Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe

If you are looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack that bursts with bold, comforting flavors, Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are your new best friend. This dish is the perfect marriage of savory sausage, the zesty kick of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, and the rich creaminess of cream cheese, all wrapped snugly in golden, flaky crescent rolls. It’s simple to make but guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to get a bite. Whether it’s game day, a party, or just a cozy evening treat, these crescent rolls bring warmth and excitement to every gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because each ingredient plays a vital role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the hearty sausage to the creamy cheese and the spicy tomatoes, every element adds its special touch to make these crescent rolls irresistible.

• 1 pound plain sausage, cooked and crumbled: Adds a savory and meaty base that carries the entire dish.
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Gives a smooth, luscious creaminess that binds all the flavors together.
• 10-ounce can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained very well: Brings a fresh kick of spicy tang and vibrant color.
• 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped (optional): Offers a hint of herbal freshness and bright color contrast.
• 1-2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped (optional): Adds an aromatic zest that elevates the flavor profile beautifully.
• 2 tubes of crescent rolls: The golden, flaky pastry that wraps all the delicious filling into neat, handheld bites.

How to Make Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Filling

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to bake your crescent rolls at the perfect temperature. While the oven warms, cook and crumble the sausage until it’s browned and fully cooked. Then, in a mixing bowl, combine the warm sausage with softened cream cheese and the well-drained Rotel tomatoes. If you’re feeling adventurous, stir in parsley and cilantro for fresh, herbal notes that complement the sausage perfectly. This mixture is the heart and soul of the rolls, delivering the mouthwatering filling in every bite.

Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Roll Triangles

Unroll your crescent dough tubes on a clean surface. Use a pizza cutter to cut each large triangle in half lengthwise, creating two long, skinny triangles. These slim pieces are just the right size to hold a generous spoonful of your filling and wrap it perfectly while baking. This simple step transforms regular crescent rolls into uniquely stuffed pockets of flavor.

Step 3: Fill and Roll

Using a small cookie scoop or a heaping teaspoon, place your sausage and cheese mixture at the widest base of each skinny triangle. Be generous but careful not to overstuff, or the filling might spill out during baking. Roll each triangle tightly but gently toward the pointed end, enclosing all that delicious filling inside a warm, buttery blanket of dough.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Arrange your filled crescent rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Bake for about 15 minutes, until the rolls turn a gorgeous golden brown and the filling is bubbling hot inside. The aroma alone will have your kitchen smelling like a five-star eatery.

How to Serve Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls

Garnishes

Adding a little garnish can make your presentation pop and add fresh flavor accents. Sprinkle some extra finely chopped parsley or cilantro on top after baking to bring a touch of color and brightness that complements the rich filling perfectly.

Side Dishes

These crescent rolls pair wonderfully with cool, crunchy sides like a crisp garden salad or a tangy coleslaw. The freshness of the veggies balances the rich and spicy rolls, creating a well-rounded meal or appetizer spread. For a heartier option, serve alongside a bowl of salsa or guacamole for dipping fun.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls from simple snacks into show-stopping party treats by serving them on a colorful platter with small bowls of assorted dips nearby. You can also thread them onto skewers for an easy-to-handle appetizer or cut each roll into bite-sized pinwheels to tantalize a crowd with delightful finger food.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your guests have satisfied their cravings, store any uneaten crescent rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 3 to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy the flavors all over again the next day without losing any of the dish’s charm.

Freezing

If you want to prepare these Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls in advance for later use, freeze the unbaked rolls after shaping them. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, pop them straight into the oven from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving if possible, to keep the crescent rolls flaky and delicious instead of soggy.

FAQs

Can I use spicy sausage for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using spicy sausage will add an extra layer of heat and depth, making your Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls even more flavorful. Just be mindful if serving to kids or those sensitive to spice.

Do I have to drain the Rotel tomatoes really well?

Yes, draining the Rotel thoroughly ensures your filling doesn’t become watery, which helps the crescent rolls stay flaky and prevents sogginess while baking.

Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?

You could try using mascarpone or a mild ricotta for a different but still creamy texture; however, cream cheese provides the signature richness and slight tang that balances the savory ingredients best.

Are these crescent rolls good served cold?

They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, but they’re especially delightful when served warm fresh out of the oven, as the cheese inside will be gooey and the dough crisp.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

To make a vegetarian version, replace the sausage with cooked, seasoned mushrooms or a meat substitute, and keep all other ingredients the same. The cream cheese and Rotel still lend plenty of flavor for a satisfying twist.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve discovered how easy and rewarding it is to make Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls at home, I encourage you to grab the ingredients and dive in. This recipe delivers loads of flavor, warmth, and joy wrapped in flaky pastry, perfect for any occasion. Once you try them, they’re sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation, bringing smiles and satisfied appetites every time.

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