kick.