**Introduction:**
Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are a savory, delicious appetizer or snack that brings together the rich, creamy texture of cream cheese and the savory flavor of sausage, all wrapped in a flaky, buttery crescent dough. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, brunches, or as an easy weeknight snack. They’re a favorite comfort food that blends simplicity with indulgence.
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**Origin and Cultural Significance:**
While the specific origin of Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents is difficult to trace, they are commonly found in American and Tex-Mex kitchens, where easy-to-prepare yet satisfying recipes are highly valued. Crescent rolls, a popular pre-made dough, are often used in many American households for various savory and sweet creations. The combination of sausage and cream cheese, which is a common pairing in dips and casseroles, elevates the crescent rolls into a warm, hearty appetizer.
This dish is particularly popular in holiday gatherings, potlucks, and tailgates, where quick and delicious finger foods are in high demand.
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**Cultural Significance:**
In American home cooking, particularly in the Midwest and Southern states, casseroles, dips, and easy-to-assemble appetizers like Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are a staple for social gatherings. These dishes are celebrated for their versatility, quick preparation time, and ability to feed a crowd. The fusion of cream cheese and sausage also ties into a broader culinary trend of combining creamy and savory elements to create comforting, crowd-pleasing meals.
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**Ingredients & Quantity:**
– **1 can of crescent roll dough** (8 oz)
– **1 lb ground sausage** (breakfast sausage works well)
– **8 oz cream cheese** (softened)
– **1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese** (optional, for extra flavor)
– **1/4 tsp garlic powder** (optional, for a garlic flavor boost)
– **1/4 tsp onion powder** (optional, for savory depth)
– **Salt and pepper** to taste
*Optional Additions:*
– 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
– 1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon
– 1/4 cup finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms
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**Tips for Success:**
1. **Use room temperature cream cheese**: Softened cream cheese blends more easily with the sausage, ensuring a smooth, creamy filling.
2. **Cook sausage thoroughly**: Make sure the sausage is fully browned and crumbled before mixing with the cream cheese.
3. **Don’t overfill the crescent rolls**: A little bit of filling goes a long way. Overstuffing can make them harder to roll and result in uneven cooking.
4. **Chill the filled crescents**: After assembling, chill the rolls in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape better.
5. **Season well**: Don’t forget to season the sausage mixture with salt, pepper, and optional garlic and onion powders for enhanced flavor.
6. **Brush with butter**: Before baking, you can brush the tops of the crescents with melted butter for a golden, crispy finish.
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**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat oven** to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Cook sausage**: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until browned, breaking it up into small pieces. Drain any excess fat.
3. **Mix filling**: In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese (if using), garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until smooth and well combined.
4. **Prepare crescent rolls**: Unroll the crescent dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Separate the dough into triangles.
5. **Fill crescents**: Place a spoonful of the sausage and cream cheese mixture at the wide end of each triangle. Roll the dough from the wide end to the point, sealing the edges.
6. **Bake**: Place the filled crescents on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. **Serve**: Let the crescents cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
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**Description:**
Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents offer a warm, comforting combination of savory sausage and rich cream cheese, encased in a buttery, flaky crescent dough. The cream cheese adds a creamy, smooth texture that complements the slightly spicy sausage, while the crescent dough provides the perfect balance of crisp and softness. These crescent rolls are easily customizable, making them suitable for a variety of tastes and occasions.
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**Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 8 servings from the recipe):**
– **Calories**: 250
– **Fat**: 20g
– Saturated Fat: 8g
– **Carbohydrates**: 10g
– Fiber: 1g
– Sugars: 1g
– **Protein**: 9g
– **Cholesterol**: 35mg
– **Sodium**: 500mg
– **Vitamin A**: 8% DV
– **Vitamin C**: 1% DV
– **Calcium**: 6% DV
– **Iron**: 6% DV
*Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.*
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**Conclusion:**
Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents are a delightful and indulgent dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a quick snack or as part of a larger spread at a gathering, these crescents are sure to impress. Their versatility allows you to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations, ensuring that they can suit almost any palate.
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**Recommendation:**
If you’re looking for a dish that’s quick, flavorful, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents should be on your list. Consider making a batch for your next party, brunch, or tailgate event. To make them even more health-conscious, you can try using turkey sausage or adding in extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for a boost of nutrients. Embrace the healthful indulgence and enjoy!