If you are looking for a truly irresistible appetizer that combines savory, creamy, and sweet flavors in one bite, the Glazed Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, flaky crescent rolls wrapped around a flavorful blend of savory sausage and smooth cream cheese, all topped with a luscious poppy seed glaze that adds a hint of sweetness and tang. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, brunches, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something comforting and impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony of each ingredient. Every component plays a vital role in creating the texture, flavor, and visual appeal that make these crescents such a standout treat.
- Breakfast sausage (1 lb): Cooked and crumbled for a perfectly seasoned, meaty filling that packs a punch of savory goodness.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Adds a rich, creamy texture that balances the hearty sausage with smoothness.
- Refrigerated crescent rolls (2 cans, 8 oz each): The buttery, flaky dough wraps everything up into delightful little pockets.
- Butter (½ cup): Forms the rich base for the glaze, ensuring your crescents turn golden and glossy.
- Brown sugar (2 Tbsp): Sweetens the glaze with a deep molasses flavor that complements the sausage’s savory tone.
- Dijon mustard (1 Tbsp): Adds a subtle tang that brightens the glaze and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 Tbsp): Contributes a complex umami flavor that ties the glaze ingredients together beautifully.
- Poppy seeds (1 Tbsp): Give a delightful crunch and a visual pop that makes every bite as fun as it is tasty.
How to Make Glazed Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your oven and baking dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 375ºF. While you wait, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spray it generously with cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and ensures your crescents bake evenly with a beautiful golden crust.
Step 2: Cook and crumble the sausage
In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, cook your breakfast sausage until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked through. Use a spatula or spoon to crumble it as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat to keep the filling flavorful but not greasy.
Step 3: Mix the sausage with cream cheese
Take the softened cream cheese and combine it with the warm, crumbled sausage. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and the sausage is evenly distributed. This blend will create that creamy, savory center that everyone will adore.
Step 4: Assemble the crescents
Open your refrigerated crescent rolls and separate each can into its original triangles. Now, cut each triangle in half lengthwise again—think of creating smaller triangles for perfectly bite-sized crescents. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, place a dollop of the sausage and cream cheese filling onto the wide end of each triangle. Then, tightly roll them up toward the tip and place them seam-side down in your prepared baking dish.
Step 5: Make the poppy seed glaze
In a small saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and poppy seeds. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it comes to a gentle boil, stirring constantly to meld the ingredients into a shiny, aromatic glaze.
Step 6: Glaze and bake
Generously pour the warm glaze over your arranged crescents in the baking dish, ensuring each piece gets a good coating. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the crescents have puffed up and turned a gorgeous golden brown.
How to Serve Glazed Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe
Garnishes
Once baked, garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or parsley for a pop of fresh green color and a subtle herbaceous note. These small touches elevate the dish visually and add a hint of brightness to each bite.
Side Dishes
These crescents pair beautifully with light, fresh sides such as a crisp garden salad or some sliced fruit like melon or berries to balance the richness. They also shine alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup or a creamy coleslaw for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve your Glazed Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe on a large platter lined with lettuce leaves. Arrange them in neat rows or circles, and provide small dipping sauces like honey mustard or a tangy marinara for extra flavor options. Another fun idea is to pop a toothpick in each crescent for easy grabbing and eating during a casual gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crescents taste great when cold or reheated, making them a perfect snack or quick breakfast the next day.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, assemble the crescents but hold off on baking. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. When ready, bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your stored crescents in a 350ºF oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the glaze is back to its shiny glory. Avoid microwaving to keep the crescent dough flaky and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use another type of sausage?
Absolutely! While breakfast sausage is classic here, you can swap for spicy Italian sausage or even turkey sausage for a leaner option. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and crumbled before mixing.
Is it okay to use low-fat cream cheese?
You can use low-fat cream cheese, but keep in mind that full-fat cream cheese provides a richer and creamier texture that really elevates the filling.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free crescent roll dough available at some specialty stores or bake your own gluten-free dough to wrap around the filling.
What if I don’t have poppy seeds?
While poppy seeds add great texture and visual interest, you can leave them out or substitute with sesame seeds for a slightly different but equally tasty effect.
How long do these crescents stay fresh at room temperature?
Since they contain cream cheese and sausage, keep them at room temperature for no more than two hours. For safety and best flavor, refrigerate leftovers promptly.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say that the Glazed Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe is a game-changer. The combination of flaky dough, savory sausage, creamy cheese, and that irresistible glaze will have your family and friends asking for seconds and the recipe itself. It’s a simple, yet impressive dish that you can whip up any time you want a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Glazed Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 32 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Glazed Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents are a savory and slightly sweet appetizer perfect for brunches or gatherings. Made with seasoned breakfast sausage, creamy softened cream cheese, and flaky crescent rolls, topped with a buttery brown sugar glaze infused with Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce, then baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Sausage Filling
- 1 (1-lb) roll breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 (8-oz) cream cheese, softened
Crescents
- 2 (8-oz) cans refrigerated crescent rolls
Glaze
- ½ cup butter
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp poppy seeds
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sausage: In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it is browned, crumbled, and no longer pink. Drain excess fat from the skillet to avoid greasiness.
- Mix Filling: Transfer the cooked sausage to a bowl and mix it well with softened cream cheese until fully combined. Set aside.
- Prepare Crescents: Separate the refrigerated crescent rolls into triangles and cut each triangle in half lengthwise, making two smaller triangles per original piece. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, place a portion of the sausage and cream cheese filling onto the wide end of each crescent piece. Roll each crescent up from the wide end towards the point and place seam side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Make Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and poppy seeds. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently to blend the ingredients and dissolve the sugar.
- Glaze Crescents: Pour the hot glaze evenly over the crescent rolls in the baking dish, ensuring each roll gets some of the delicious topping.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are puffed and golden brown on top.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing with the sausage.
- Adjust the brown sugar in the glaze for a sweeter or less sweet finish according to taste.
- Serve these warm for best flavor and texture.
- Can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking straight from the fridge.
