Ingredients
1 pound bulk sausage
1 tube (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent rolls
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (or cheddar for extra flavor)
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and crumbled. Drain excess grease and set aside.
Prepare Crescent Rolls: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles.
Stuff and Roll: Place a small amount of cooked sausage and shredded cheese on the wide end of each triangle. Roll tightly from the wide end to the pointed tip.
Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the rolls seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Top with Cheese (Optional): Sprinkle extra cheese on top for a gooey finish.
Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm.
Tips for Perfect Sausage and Cheese Crescent Rolls
Drain the Sausage Well:
Make sure to drain the cooked sausage thoroughly to prevent the rolls from becoming greasy.
Don’t Overstuff:
Use about 1-2 tablespoons of filling per crescent roll to avoid the filling spilling out during baking.
Seal the Edges:
Pinch the seams of the crescent rolls tightly to keep the filling inside while baking.
Add Flavor:
Mix in 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, or 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika with the sausage for extra flavor.
Use Parchment Paper:
Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Serve with Dipping Sauce:
Pair the rolls with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard for dipping.
Variations
Spicy Sausage Rolls:
Use spicy sausage or add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the filling for a kick.
Vegetarian Option:
Replace the sausage with sautéed veggies like spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
Breakfast Rolls:
Add scrambled eggs to the filling for a hearty breakfast version.
Bacon and Cheese Rolls:
Replace the sausage with cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky twist.
Pepperoni Pizza Rolls:
Add pepperoni slices and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to the filling for a pizza-inspired treat.
Cheesy Jalapeño Rolls:
Mix in diced jalapeños with the sausage and cheese for a spicy, cheesy flavor.
Ham and Swiss Rolls:
Replace the sausage with diced ham and use Swiss cheese instead of mozzarella.
Buffalo Chicken Rolls:
Use shredded cooked chicken mixed with buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles for a tangy twist.
How to Store
Room Temperature:
These rolls are best served fresh, but they can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours if covered.
Refrigerating:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
Freeze unbaked rolls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Baking from Frozen: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
Reheating:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve as a breakfast or brunch dish with fresh fruit or a side salad.
Pair with soup or pasta for a comforting meal.
Great for game day snacks or party appetizers.
These Sausage and Cheese Crescent Rollsare versatile, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser! Let me know if you’d like more ideas or tips.