These Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents are a quick, savory appetizer that’s perfect for parties, game days, or anytime you need an easy crowd-pleaser. With flaky crescent roll dough wrapped around a warm, creamy filling of sausage, cream cheese, and zesty Rotel tomatoes, these bites are flavorful, comforting, and endlessly snackable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. It uses just a few simple ingredients and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish. The creamy filling is packed with seasoned sausage and a tangy kick from Rotel, while the crescent rolls bake up golden and flaky. These handheld treats are great for sharing and always one of the first dishes to disappear at any gathering.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 lb ground sausage
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1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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2 cans crescent roll dough (8 oz each)
Directions
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Cook the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked.
Drain any excess grease from the pan. -
Make the Filling
Add the softened cream cheese to the cooked sausage in the skillet.
Stir until melted and fully combined.
Mix in the drained Rotel until the filling is evenly blended. -
Prepare the Crescent Rolls
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out the crescent dough and separate it into individual triangles. -
Fill and Roll
Spoon about a tablespoon of the sausage mixture onto the wide end of each crescent triangle.
Roll up each crescent from the wide end to the narrow tip, tucking in the filling as you go. -
Bake
Place the filled crescents on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and flaky. -
Serve
Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy warm as a delicious appetizer or savory snack.
Servings and Timing
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
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Servings: 16 crescents
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Calories per Serving: Approximately 200 kcal
Variations
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Spicy Version: Use hot sausage or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.
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Cheesy Upgrade: Add shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for an extra cheesy bite.
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Mini Appetizers: Cut each crescent triangle in half to make bite-sized versions.
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Bacon Twist: Mix in cooked, crumbled bacon with the sausage for added flavor.
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Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based sausage alternatives and dairy-free cream cheese for a meatless version.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in a 325°F oven for 5–8 minutes or microwave in short bursts until warm.
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Freezing: Freeze unbaked or baked crescents on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 15–18 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use homemade crescent dough?
Yes, homemade dough works well. Just roll and cut into triangles similar to the store-bought version.
Is it okay to use spicy Rotel?
Absolutely. Spicy or original Rotel both add great flavor—choose based on your heat preference.
Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the crescents and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What type of sausage is best?
Pork sausage works best, but turkey sausage is a great lighter option.
Print
Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 crescents
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents are flaky, golden bites packed with creamy sausage and zesty tomatoes and green chilies. Perfect as party appetizers, game-day snacks, or a quick savory treat. Keyword: Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents
Ingredients
-
1 lb ground sausage
-
1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
-
8 oz cream cheese, softened
-
2 cans crescent roll dough (8 oz each)
Instructions
-
Cook the Sausage:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until browned and fully cooked.
Drain any excess grease. -
Make the Filling:
Stir in softened cream cheese until melted and combined with the sausage.
Mix in drained Rotel until evenly distributed. -
Prepare the Crescent Rolls:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles. -
Fill and Roll:
Place a spoonful of filling at the wide end of each triangle.
Roll toward the tip to enclose filling. -
Bake:
Place crescents on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown. -
Serve:
Let cool slightly. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
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Use spicy sausage or hot Rotel for extra kick.
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Great served with ranch or chipotle mayo for dipping.
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Can be made ahead and reheated in the oven or air fryer.
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