Pin it
This savory crescent roll appetizer combines the richness of cream cheese, spicy kick of Rotel tomatoes, and hearty sausage all wrapped in buttery, flaky pastry. Perfect for game days, holiday gatherings, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing finger food that disappears in minutes.
I first made these for a last-minute Super Bowl party when I needed something quick but impressive. The entire tray vanished before halftime, and now they're requested at every gathering I host.
Ingredients
- Plain sausage: The foundation of flavor here, providing savory protein that pairs perfectly with the cream cheese
- Cream cheese: Creates the creamy binding texture that holds everything together and balances the spice
- Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies: Adds the perfect amount of heat and acidity; look for the original version for moderate spice
- Fresh parsley: Optional but adds bright color and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness
- Fresh cilantro: Optional but brings a distinctive zesty flavor that complements the Mexican-inspired flavors
- Crescent roll tubes: The buttery, flaky vessel for our filling; use name brand for best results
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the filling:
- Mix thoroughly cooked and crumbled sausage with softened cream cheese, well-drained Rotel tomatoes, and chopped herbs if using. Ensure cream cheese is completely room temperature for easiest mixing and the Rotel is drained extremely well to prevent soggy rolls.
- Cut the crescents:
- Unroll each crescent roll triangle and use a pizza cutter to slice each triangle lengthwise, creating two long, skinny triangles. This technique yields more appetizer-sized portions and ensures proper filling-to-pastry ratio.
- Fill and roll:
- Place a small cookie scoop or heaping teaspoon of filling on the wide end of each triangle. Roll up starting from the wide end, gently tucking the sides as you go to prevent filling from escaping during baking.
- Bake to perfection:
- Arrange the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about an inch between each piece. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for exactly 15 minutes until the crescents turn golden brown and flaky.
Pin it
The Rotel tomatoes are truly what makes this recipe special. I discovered their magic after a friend from Texas introduced me to them years ago. The perfectly balanced heat and acidity they bring simply cannot be replicated with regular diced tomatoes and separate peppers.
Make-Ahead Instructions
These crescent rolls work beautifully as a make-ahead appetizer. Prepare them completely up to the baking step, then refrigerate on the baking sheet for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply add 2-3 minutes to the baking time. This has saved me countless times when hosting, allowing me to enjoy my own parties instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
Variations to Try
The basic recipe is delicious as written, but consider these tasty twists. Use breakfast sausage and add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar for morning brunch bites. Substitute chorizo for regular sausage and add a pinch of cumin for a more Mexican-inspired flavor. For a vegetarian option, replace the sausage with finely chopped mushrooms sautéed with onions until all moisture evaporates.
Pin it
Serving Suggestions
These crescents are perfect at room temperature, making them ideal for buffet-style gatherings. Arrange on a platter with small dishes of ranch or sour cream dipping sauce. For a more substantial meal, pair with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette. The rolls also complement soup beautifully, especially tomato bisque or chicken tortilla soup.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use spicy sausage for these rolls?
Yes, spicy sausage works great if you enjoy added heat. Adjust the spices to your preference.
- → How do I prevent the crescent rolls from sticking to the baking sheet?
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- → Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate them. Bake them fresh when ready to serve.
- → What can I substitute for Rotel if I don’t have it?
You can use diced tomatoes and green chilies separately or omit them entirely for a milder flavor.
- → How do I store leftover crescent rolls?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain their crispness.
- → Can I freeze these rolls for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled unbaked rolls. Bake them directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.