If you are craving a snack that is bursting with flavor, wonderfully creamy, and perfectly portable, the Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This delightful combination of savory cooked sausage, zesty Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, and smooth cream cheese, all wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough, creates irresistible little pockets of joy that everyone will love. Whether it’s for a party appetizer, game day treat, or a cozy night in, these crescent rolls hit the spot every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it uses simple, accessible ingredients that pack a serious flavor punch. Each one brings a unique character to the dish, from the rich, hearty sausage to the creamy texture of the cheese, and the subtle heat and brightness from the Rotel tomatoes.
- Plain sausage (1 pound): Cooked and crumbled for a savory, meaty base that’s hearty and flavorful.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Adds luscious creaminess that binds everything together perfectly.
- Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz. can, drained): Bring a fresh, slightly spicy zing that contrasts beautifully with the cheese and sausage.
- Parsley (2 tablespoons, finely chopped, optional): Offers a fresh herbal note and vibrant color to brighten the filling.
- Cilantro (1-2 tablespoons, finely chopped, optional): Adds a burst of citrusy freshness if you enjoy a more pronounced herb flavor.
- Crescent rolls (2 tubes): The flaky, buttery dough that wraps everything up in a golden, irresistible package.
How to Make Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Cook the Sausage
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking these scrumptious rolls. While the oven warms up, cook the sausage in a skillet until it’s fully browned and crumbly—this ensures every bite has that perfect savory goodness without any raw bits.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a bowl, combine the warm sausage with softened cream cheese, well-drained Rotel tomatoes, and your chopped herbs if you’re using them. This mixture should be creamy with a pop of spice and freshness. Stir it well to make sure every part is evenly coated, which will keep every roll bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Dough
Unroll the crescent roll dough on a clean surface. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice each triangle lengthwise down the middle, creating long, skinny triangles. This little trick helps you get more rolls out of your dough, making this recipe stretch further for sharing or snacking.
Step 4: Fill and Roll
Using a small cookie scoop or a generous teaspoon, dollop the sausage mixture onto the wide base of each triangle. Be careful not to overfill. Then, roll them up tightly but gently, starting from the wide end moving toward the pointed tip. This way, your filling stays tucked neatly inside as the dough bakes to beautiful golden perfection.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the filled rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them a bit of space to puff up without sticking. Bake for about 15 minutes or until they’re nicely browned and the filling is hot and bubbly. The aroma will fill your kitchen with a welcoming scent that’s hard to resist!
How to Serve Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like additional parsley or cilantro sprinkled on top add not only color but also fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. A light drizzle of a tangy dipping sauce such as salsa or a creamy ranch can also elevate these rolls to something truly special.
Side Dishes
Pair these crescent rolls with crisp garden salads or roasted veggies for a more balanced meal. They also work as fantastic finger food alongside classic BBQ sides like coleslaw and baked beans, making them versatile for any occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these rolls in a circle on a platter with a bowl of your favorite dip in the center for a stunning appetizer display. You can also skewer them individually with colorful toothpicks or serve them with mini flags for fun party bites. Presentation can turn this simple recipe into a star of your snack table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe bites, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick snacks or lunches the next day.
Freezing
These crescent rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and slightly crisp. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain that lovely flaky texture.
FAQs
Can I use spicy sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using spicy sausage adds an extra kick that pairs perfectly with the mild cream cheese and zesty Rotel. Just be mindful to balance the heat based on your preference.
Do I need to drain the Rotel completely?
Yes, draining the Rotel really well is key to preventing your crescent rolls from becoming soggy. Pat it dry with paper towels if needed to remove excess moisture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian option, swap out sausage for cooked diced mushrooms or plant-based meat crumbles. The cream cheese and Rotel still give plenty of flavor and texture.
Is it okay to prepare the filling in advance?
Definitely! You can mix the filling a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just bring it to room temperature before filling the crescent rolls for easier rolling.
What’s the best way to serve these at a party?
Serve them warm with a variety of dipping sauces alongside for guests to customize their bites. They’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and exciting about the Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe that keeps me coming back for more. Once you try these flaky, creamy, and flavorful bites, I promise they will become a staple in your recipe box too. Perfect for any occasion, these rolls prove that simple ingredients can create something truly memorable. Give them a go—you won’t regret it!
Print
Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are a savory and flavorful appetizer perfect for parties or snacks. Combining seasoned cooked sausage, creamy cheese, and zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies wrapped in flaky crescent rolls, they bake to golden perfection in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound plain sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 10-ounce can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained very well
- 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped (optional)
- 1–2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 tubes crescent rolls, cut each triangle up the middle the long way
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the crescent rolls.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked and crumbled sausage, softened cream cheese, well-drained Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, and the optional chopped parsley and cilantro. Mix until well combined and set aside.
- Cut Crescent Rolls: Unroll the crescent roll dough and, using a pizza cutter, slice each triangle in half lengthwise to create long, skinny triangles for rolling.
- Fill and Roll: Using a small cookie scoop or a heaping teaspoon, place the sausage mixture onto the base of each crescent triangle and carefully roll it up, ensuring the filling is enclosed.
- Bake: Place the filled crescent rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the filling is heated through.
Notes
- Ensure the Rotel tomatoes are well drained to avoid soggy crescent rolls.
- You can use any type of plain sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken) according to preference.
- The optional herbs parsley and cilantro add fresh flavor but can be omitted.
- Serve warm for best taste and texture.
- These rolls freeze well; cool completely before freezing and reheat in the oven.
