Welcome to Your Next Favorite Recipe:
If you’re on the hunt for a simple yet delectable dish, look no further. Whether you’re planning a casual family breakfast or a fancy brunch, these Zesty Sausage & Cheese Crescents are bound to impress. Let’s dive into the details and explore what makes this recipe truly special.
Introduction: A Savory Delight with a Zesty Twist
These Zesty Sausage & Cheese Crescents are a delightful fusion of flavors, combining savory breakfast sausage, creamy cheese, and the zesty kick of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies. Originating as a popular Southern comfort food, this dish brings a touch of warmth and homeliness to any meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting in the kitchen, this recipe offers an easy way to impress your loved ones. A personal favorite in my household, these crescents are a must-try for anyone who enjoys a good mix of savory and spicy.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Zesty Sausage & Cheese Crescents
To prepare these Zesty Sausage & Cheese Crescents, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb. breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 10 oz. can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, thoroughly drained
- 2 cans (8 oz. each) of refrigerated crescent rolls
For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily swap out regular sausage for turkey sausage or a plant-based alternative. Also, using a low-fat cream cheese option will slightly alter the texture but keep the crescents deliciously creamy.
How to Make Zesty Sausage & Cheese Crescents
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Zesty Sausage & Cheese Crescents:
- Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375ºF. This ensures an even distribution of heat, setting the stage for perfectly baked crescents.
- Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage, softened cream cheese, and the thoroughly drained Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies. Stir until the mixture is uniformly combined.
- Prepare the Crescent Rolls: Carefully unroll the crescent roll dough. Slice each triangle in half lengthwise to create two elongated triangles.
- Fill the Crescents: Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, place a portion of the sausage mixture at the wider end of each triangle. Roll the dough towards the pointed end, ensuring the filling is securely enclosed.
- Bake: Arrange the filled crescents on a baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until the crescents are golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
By following these steps, you’ll achieve a delightful balance of textures—crispy on the outside and creamy with a hint of spice on the inside.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Crescents
For best results, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This will allow it to blend more smoothly with the sausage and Rotel. If you’re short on time, you can cook the sausage a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to prepare the crescents.
Cooking Tips to Elevate Your Zesty Sausage & Cheese Crescents
To add an extra layer of flavor, consider brushing the tops of the crescents with melted butter before baking. You can also sprinkle a bit of shredded cheddar cheese or parmesan on top for a cheesy crust. If you have a convection oven, reducing the baking time by a couple of minutes can yield an even crispier finish.
Using a baking sheet lined with parchment paper will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. If you’re doubling the recipe for a larger crowd, be sure to space out the crescents to avoid overcrowding on the baking sheet.
Serving Suggestions: Pairing Your Crescents with the Perfect Side
These Zesty Sausage & Cheese Crescents are perfect on their own, but pairing them with a light side dish can create a more balanced meal. Serve them alongside a fresh garden salad, a bowl of creamy tomato soup, or some scrambled eggs for a complete breakfast or brunch. For beverages, a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a cup of hot coffee complements the flavors beautifully.
Nutritional Information for Zesty Sausage & Cheese Crescents
Each serving of these crescents provides a good balance of macronutrients, making them a satisfying meal choice. Here’s a quick overview:
- Calories: ~150 kcal per crescent
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 310mg
- Potassium: 85mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 300 IU
- Vitamin C: 1.5mg
- Calcium: 40mg
- Iron: 1mg
With a good amount of protein and healthy fats, these crescents are not just tasty but also offer some nutritional benefits, especially when made with quality ingredients.
Storage and Leftovers: Keeping Your Crescents Fresh
Refrigerate: Store any leftover crescents in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will help maintain their flavor and prevent them from drying out.
Reheat: To reheat, place the crescents on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350ºF for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. This will help them regain some of their original crispiness. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 30 seconds, though they may be softer.
If you find yourself with more crescents than you can eat, try crumbling them into a breakfast casserole or chopping them up to add to an omelet for a creative way to use leftovers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Zesty Sausage & Cheese Crescents
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can! While cream cheese offers a smooth and creamy texture, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a spicier kick.
What if I don’t have Rotel tomatoes?
If Rotel tomatoes aren’t available, you can substitute with regular diced tomatoes and add a small can of green chilies to achieve a similar flavor. Alternatively, use diced tomatoes with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Can I freeze the crescents before baking?
Absolutely! You can prepare the crescents as instructed, then freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the sausage with a plant-based sausage alternative or use a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and onions for a hearty filling.
Related Recipes to Explore
If you enjoyed making these Zesty Sausage & Cheese Crescents, you might also like these recipes:
-
Cajun-Spiced Chicken Pasta With Creamy Parmesan Sauce
-
Cajun-Spiced Chicken Pasta With Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Both dishes offer a blend of comfort and flavor that complement the taste of the crescents perfectly.
Conclusion: Give These Zesty Crescents a Try!
Now that you have the full rundown, it’s time to bring these Zesty Sausage & Cheese Crescents to life in your kitchen. With their combination of savory sausage, creamy cheese, and a hint of spice, these crescents are sure to become a household favorite. Don’t forget to share your experience and any personal twists you add to the recipe—I’d love to hear how it turns out!
Happy cooking!
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Zesty Sausage & Cheese Crescents!
Description
Welcome to Your Next Favorite Recipe: Zesty Sausage & Cheese Crescents!
If you’re on the hunt for a simple yet delectable dish, look no further. Whether you’re planning a casual family breakfast or a fancy brunch, these Zesty Sausage & Cheese Crescents are bound to impress. Let’s dive into the details and explore what makes this recipe truly special.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 10 oz. can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, thoroughly drained
- 2 cans (8 oz. each) of refrigerated crescent rolls
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375ºF. This ensures an even distribution of heat, setting the stage for perfectly baked crescents.
- Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage, softened cream cheese, and the thoroughly drained Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies. Stir until the mixture is uniformly combined.
- Prepare the Crescent Rolls: Carefully unroll the crescent roll dough. Slice each triangle in half lengthwise to create two elongated triangles.
- Fill the Crescents: Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, place a portion of the sausage mixture at the wider end of each triangle. Roll the dough towards the pointed end, ensuring the filling is securely enclosed.
- Bake: Arrange the filled crescents on a baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until the crescents are golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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For best results, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This will allow it to blend more smoothly with the sausage and Rotel. If you’re short on time, you can cook the sausage a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to prepare the crescents.
