Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls

These Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are an easy, cheesy appetizer or breakfast treat made with savory sausage, creamy cheese, and flaky crescent dough. They’re quick to prepare, delicious served warm, and perfect for parties, brunch, holidays, or busy mornings.

Ingredients

• 1 pound breakfast sausage
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cans (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional

For the Top

• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

2. Cook the Sausage

Place a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the breakfast sausage and cook for approximately 7–9 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.

Continue cooking until the sausage is completely browned and no longer pink.

Drain off any excess grease.

Allow the sausage to cool for a few minutes.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling

Place the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl.

Add:

• Cooked sausage
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Fresh parsley, if using

Mix everything together until evenly combined.

For easier mixing, make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature.

4. Prepare the Crescent Dough

Open the crescent roll cans and carefully unroll the dough.

Separate the dough into the individual triangles along the perforated lines.

Place each triangle on a clean work surface.

If the triangles are very narrow, you can gently stretch them slightly to create more room for the filling.

5. Add the Filling

Place approximately 1–1½ tablespoons of the sausage and cream cheese mixture near the wide end of each crescent triangle.

Don’t overfill the dough because the filling can leak out during baking.

6. Roll the Crescent Rolls

Starting at the wide end, roll each triangle toward the pointed tip.

Gently tuck the filling inside as you roll.

Place each roll on the prepared baking sheet with the pointed tip positioned underneath. This helps keep the rolls from unrolling while they bake.

Leave about 1–2 inches of space between each roll.

7. Add the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the garlic powder.

Brush a light layer of garlic butter over each crescent roll.

For extra cheesy flavor, sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese over the tops.

8. Bake

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 12–16 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are:

• Golden brown
• Flaky
• Fully cooked
• Slightly crisp around the edges

If your rolls are larger or heavily filled, they may require a few additional minutes.

9. Cool Slightly

Remove the rolls from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes.

The filling will be extremely hot immediately after baking, so allowing them to cool slightly also helps the cream cheese filling set.

Serve warm.

Tips for Perfect Crescent Rolls

Soften the cream cheese: Room-temperature cream cheese blends much more easily with the sausage.

Don’t overfill: Too much filling can cause the rolls to burst or leak.

Drain the sausage well: Excess grease can make the crescent dough soggy.

Use freshly shredded cheese: It melts especially well and gives the filling a smoother texture.

For extra crispiness: Bake the rolls on a preheated baking sheet.

Delicious Variations

Spicy Sausage Rolls

Use hot breakfast sausage and add ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.

Bacon Sausage Rolls

Add ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon to the filling.

Three-Cheese Version

Use a mixture of cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack.

Sausage & Pepper Rolls

Add finely diced sautéed bell peppers and onions to the filling.

Everything Bagel Style

Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the tops before baking.

Air Fryer Method

These can also be prepared in an air fryer.

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Arrange the uncooked rolls in a single layer.
3. Lightly brush with garlic butter.
4. Air fry for 8–11 minutes, checking around the 8-minute mark.
5. Cook until golden brown and the dough is completely baked.

Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary.

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can assemble the rolls several hours ahead of time.

Place the uncooked rolls on a parchment-lined tray, cover them tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

When you’re ready, brush them with the garlic butter and bake as directed. You may need to add 1–3 minutes to the baking time if they’re very cold.

Storage

Store leftover sausage cream cheese crescent rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through. This helps restore the flaky texture better than microwaving.