If you are searching for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a cozy snack that bursts with flavor, the Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe is your next kitchen triumph. This dish perfectly blends savory sausage, creamy tangy cheese, and the vibrant kick of Rotel tomatoes into golden, flaky crescent rolls that melt in your mouth. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving an indulgent treat, these rolls deliver comfort and excitement in each bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each bringing something special to create a harmony of textures and tastes. From the rich cream cheese that adds creaminess, to the spicy Rotel that provides a lively punch, every component is key to achieving that irresistible flavor you’ll love.
- 1 pound plain sausage, cooked and crumbled: Provides savory depth and a meaty base that holds the filling together beautifully.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Adds creamy richness and smooth texture that balances out the spices.
- 10-ounce can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained very well: Offers a flavorful, mildly spicy burst that brightens the filling.
- 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped (optional): Brings fresh herbal notes and vibrant color.
- 1-2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped (optional): Adds a fragrant, zesty twist that complements the savory sausage.
- 2 tubes of crescent rolls, cut each triangle up the middle the long way: Delivers buttery, flaky layers that wrap all the flavors into a perfect handheld bite.
How to Make Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Filling
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s nice and hot for baking those golden rolls. Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, combine your cooked and crumbled sausage with the softened cream cheese and the well-drained Rotel tomatoes. If you love a fresh herb uplift, stir in the finely chopped parsley and cilantro here. This mixture is creamy, spicy, and packed with flavor — a perfect filling base.
Step 2: Cut the Crescent Roll Triangles
Unroll the crescent dough tubes gently on a clean surface. Using a sharp pizza cutter or knife, slice each triangle in half lengthwise to create unusually long and skinny pieces. This shape allows you to hold just the right amount of filling and makes rolling up the dough a breeze.
Step 3: Fill and Roll the Crescent Wraps
Using a small cookie scoop or a heaping teaspoon, drop the sausage mixture onto the wider base of each skinny crescent triangle. Then, carefully roll the dough from the base toward the point, creating a neat little cylinder stuffed with that flavorful filling. It’s a fun step that definitely gets easier with practice!
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place each roll on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure to leave a bit of space between them as they puff up. Slide the sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. You will know they are done when the crescent rolls turn a beautiful golden brown and the filling is bubbly and hot.
How to Serve Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe, sprinkle a little fresh parsley or cilantro over the top just before serving for a pop of color and freshness that contrasts nicely with the warm, cheesy interior.
Side Dishes
Pair these crescent rolls with a crisp green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette or a cooling cucumber yogurt dip. The freshness from the sides perfectly balances the richness and spice from the rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or gathering, arrange the rolls on a large platter, garnishing with extra herbs and small bowls of salsa, sour cream, or guacamole. You can even skewer them individually with toothpicks for a fun finger-food presentation that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making for an easy snack or quick meal the next day.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, you can freeze the unbaked crescent rolls wrapped with the filling in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for a freshly baked treat anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your rolls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the rolls soggy and less appealing.
FAQs
Can I use spicy sausage in the Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! Using spicy sausage can add an extra kick to the recipe, which pairs wonderfully with the creamy cheese and Rotel. Just adjust the herbs and sides to balance the heat to your liking.
What can I substitute for Rotel if I don’t have it?
You can use canned diced tomatoes mixed with a small amount of chopped green chilies or jalapeños for that signature tang and spice. Just make sure to drain the tomatoes well to avoid soggy filling.
Is it necessary to drain the Rotel tomatoes?
Yes, it’s very important to drain the Rotel well to prevent excess liquid from making the crescent rolls soggy. Patting it dry ensures the filling stays thick and holds together during baking.
Can I prepare the filling the day before?
Definitely! Preparing the filling a day in advance allows the flavors to meld and actually improves the taste. Just keep it covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to fill the crescent dough.
How do I make sure the crescent rolls bake evenly?
Make sure to space the rolls evenly on your baking sheet and use parchment paper to prevent sticking. Also, slice the dough triangles consistently to ensure uniform cooking. Keeping the oven at the right temperature is crucial for that perfect golden crust.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got this amazing Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe in your culinary arsenal, get ready to impress friends and family with a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. These rolls are quick to make, easy to customize, and truly satisfying, making them an instant favorite. So, roll up your sleeves and dive into this flavor-packed adventure—you won’t regret a single bite!
Print
Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are savory, creamy, and perfectly spiced bites that combine cooked sausage, tangy Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, and smooth cream cheese wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough. They’re quick to prepare, baked until golden brown, making them an ideal appetizer or snack for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
Filling
- 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)
Dough
- 2 tubes of crescent rolls, cut each triangle up the middle the long way
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the crescent rolls.
- Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked and crumbled sausage, softened cream cheese, and drained Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir in the chopped parsley and cilantro if using. Mix well and set aside.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the crescent rolls on a flat surface. Using a pizza cutter, cut each crescent roll triangle in half lengthwise to create two narrow, long triangles.
- Assemble Rolls: Using a small cookie scoop or heaping teaspoon, place a scoop of the sausage mixture at the base of each crescent dough triangle. Carefully roll the dough from the wide end towards the point, enclosing the filling.
- Bake: Place the rolled crescent rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the rolls are browned and cooked through.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the Rotel tomatoes very well to avoid soggy rolls.
- Softening the cream cheese beforehand helps it blend smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Chopping fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro adds fresh flavor but is optional.
- Use a pizza cutter for clean, even cuts of the crescent dough.
- Serve warm for best taste and texture.
