Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents
Looking for a delicious and easy appetizer that will have everyone coming back for more? Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents are the perfect solution. These bite-sized delights combine savory sausage, creamy cheese, and the zesty kick of Rotel tomatoes, all wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough. Ideal for parties, game days, or a tasty snack, these crescents are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients for Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents
To make these flavorful crescents, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:
- Crescent Roll Dough: Store-bought dough is convenient and works perfectly.
- Sausage Options: Pork sausage is traditional, but you can use turkey or chicken sausage as well.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat or light cream cheese both work great.
- Rotel Tomatoes: A can of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies adds the perfect zing.
Preparing the Ingredients
Start by cooking the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, softened cream cheese, and drained Rotel tomatoes. Mix until well combined and creamy.
Assembling the Crescents
Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Place a spoonful of the sausage mixture onto the wide end of each triangle. Roll the dough up, starting from the wide end, and tuck the ends to seal the filling inside. Ensure the filling is evenly distributed in each crescent.
Baking the Crescents
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the filled crescents on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crescents are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
Serving Suggestions
These crescents are delicious on their own, but you can elevate the experience with some dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or a spicy cheese dip. They pair well with other appetizers like veggie trays, chips and salsa, or a charcuterie board.
Variations and Add-Ins
Get creative with your crescents by adding:
- Vegetables: Finely chopped bell peppers or onions add extra flavor and crunch.
- Different Cheese Options: Try adding shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese to the filling.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the filling for an extra kick.
Tips for Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the crescents soggy.
Making Ahead and Freezing
These crescents can be made ahead and frozen for convenience:
- Preparing in Advance: Assemble the crescents as directed, but do not bake. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months.
- Freezing Instructions: When ready to bake, place the frozen crescents on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
Healthier Alternatives
For a lighter version:
- Using Turkey Sausage: Substitute pork sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Light Cream Cheese Options: Use reduced-fat or light cream cheese to cut down on calories.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ensure your crescents turn out perfect by avoiding these mistakes:
- Overfilling Crescents: Too much filling can cause the crescents to burst open during baking. Stick to a spoonful of filling per crescent.
- Undercooking Issues: Make sure the crescents are baked until golden brown to ensure the dough is fully cooked.
FAQs About Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents
Q1: Can I use homemade crescent dough? Yes, homemade dough works great and adds a personal touch. Just ensure it’s rolled out thinly.
Q2: What if I can’t find Rotel tomatoes? You can use regular diced tomatoes and add a small can of diced green chilies.
Q3: Can these be made ahead for a party? Absolutely! Assemble them a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Q4: Can I add other spices to the filling? Yes, feel free to add spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Q5: How do I prevent the filling from leaking out? Ensure you roll the dough tightly and seal the edges well. Pinching the seams can help prevent leaks.
Conclusion
Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents are a simple yet flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. With a few basic ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a batch of these delicious crescents that are sure to impress your guests. Try making them for your next gathering, and watch them disappear in no time!
5 Unique FAQs After the Conclusion
Q1: Can I use spicy sausage for an extra kick? Yes, spicy sausage adds a great heat to the crescents. Adjust the amount of Rotel tomatoes to balance the spice.
Q2: Are there vegetarian alternatives? Absolutely. Use a vegetarian sausage substitute and mix with the cream cheese and Rotel.
Q3: Can I use a different type of dough? Puff pastry or phyllo dough can be used for a different texture and flavor.
Q4: How can I make these gluten-free? Use gluten-free crescent roll dough and check that your sausage and other ingredients are gluten-free.
Q5: Can I serve these at room temperature? Yes, they taste great at room temperature, making them ideal for parties and gatherings.
Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents
Looking for a delicious and easy appetizer that will have everyone coming back for more? Rotel Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescents are the perfect solution. These bite-sized delights combine savory sausage, creamy cheese, and the zesty kick of Rotel tomatoes, all wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough. Ideal for parties, game days, or a tasty snack, these crescents are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. breakfast sausage adequately cooked and crumbled
- 8 oz. cream cheese brought to room temperature
- 10 oz. can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies ensuring it’s thoroughly drained
- 2 cans 8 oz. each of refrigerated crescent rolls
Instructions
Preparation of Oven: Commence by setting the oven to preheat at a temperature of 375ºF. Ensure even heat distribution for optimal baking.
Mixing of Ingredients: In a sufficiently large mixing bowl, meticulously combine the pre-cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage, room temperature cream cheese, and the well-drained Rotel tomatoes and green chilies. It is imperative to achieve a uniform mixture.
Preparation of Crescent Rolls: Carefully unroll the crescent rolls. With precision, bisect each triangle in half along its length, resulting in two elongated triangles.
Filling: Employing a small cookie scoop or a precise tablespoon measurement, place an adequate quantity of the earlier prepared sausage mixture on the broader end of each triangle. Subsequently, roll the dough towards its pointed terminus, ensuring the filling remains encased.
Baking: Arrange the filled crescents on a baking sheet, taking care to space them evenly. Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes. The crescents should attain a golden-brown coloration indicative of their readiness. Once achieved, remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.