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Sausage Rotel and Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are the perfect little bites for any party table or family movie night. I turn to them whenever I need something warm easy and especially crowd pleasing. Creamy savory filling all bundled in flaky pastry these rolls disappear fast.
My favorite part is how everyone from my picky eater nephew to my most adventurous friends loves these. I first made a big batch for a game night and now the recipe is my go to for quick comfort food.
Ingredients
- Plain sausage: brings the heartiness and savoriness to the rolls look for good quality well seasoned sausage with little extra fat
- Cream cheese: gives the filling that creamy dreamy texture be sure it is softened for easier mixing
- Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies: add a tangy fresh pop and a kick make sure you drain them extra well so the filling stays thick
- Parsley and cilantro: optional herbs that freshen up every bite choose bright green bunches for flavor
- Crescent rolls: provide a buttery soft shell stick with name brands for best texture and easy handling
- Shredded cheese (optional): I sometimes toss in a handful if I want a gooey center
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook and Crumble the Sausage:
- Brown the sausage over medium heat until no pink remains breaking it into small bits as it cooks let it cool a few minutes so the heat does not melt the cream cheese too soon
- Mix the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl stir together the cream cheese sausage drained Rotel and chopped herbs if you use them mix until everything is evenly distributed taste for seasoning
- Prepare the Crescent Dough:
- Unroll the crescent dough tubes onto your work surface and gently press seams closed use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut each classic triangle down the long center making two skinnier pieces this gives you minis
- Fill and Roll:
- Scoop a heaping teaspoon of filling near the wider end of each dough triangle roll up towards the narrow tip pinching any openings if needed
- Bake to Golden Perfection:
- Arrange the rolls on a parchment lined baking sheet point side tucked underneath bake at 375 F until the tops are golden and the dough is cooked through about 15 minutes check the bottoms for a toasted finish
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My personal favorite is the Rotel because each bite gets that little spicy juicy burst I remember my sister sneaking the last ones always a sign your recipe is a hit
Storage Tips
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the fridge and they stay soft for up to three days. To bring them back to fresh reheat in a 350 F oven for five to seven minutes instead of microwaving which can turn the pastry soggy. For longer storage you can freeze the unbaked filled rolls and bake right from frozen with just a few extra minutes on the timer.
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Ingredient Substitutions
If sausage is not your thing try ground turkey or a quality plant based sausage. If you cannot find Rotel use any diced tomatoes and add chopped fresh jalapeño or mild canned green chilies. Low fat cream cheese works but expect a slightly less rich filling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these rolls with a cool dipping sauce like ranch or chipotle mayo. For brunch inspiration pair with a fruit salad or scrambled eggs. For parties I like piling them up on a platter with extra fresh herbs sprinkled over the top.
Cultural and Historical Context
Crescent roll appetizers have roots in classic American cookbook traditions. These quick bake roll ups show up at gatherings from church suppers to Sunday football spreads. Using pre made dough became wildly popular midcentury and now it is a nostalgic shortcut that everyone appreciates.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can substitute with spicy, sweet, or even turkey sausage to tailor the flavor to your preference.
- → Should the Rotel be drained before mixing?
Absolutely. Thoroughly draining the Rotel ensures the filling stays creamy and prevents sogginess in the crescents.
- → Are the herbs necessary for flavor?
Parsley and cilantro add freshness but are optional. The rolls will still be delicious without them.
- → Can shredded cheese be added?
Mixing in some shredded cheese is a great way to add richness and extra flavor to the filling.
- → How do I keep the crescents from unrolling during baking?
Roll the dough snugly and place the seam side down on the baking sheet to help them hold their shape.