Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents

by

Discover a crowd-pleasing appetizer with our Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents. This savory treat combines the rich flavors of sausage, creamy cream cheese, and zesty Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, all wrapped in flaky crescent rolls for a perfect bite-sized snack.

Ingredients:

To prepare these irresistible crescents, you’ll need:

  • 1 (1-lb) roll breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 (8-oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 (10-oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained very well
  • 2 (8-oz) cans refrigerated crescent rolls

Directions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF (190ºC).
  2. Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and crumbled sausage, softened cream cheese, and well-drained Rotel tomatoes and green chilies. Mix until thoroughly combined.
  3. Assemble Crescents: Separate the refrigerated crescent rolls into triangles. Cut each triangle in half lengthwise to create two smaller triangles. Place a small scoop of the sausage filling onto each triangle and roll up, starting from the wide end.
  4. Bake: Arrange the filled crescents on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
  5. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. These crescents are best enjoyed warm.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Enjoying and preserving the deliciousness of your Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents is easy with these helpful serving and storage tips:

Serving Tips:

  1. Presentation: Arrange the warm crescents on a decorative platter or serving tray for a visually appealing display. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color.
  2. Dipping Sauces: Serve alongside your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or salsa for added flavor variety.
  3. Accompaniments: Pair these crescents with a crisp green salad or vegetable crudites for a balanced appetizer spread.
  4. Temperature: These crescents are best served warm from the oven when the crescent rolls are flaky and the filling is creamy and savory.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
  2. Reheating: To reheat, place the crescents on a baking sheet and warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. This helps maintain their crispiness.
  3. Freezing: If you want to freeze the crescents, allow them to cool completely after baking. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. To reheat from frozen, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until heated through.
  4. Make-Ahead: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, assemble the crescents and bake them fresh for the best results.
  5. Portioning: If preparing for a larger gathering, consider making double batches and freezing them in advance. This allows for easy reheating and serving when needed.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents maintain their flavor and texture, whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or reheating them for later. They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or anytime you crave a savory, flaky appetizer that’s sure to impress!

Variations:

Add a twist to your favorite appetizer with these creative variations on Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents:

  1. Spicy Kick: For extra heat, mix chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the cream cheese and sausage filling. Spice lovers will enjoy the added kick!
  2. Cheesy Upgrade: Fold shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese into the filling mixture before rolling it into crescents. This creates a gooey, cheesy center that melts beautifully when baked.
  3. Herb Infusion: Enhance the flavor profile by adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley, cilantro, or basil to the filling mixture. These herbs add a refreshing contrast to the savory sausage and cream cheese.
  4. Italian Twist: Substitute the Rotel tomatoes and green chilies with a mixture of diced sun-dried tomatoes and chopped fresh basil. Add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to the filling for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
  5. Bacon Lover’s Delight: Replace the sausage with cooked and crumbled bacon for a smoky twist. The combination of crispy bacon and creamy cheese is sure to be a hit.
  6. Southwestern Fusion: Use diced cooked chicken instead of sausage, and mix in a blend of corn, black beans, and diced bell peppers. Season with cumin, chili powder, and a squeeze of lime juice for a Southwestern flair.
  7. Philly Cheesesteak Style: Incorporate thinly sliced cooked steak or roast beef with sautéed onions and peppers into the cream cheese filling. Roll up in crescent dough for a savory Philly cheesesteak-inspired treat.
  8. Spinach and Artichoke: Create a creamy spinach and artichoke dip filling by mixing thawed frozen spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, cream cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Fill the crescents for a delightful twist on a classic dip.
  9. Buffalo Chicken: Toss shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce and cream cheese. Fill the crescents and bake until golden brown. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
  10. Sweet and Savory: Add a touch of sweetness by mixing in a spoonful of apricot preserves or honey into the cream cheese and sausage filling. This creates a delightful sweet-savory contrast.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use different types of sausage for this recipe? Yes, you can substitute breakfast sausage with Italian sausage, chorizo, or any other sausage variety you prefer. Adjust seasonings accordingly for different flavor profiles.
  2. Can I prepare the filling ahead of time? Absolutely! You can mix together the cooked sausage, softened cream cheese, and drained Rotel tomatoes and green chilies ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and bake the crescents.
  3. What can I use instead of crescent rolls? If crescent rolls are not available, you can use puff pastry sheets cut into triangles or even refrigerated biscuit dough flattened and rolled out thinly.
  4. How do I prevent the crescent rolls from becoming soggy? Make sure to drain the Rotel tomatoes and green chilies very well before adding them to the filling. Excess liquid can cause the crescents to become soggy during baking.
  5. Can I freeze these crescents before baking? Yes, you can assemble the crescents, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
  6. How do I reheat leftover crescents? To reheat, place the leftover crescents on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. This helps maintain their crispiness.
  7. Can I make these crescents ahead for a party? Yes, these crescents are great for making ahead. Prepare them up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Bake just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
  8. What can I serve alongside these crescents? They pair well with a variety of sides such as a green salad, vegetable crudites with dip, or even a bowl of soup for a complete meal.
  9. Can I adjust the spice level of this recipe? Yes, you can control the spiciness by using mild, medium, or hot Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, or by adjusting the amount of additional spices like cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
  10. How long can I store leftovers? Store any leftover crescents in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat as needed for best results.

These FAQs provide useful tips and answers to common questions about making and enjoying Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents. Whether you’re planning ahead for a party or looking to customize the flavors, these tips will help you navigate through preparing and serving this delicious appetizer.

In conclusion, Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents are a versatile and crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines savory sausage, creamy cheese, and zesty tomatoes in a flaky crescent roll. Whether you’re hosting a party, game day gathering, or simply craving a flavorful snack, these crescents are easy to make and sure to impress. With endless variations to suit different tastes and occasions, they’re perfect for adding a delicious touch to any menu. Enjoy the delicious blend of flavors and textures in every bite of these delightful crescents!