Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls

The irresistible aroma of buttery Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls wafting through your kitchen will have everyone gathering around before you can even call them to the table. These savory, creamy bundles combine the perfect balance of spicy sausage, tangy Rotel tomatoes, and rich cream cheese all wrapped in flaky, golden crescent dough. Whether you’re hosting game day, planning a casual brunch, or simply craving a satisfying appetizer, these flavor-packed rolls deliver every time. You’ll learn how to create these crowd-pleasing treats with simple ingredients and foolproof techniques that guarantee delicious results.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are about to become your new go-to recipe for several compelling reasons. First, they strike that perfect balance between crispy exterior and creamy, savory filling that makes each bite absolutely irresistible. The contrast between the flaky crescent dough and the rich, spicy filling creates a textural masterpiece that keeps you coming back for more.

What truly sets these rolls apart is their versatility. They’re equally at home as party appetizers, quick weeknight dinners, or part of a weekend brunch spread. The combination of zesty sausage with the slight kick from Rotel and the cooling creaminess of cream cheese creates a flavor profile that appeals to almost everyone.

Perhaps best of all, these impressive little bundles require minimal effort. With just a handful of ingredients and about 30 minutes of your time, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen. The semi-homemade approach gives you gourmet results without the fuss – perfect for both kitchen novices and seasoned cooks alike.

Ingredients

To make these delicious Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls, you’ll need:

• 1 pound (450g) ground breakfast sausage (mild or hot, depending on preference)
• 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 can (10 oz/283g) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained well
• 2 tubes (8 oz/226g each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
• ½ cup (50g) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)

The sausage forms the savory foundation of these rolls, while the cream cheese provides that luxurious, creamy texture that balances the spice from the Rotel tomatoes perfectly. Make sure to drain the Rotel thoroughly to prevent soggy rolls. The crescent dough creates that irresistible flaky exterior that makes these sausage cream cheese rolls so addictive.

Pro Tips

Master the Filling Consistency: The key to perfect Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls lies in the filling consistency. After cooking your sausage, be sure to drain it thoroughly on paper towels to remove excess grease. This prevents your crescent rolls from becoming soggy. When mixing in the cream cheese, do so while the sausage is still warm (but not hot) to help it melt and incorporate smoothly. However, allow this mixture to cool for about 10 minutes before filling your crescents – this prevents the dough from becoming soft and difficult to handle.

Perfect Draining Technique: Properly draining the Rotel tomatoes is crucial for texture success. Place the tomatoes in a fine-mesh strainer and press gently with a spoon to release excess liquid. For extra insurance against soggy rolls, you can even pat the drained tomatoes with paper towels. This extra step makes a remarkable difference in the final texture of your rolls.

Sealing and Shaping Strategy: When working with the crescent dough, keep it refrigerated until ready to use. For easier handling, lightly flour your work surface. When filling, place a heaping tablespoon of filling at the wide end of each triangle, leaving a small border around the edges. As you roll up each crescent, pinch the sides and tips firmly to seal. This prevents the filling from leaking during baking and ensures each bite contains the perfect amount of that delicious sausage, Rotel and cream cheese filling.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground sausage and break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Brown the meat thoroughly, about 8-10 minutes, until no pink remains. Drain off the excess grease by transferring the cooked sausage to a paper towel-lined plate. Return the sausage to the skillet and reduce heat to low.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Mixture

Add the softened cream cheese to the warm sausage. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and incorporates with the sausage. The mixture should be smooth and well-combined. Next, add the well-drained Rotel tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly and remove from heat. If using shredded cheese, fold it in now while the mixture is still warm. Allow the filling to cool for about 10 minutes before handling.

Step 3: Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a lightly floured surface and separate into triangles along the perforations. For extra stability, you can press together any tears that form in the dough.

Step 4: Fill and Shape

Place approximately 1-2 tablespoons of the sausage, Rotel and cream cheese mixture on the wide end of each crescent triangle, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully roll the dough from the wide end toward the pointed end, gently tucking in any filling that tries to escape. Place each roll on the prepared baking sheet, making sure the pointed end is tucked underneath to prevent unraveling during baking. Leave about 2 inches between rolls to allow for expansion.

Step 5: Finish and Bake

Brush each roll with beaten egg wash for a golden, shiny finish. For extra flavor, you can sprinkle a small amount of everything bagel seasoning or dried herbs on top. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed up and golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when the dough is no longer doughy in the center. Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter for that extra touch of richness. Allow the Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls to cool for 5 minutes before serving to let the filling set slightly.

Variations

Breakfast Variation: Transform these Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls into a morning treat by using maple-flavored breakfast sausage and adding a handful of scrambled eggs to the filling mixture. Top with a drizzle of maple syrup just before serving for a sweet and savory breakfast option that will start any day off right. This variation works beautifully for holiday breakfast gatherings or weekend brunches.

Mediterranean Twist: For a Mediterranean-inspired version, swap the breakfast sausage for Italian sausage and add ¼ cup of chopped black olives, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, and ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese instead of cheddar. The tangy feta pairs wonderfully with the spicy Rotel tomatoes, creating a flavor profile reminiscent of Greek cuisine. Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping.

Vegetarian Option: Create a meat-free version by replacing the sausage with a 16 oz package of plant-based ground meat alternative or 2 cups of finely chopped mushrooms sautéed with 1 diced bell pepper. The mushrooms provide a similar texture and umami flavor that complements the cream cheese and Rotel beautifully. This variation satisfies vegetarian guests while maintaining all the savory appeal of the original sausage and cream cheese crescent rolls.

Storage and Serving

These Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but they store surprisingly well. Once completely cooled, place leftover rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or use an air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore their crispy exterior. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the crescent dough soggy.

For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the rolls completely, freeze them unbaked on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the original baking time.

Serve these flavorful rolls alongside a crisp green salad for a light dinner, or present them as part of a game day spread with various dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or marinara. For an elegant brunch presentation, arrange the Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls on a wooden board with fresh fruit and a side of breakfast potatoes.

FAQs

Can I make these crescent rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. For fully assembled but unbaked rolls, you can refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 2-3 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Why is my filling leaking out during baking?
This typically happens if the rolls aren’t sealed properly or if they’re overfilled. Make sure to pinch all edges firmly and avoid adding more than 1-2 tablespoons of filling per roll. Also, ensure your filling has cooled sufficiently before assembling.

Can I use a different type of canned dough?
Yes! While crescent rolls provide that classic flaky texture, you can substitute refrigerated biscuit dough (flattened into circles), puff pastry, or even pizza dough. Each will provide a different texture but work well with the sausage, Rotel and cream cheese filling.

Is there a way to make these less spicy?
Certainly! Use mild sausage and substitute regular diced tomatoes for the Rotel, then add a small amount of diced green bell pepper for a similar texture without the heat. You can also use a combination of original Rotel and plain diced tomatoes to reduce the spice level.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Definitely! Finely chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms make excellent additions. Just be sure to sauté them first to remove excess moisture and chop them small enough to incorporate well into the filling.

Conclusion

These Sausage, Rotel & Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls are comfort food at its finest — portable, flavor-packed bundles that combine creamy, spicy, and flaky textures in every bite. They’re the perfect balance of convenience and homemade goodness, requiring minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor impact. It’s the kind of dish that transforms ordinary gatherings into memorable occasions, whether you’re hosting game day festivities, serving up weekend brunch, or simply treating your family to a special appetizer. With their irresistible appeal and versatility, these savory rolls are guaranteed to earn a permanent place in your recipe collection.

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