Sausage Cheddar Crescent Rolls

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These sausage cheddar crescent rolls deliver big breakfast flavor in a compact, flaky pastry. Each roll is stuffed with savory sausage, melty cream cheese, and sharp cheddar, then wrapped in buttery dough for a warm, satisfying bite. Quick to prepare, these golden rolls are perfect for brunch, holidays, or weekday mornings. Make ahead for extra convenience and serve warm for a crowd-pleasing treat that everyone will love.

A man wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Written By Clara
Last modified on Mon, 04 Aug 2025 14:49:20 GMT
A plate of sausage cheddar crescent rolls. Pin to Save
A plate of sausage cheddar crescent rolls. | cozybakinglife.com

These golden sausage cheddar crescent rolls are my go to for weekend mornings and festive brunches. Each one is packed with a savory blend of seasoned sausage, melted cream cheese, and sharp cheddar, all wrapped up in buttery flaky pastry. Whether you make them for a holiday crowd or just a cozy breakfast at home, they deliver pure comfort and can be assembled ahead for a stress free start to your day. Warm from the oven, their crispy exterior gives way to a creamy interior that keeps you coming back for seconds.

I first made these during a Christmas morning when I wanted something celebratory but easy. My family devoured them so quickly they turned into our most requested breakfast for any special occasion. Now I keep batches in the freezer for last minute brunch guests or weekdays when cereal just does not cut it.

Ingredients

  • Breakfast sausage: Choose a high quality pork or turkey sausage with enough fat to create juicy flavor
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar provides tangy complexity and melts perfectly into the filling
  • Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese makes the interior creamy and holds everything together
  • Refrigerated crescent roll dough: Flaky store bought dough ensures a crisp golden crust every time
  • Butter: Brushing melted butter gives each roll a beautiful shiny finish and adds richness
  • Garlic powder: A dash delivers subtle flavor enhancement
  • Fresh parsley: Optional but brightens up the finished rolls with fresh color

Instructions

Prepare Your Kitchen:
Preheat your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes sure the rolls cook thoroughly and come off easily when done for effortless cleanup.
Cook The Sausage Base:
Brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat for about eight to ten minutes. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks so every bit is evenly golden and crumbled which is essential for balanced flavor.
Create The Creamy Mixture:
Drain any extra grease before adding the softened cream cheese right into the hot pan. Stir for two or three minutes until the cream cheese melts smoothly and coats the sausage fully creating a luscious base.
Add The Cheddar:
Take the skillet off the heat and immediately stir in the shredded cheddar so the heat melts it completely. This step helps bind the filling and delivers that unbeatable cheesy pull inside every bite.
Prepare The Pastry:
Unroll the dough and gently separate into individual triangles. Place them on your work surface with the widest end closest to you so filling is easier and triangles do not tear.
Fill And Roll:
Spoon about two tablespoons of sausage mixture onto the wide part of each triangle. Leave a small border so you can roll each triangle tightly and prevent leakage during baking.
Final Touches:
Arrange the filled crescent rolls on your baking sheet spaced about two inches apart. Gently brush each with melted butter and dust with garlic powder to finish with golden color and flavor.
Bake To Perfection:
Transfer to the oven and bake for ten to twelve minutes until rolls are deeply golden and crisp. Let them cool for at least five minutes before serving as the filling stays very hot straight from the oven.
A plate of food with a variety of items on it.
A plate of food with a variety of items on it. | cozybakinglife.com

One of my favorite things about this recipe is the way cream cheese transforms the filling from just savory to unbelievably creamy. My kids light up at the first bite and there is always friendly debate at the table about who gets the last roll. Even my pickiest eaters cannot resist the pull apart gooey center.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

For the freshest taste, eat these rolls warm out of the oven, but leftovers are delicious too. Store baked rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, pop them back on a baking sheet in a three hundred fifty degree oven for about five to seven minutes. If you are planning ahead, make the sausage filling up to two days in advance and chill it until ready to assemble. You can fully assemble the rolls the night before, cover tightly, and bake straight from the refrigerator in the morning with just a few extra minutes of baking time.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Customize this recipe to fit your preferences. Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option or try a different cheese such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for new flavors. Sneak in nutrients by stirring in finely chopped bell peppers or green onions to the filling. If avoiding dairy, select plant based cream cheese and skip the cheddar for a still tasty result.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these crescent rolls with scrambled eggs, fruit salad, or crispy hash browns for a balanced brunch spread. They also work well as a handheld snack with a dipping sauce like hot sauce or maple syrup on the side. For holiday entertaining, arrange them in a basket lined with a cloth to keep them warm at the table.

The Perfect Brunch Addition

These rolls are a lifesaver for group gatherings. Their portable shape means guests can easily grab one on the go and the creamy filling makes them feel far more special than regular breakfast sandwiches. The option to prep everything ahead ensures you are never stuck at the stove when you would rather be with your friends and family.

A plate of food with a bowl of soup.
A plate of food with a bowl of soup. | cozybakinglife.com

Warm, cheesy, and always a hit, these sausage cheddar crescent rolls turn any morning into something memorable. Make them ahead for stress free hosting or whenever you crave a comforting treat.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Can these be prepared ahead?

Yes, the filling can be made up to two days in advance and refrigerated. Assemble rolls the night before and bake fresh in the morning for best texture.

→ What cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds tangy flavor, but mozzarella or pepper jack are delicious alternatives for variety.

→ Can vegetables be added?

Absolutely. Diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach add extra flavor and texture without overpowering the filling.

→ How do I keep the pastry crisp?

Drain excess grease from the sausage before mixing with cheeses. This keeps the pastry flaky and prevents sogginess during baking.

→ What is the best way to reheat?

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving to keep the pastry flaky.

Sausage Cheddar Crescent Rolls

Flaky crescents stuffed with sausage, cream cheese, and cheddar for a warm, savory breakfast bite.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time for Cooking
12 minutes
Total Duration
27 minutes
Written By: Clara

Recipe Category: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Great for Beginners

Culinary Style: American

Servings: 16 Portion Count (16 crescent rolls)

Dietary Preferences: ~

List of Ingredients

→ Filling

01 1 pound breakfast sausage
02 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
03 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

→ Pastry

04 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 ounces each)

→ Finishing

05 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
06 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Preparation Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy release and clean up.

Step 02

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage for 8 to 10 minutes, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon until evenly browned and cooked through.

Step 03

Drain excess grease from the pan, then add softened cream cheese to the hot sausage. Stir continuously for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing cream cheese to melt and coat the sausage to form a creamy mixture.

Step 04

Remove skillet from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and the filling is cohesive.

Step 05

Unroll crescent roll dough and separate into individual triangles. Place triangles on work surface with wide ends facing you.

Step 06

Spoon 2 tablespoons of sausage filling onto the wide end of each dough triangle. Roll each triangle tightly from the wide end, ensuring seam is on the bottom.

Step 07

Place rolled crescents on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle lightly with garlic powder.

Step 08

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until pastry is deeply golden and crisp. Let rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Additional Suggestions

  1. Prepare filling up to two days in advance and refrigerate for quicker assembly in the morning.
  2. Let sausage mixture cool slightly before filling pastries to prevent soggy dough.
  3. Freeze baked rolls in an airtight container and reheat in a 350°F oven for best results.

Must-Have Supplies

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush

Allergen Details

Always check ingredient labels for allergens and consult with a professional if uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), dairy, and may contain egg depending on crescent dough brand.

Nutritional Details (Per Portion)

This nutritional info is for general guidance and not a substitute for expert advice.
  • Calories: 210
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Protein: 7 g