Sausage Cheddar Crescent Rolls

These golden, flaky crescent rolls stuffed with creamy sausage and melted cheese have become my go to recipe for weekend mornings and holiday brunches. The combination of savory breakfast sausage, rich cream cheese, and sharp cheddar wrapped in buttery pastry creates a handheld breakfast that satisfies even the heartiest appetites.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic Christmas morning when I needed something special but manageable. Now my family requests these every holiday, and I've learned they freeze beautifully for busy weekday mornings when we want something more exciting than cereal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound breakfast sausage: Choose a quality brand with good fat content for the best flavor and texture
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar provides the perfect tangy contrast to the rich sausage
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Make sure it's truly soft for easy mixing and smooth texture
• 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough: The flaky layers create the perfect wrapper for this hearty filling
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted: Brushing the tops creates that beautiful golden finish
• 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds subtle depth without overwhelming the sausage flavor
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: optional but adds a lovely fresh color contrast

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Kitchen:

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This temperature ensures the pastry cooks through while achieving that perfect golden color, and parchment prevents sticking while making cleanup effortless.

Cook the Sausage Base:

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage for 8 to 10 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it browns. You want every piece evenly cooked and beautifully browned, as this creates the flavor foundation for your entire filling.

Create the Creamy Mixture:

Drain any excess grease from the pan, then add the softened cream cheese directly to the hot sausage. Stir continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until the cream cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy base that coats every bit of sausage.

Add the Cheddar:

Remove the skillet from heat and immediately stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly, creating a rich, cohesive filling that holds together beautifully when wrapped in pastry.

Prepare the Pastry:

Unroll both cans of crescent dough and carefully separate into individual triangles. Work gently to avoid tearing the delicate pastry, and arrange them on your work surface with the wide ends facing you for easy filling.

Fill and Roll:

Place about 2 tablespoons of the sausage mixture onto the wide end of each triangle, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from the wide end, roll each triangle tightly but gently, ensuring the seam is on the bottom to prevent unrolling during baking.

Final Touches:

Arrange the rolled crescents on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Brush each top with melted butter and sprinkle lightly with garlic powder for that extra layer of flavor and beautiful golden finish.

Bake to Perfection:

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the crescents are deeply golden brown and sound hollow when gently tapped. Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving, as the filling will be extremely hot and needs time to set slightly.

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Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These crescent rolls are best enjoyed warm from the oven, but they reheat beautifully in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. For busy mornings, prepare the sausage filling up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate in a covered container. You can even assemble the entire rolls the night before, cover with plastic wrap, and bake fresh in the morning, adding 2 to 3 extra minutes to the baking time.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations. Monterey Jack creates a milder flavor, while pepper jack adds a nice kick. For a lighter version, substitute turkey breakfast sausage and use reduced fat cream cheese. Some families love adding finely diced bell peppers or green onions to the filling for extra texture and flavor. If you're feeding someone who doesn't eat pork, chicken breakfast sausage works wonderfully too.

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Serving Suggestions

These crescent rolls shine as part of a larger brunch spread alongside fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, and crispy hash browns. They're substantial enough to serve as a complete breakfast with just a side of fresh berries or a simple green salad. For holiday mornings, I love arranging them on a platter with small bowls of hot sauce and maple syrup for dipping, letting everyone customize their experience.

The Perfect Brunch Addition

What makes these rolls truly special is their versatility and crowd pleasing nature. Whether you're hosting a holiday brunch, need something portable for a breakfast potluck, or want to elevate a regular weekend morning, these deliver restaurant quality results with minimal effort. The combination of flaky pastry and creamy, savory filling creates a satisfying bite that feels both indulgent and comforting.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sausage filling the night before and refrigerate it. Assemble and bake the rolls fresh in the morning.

→ What cheese works best in this dish?

Shredded cheddar cheese is ideal for its bold flavor and melting quality, but you can also try mozzarella or pepper jack for variety.

→ Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Absolutely. Diced bell peppers, onions, or even spinach make great additions to the sausage mixture for added flavor and texture.

→ How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?

Be sure to drain any excess grease from the sausage before mixing with cream cheese to keep the dough crisp while baking.

→ What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore the crisp texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.