Sausage Cheddar Crescent Rolls

These sausage cheddar crescent rolls combine creamy textures and bold breakfast flavors in a golden, flaky pastry. Filled with a rich mix of cooked sausage, melted cream cheese, and shredded cheddar, each roll delivers satisfying warmth. A light brush of butter and a hint of garlic enhance the savory crust. Perfect for brunch spreads or quick morning bites, they can also be prepped ahead for convenience. Serve warm, optionally garnished with parsley, for a delicious start to any day.

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 have 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 is 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

Instructions

Prepare Your Kitchen:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit 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.

My favorite part of this recipe is the creamy sausage and cheese filling which feels indulgent but never heavy. One holiday season I made these for a big family gathering and watching everyone dive in made me realize this simple recipe really brings people together. The flaky crescent rolls with that melty filling create a comforting start to any day.

Storage tips

These crescent rolls are best enjoyed warm from the oven but they reheat beautifully in a 350 degrees Fahrenheit 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 a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Ingredient substitutions

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 are feeding someone who does not eat pork chicken breakfast sausage works wonderfully too.

Serving suggestions

These crescent rolls shine as part of a larger brunch spread alongside fresh fruit scrambled eggs and crispy hash browns. They are 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.

Warm and cheesy, these crescent rolls are an easy crowd pleaser that also freeze well for speedy breakfasts. Serve warm and enjoy.

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ Can these crescent rolls be made ahead?

Yes, the sausage filling can be prepared the night before and refrigerated. Assemble and bake the rolls fresh in the morning for best results.

→ What cheese works best in this dish?

Shredded sharp cheddar provides bold flavor and melts well, but mozzarella or pepper jack can be used for different tastes.

→ Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach are excellent additions that add flavor and texture to the sausage mixture.

→ How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?

Drain excess grease from the cooked sausage before mixing with cream cheese to keep the pastry crisp after baking.

→ What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy texture.