Crescents with Cream Cheese Sausage

Looking for a quick and delicious meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table? Look no further than these Crescents with Cream Cheese Sausage. This savory dish combines the richness of cream cheese with the hearty flavor of sausage, all wrapped in flaky crescent dough. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dinner, this recipe is both simple and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
• 8 ounces of cream cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 rolls of crescent dough

Instructions:

First Step: Preheat and Cook the Sausage

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, crumble and cook the sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ensure the sausage is browned and any excess fat is drained off.

Second Step: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

1. Add Cream Cheese: Add the cream cheese to the cooked sausage. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and blended with the sausage. Remove the skillet from the heat.

Third Step: Prepare the Crescent Dough

1. Prepare the Baking Pan: Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Add Crescent Dough: Unroll one can of crescent dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Stretch the dough as needed to cover the entire bottom of the pan.

Fourth Step: Assemble the Dish

1. Add the Meat Mixture: Spoon the sausage and cream cheese mixture evenly over the layer of crescent dough.
2. Top with Dough: Unroll the second can of crescent dough and place it over the meat mixture. Stretch and press the dough to cover the entire top of the filling.

Fifth Step: Bake and Serve

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the crescent roll dough is lightly browned and cooked through.
2. Cut and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Cut into squares and serve warm. Enjoy!

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips

1. Serving Temperature: Serve the crescents warm for the best flavor and texture. Allow them to cool slightly before cutting into squares to ensure the filling stays intact.
2. Accompaniments: These crescents pair well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For breakfast or brunch, consider serving with scrambled eggs or a fruit salad.
3. Presentation: Arrange the squares on a platter or in a serving dish for a nice presentation. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and flavor.
4. Portion Control: These crescents are rich and filling, so consider serving them as part of a larger meal with other dishes to provide variety and balance.

Storage Tips

1. Room Temperature: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They will remain fresh and maintain their flavor for a short period.
2. Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent the crescents from drying out.
3. Freezing: To freeze, place the cooled crescents in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
4. Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the crescents on a baking sheet and warm in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dough soggy.
5. Preventing Sogginess: If reheating from frozen, let the crescents thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This helps maintain the texture of the crescent dough.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Crescents with Cream Cheese Sausage stay delicious and enjoyable, whether you’re serving them fresh or enjoying leftovers.

Variations:

1. Bacon and Cheese CrescentsDetails: Add 1/2 cup of crumbled, cooked bacon and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the sausage and cream cheese mixture. The bacon adds a smoky flavor, while the cheese melts into the filling, enhancing the richness and taste.
2. Vegetarian CrescentsDetails: Replace the sausage with 1 cup of sautéed vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions. You can also use a meat substitute or plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option. The cream cheese still provides a creamy texture and flavor.
3. Southwestern CrescentsDetails: Add 1/2 cup of canned black beans (rinsed and drained), 1/2 cup of corn, and 1/2 cup of diced red peppers to the sausage mixture. Spice it up with 1 teaspoon of chili powder and 1/2 teaspoon of cumin for a southwestern twist.
4. Buffalo Chicken CrescentsDetails: Substitute the sausage with 1 cup of shredded cooked chicken mixed with 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce. You can also add 1/2 cup of crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing to the mixture for extra flavor.
5. Spinach and Artichoke CrescentsDetails: Add 1 cup of chopped spinach (fresh or frozen and thawed) and 1/2 cup of chopped artichoke hearts to the cream cheese mixture. This variation gives a nod to the classic spinach and artichoke dip, offering a creamy and savory filling.
6. Mushroom and Swiss CrescentsDetails: Replace the sausage with 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms and 1/2 cup of shredded Swiss cheese. This variation offers a rich, umami flavor and a slightly different texture with the mushrooms.
7. Italian CrescentsDetails: Mix 1/2 cup of diced pepperoni or Italian sausage with the cream cheese. Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano for an Italian flair. You can also sprinkle some mozzarella on top before baking.
8. Sausage and Apple CrescentsDetails: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped apple (peeled) to the sausage mixture. The apple adds a touch of sweetness that contrasts nicely with the savory sausage. You can also add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon for a subtle, sweet spice.
9. Ranch-flavored CrescentsDetails: Add 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning mix to the sausage and cream cheese mixture. This gives the crescents a tangy, herby flavor that complements the creamy filling.
10. Greek-inspired CrescentsDetails: Replace the sausage with 1 cup of cooked, chopped chicken or lamb. Add 1/2 cup of chopped Kalamata olives and 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese to the cream cheese mixture. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano for a Mediterranean twist.

These variations offer a range of flavors and ingredients to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, making your Crescents with Cream Cheese Sausage even more versatile and delicious.

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can substitute the ground breakfast sausage with other types of ground meat such as turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative.
2. Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese? Yes, you can use reduced-fat or fat-free cream cheese. The texture may be slightly different, but the overall taste will still be delicious.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the crescents ahead of time. Assemble the dish up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed before serving.
4. Can I freeze the assembled crescents? Yes, you can freeze the assembled crescents before baking. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Bake from frozen, adding extra time if needed.
5. What can I use instead of crescent dough? If you don’t have crescent dough, you can use regular pie dough or puff pastry. Roll out the dough and cut it to fit your pan, then proceed with the recipe as directed.
6. Can I make these crescents spicy? Yes, you can add a kick by mixing in 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the sausage mixture. Adjust the spice level according to your taste.
7. What should I do if the crescent dough tears while assembling? If the dough tears, patch it up with small pieces of dough or press the torn areas together. The dough will still bake well and be delicious, even if it’s not perfectly sealed.
8. How can I ensure the bottom dough layer doesn’t get soggy? To avoid a soggy bottom, pre-bake the bottom layer of crescent dough for about 5 minutes before adding the sausage mixture. This will help it stay crisp during baking.