Sausage crescent rolls are one of the most versatile and delicious dishes you can prepare for any occasion. These savory treats are perfect for breakfast, snacks, appetizers, or even as a main dish. By combining flaky crescent rolls with savory sausage, you get the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Whether you’re making these crescent rolls for a family brunch or serving them at a party, they’re sure to impress your guests. The best part? Sausage crescent rolls are easy to make and require minimal ingredients. In this article, we will dive into everything you need to know about sausage crescent rolls, from the basic recipe to creative variations and helpful tips. Let’s get started!
What Are Sausage Crescent Rolls?
Brief History of Crescent Rolls
Crescent rolls, as we know them today, originated from Vienna, Austria, where they were first created in the late 17th century. The crescent shape is said to be inspired by the crescent moon, which became a symbol of the city. The dough used for these rolls is buttery and flaky, making them a perfect addition to any meal. Over time, this pastry spread across Europe and eventually to the United States, where it became a staple in American households, thanks to its ease of use and versatility.
The Savory Twist: Adding Sausage
Sausage crescent rolls are a simple but delicious twist on the classic crescent roll. By adding sausage to the center, you elevate these rolls into a savory snack that’s hearty enough to serve as breakfast or even a main dish. The combination of the rich, flaky crescent roll dough and the flavorful sausage makes for a mouthwatering treat. It’s a perfect dish to serve at any time of day!
Basic Ingredients Needed for Sausage Crescent Rolls
Crescent Rolls
The star of this dish is the crescent roll dough. You can either purchase pre-made dough from the store or make your own at home. Pre-made dough is especially convenient for busy home cooks, as it saves a lot of time without sacrificing taste. Brands like Pillsbury offer crescent roll dough that’s perfect for this recipe.
If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade dough is a great option. Homemade crescent roll dough will take longer to prepare, but it adds a special touch to your dish.
Sausage: Types to Consider
When choosing the sausage for your crescent rolls, you have several options, depending on your flavor preference:
- Breakfast Sausage: This is the most common sausage used in sausage crescent rolls. It has a savory flavor with a slight sweetness, which pairs perfectly with the rich dough of the crescent roll.
- Italian Sausage: If you want a bit of a spicy kick, Italian sausage is an excellent choice. It brings a bold flavor with the right amount of heat.
- Chicken or Turkey Sausage: For a healthier alternative, chicken or turkey sausage can be used. These sausages are leaner but still flavorful.
- Vegan Sausage: For plant-based eaters, vegan sausages are a great choice. There are many high-quality plant-based sausages that work wonderfully in this recipe.
Additional Ingredients
In addition to the sausage and crescent roll dough, here are a few other ingredients you might consider:
- Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or even cream cheese) can be added to the sausage mixture for extra creaminess and flavor.
- Herbs and Spices: You can season your sausage mixture with garlic, onion, thyme, or parsley to give your rolls an extra layer of flavor.
- Egg Wash: Brushing the rolls with a beaten egg before baking them gives the rolls a golden, glossy finish.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Sausage Crescent Rolls
Making sausage crescent rolls is a quick and easy process. Below is a step-by-step guide to preparing this delicious dish.
Prepping the Sausage
One of the most important parts of the recipe is preparing the sausage. You can choose to use any type of sausage that fits your taste preferences, but be sure to cook it thoroughly. Whether you’re using bulk sausage or sausage links, make sure to break it up as it cooks. This ensures that it’s evenly distributed inside the crescent roll.
Extra Flavor Tip: For added flavor, you can sauté some finely chopped onions and garlic with the sausage while it cooks. This will not only enhance the flavor of the sausage but also create a savory aroma that will fill your kitchen!
Making Sure the Sausage is Drained: After the sausage has cooked and browned, drain off any excess fat to prevent your rolls from becoming greasy. If you want to make the recipe healthier, use a leaner sausage or cook it longer to remove more fat.
Rolling the Crescent Rolls
Once the sausage is ready, it’s time to roll up your crescent rolls. Here are some extra tips for success:
- Don’t Overstuff: When adding the sausage to the dough, be sure not to overfill each triangle. If you add too much sausage, it may spill out while baking, leading to a mess.
- Tighten the Rolls: After rolling the dough, ensure the ends are sealed tightly so the sausage filling doesn’t escape while baking.
- Create Cute Shapes: If you’re feeling creative, you can twist the dough around the sausage to create a spiral effect or roll the dough into smaller, bite-sized portions.
Baking the Rolls to Perfection
- Brush with Egg Wash: For a golden finish, brush the rolls with a bit of beaten egg.
- Bake: Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up.
- Cool and Serve: Let the rolls cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Creative Variations of Sausage Crescent Rolls
If you want to add more flavor or customize your sausage crescent rolls, try these creative variations:
Cheese-Stuffed Sausage Crescent Rolls
If you’re a cheese lover, this variation is perfect for you. Add some shredded cheese to the sausage mixture before rolling it into the crescent dough. Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of both will melt beautifully inside, adding richness and a creamy texture. You can also try adding a spoonful of cream cheese to create a smooth, decadent filling.
Cheese Tip: To add extra flavor, try adding a spicy cheese, such as pepper jack, or experiment with a variety of cheese types like Gruyère, gouda, or parmesan.
Spicy Sausage Crescent Rolls
For those who love a bit of heat, there are several ways to spice up your sausage crescent rolls:
- Jalapeños: For a fresh, zesty heat, finely chop jalapeños and add them to the sausage before rolling it in the dough. This adds a vibrant green color and an extra level of flavor to your rolls.
- Spicy Sausage: Opt for a spicy sausage variety, such as chorizo, hot Italian sausage, or andouille sausage. These types of sausage naturally have more heat, adding an extra kick to your rolls.
- Chili Flakes or Hot Sauce: If you’re using a milder sausage, you can add heat by incorporating chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce into the sausage filling.
Veggie and Sausage Crescent Rolls
For a more balanced, nutritious version, consider adding vegetables to the sausage mixture. Not only does this enhance the flavor, but it also gives the rolls more texture. Some great veggie options include:
- Spinach: A classic pairing with sausage, spinach adds color and nutrients. You can use fresh spinach or sauté it briefly before adding it to the sausage filling.
- Bell Peppers and Onions: These vegetables will add sweetness and crunch to the rolls. Simply sauté them until soft before mixing them with the sausage.
- Mushrooms: For an earthy flavor, add finely chopped mushrooms. Their umami taste complements the savory sausage beautifully.
By mixing vegetables into the sausage mixture, you create a more complex, well-rounded filling that’s both tasty and healthier.
Add your favorite seasonings or extra cheese to the sausage filling to tailor the flavor to your liking. For a more hearty, savory meal, serve the rolls with broasted chicken or some shredded chicken burritos.
Sausage Crescent Rolls for Different Occasions
Sausage crescent rolls are not just for breakfast—they can be served at many occasions:
Appetizers for Parties
Sausage crescent rolls are perfect for serving as appetizers at your next party. They’re easy to eat with your hands, making them ideal finger food for social occasions. You can serve them with a variety of dips to elevate their flavor:
- Ranch Dressing: A creamy ranch dressing adds a cool contrast to the savory sausage rolls.
- Honey Mustard: The sweetness of honey mustard complements the savory sausage nicely.
- Marinara Sauce: If you like a bit of tanginess, marinara sauce is an excellent choice, adding an Italian twist to your sausage rolls.
For a fun touch, you can cut the crescent rolls into mini-sized portions and serve them on a large platter with various dips and garnishes.
Breakfast and Brunch Ideas
Sausage crescent rolls make a great addition to any brunch spread. Pair them with other breakfast foods like:
- Coffee or Fresh Juices: Serve with freshly brewed coffee or juice for a complete morning meal.
- Fresh Fruit: A light, refreshing fruit salad balances the rich flavor of the sausage rolls.
- Scrambled Eggs: Add a side of fluffy scrambled eggs for a satisfying breakfast.
Family Dinners and Potlucks
For family dinners or potluck gatherings, sausage crescent rolls are easy to transport and sure to be a hit. You can bake them ahead of time, store them in an airtight container, and then reheat them when you’re ready to serve. Since they can be eaten warm or at room temperature, they’re incredibly convenient for these types of events.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Sausage Crescent Rolls
Choosing the Best Sausage
The quality of the sausage you use directly affects the flavor of the rolls. To get the best results, opt for fresh, high-quality sausages. If you want to go all out, consider purchasing sausages from a local butcher. Their sausages tend to have better flavor and texture compared to mass-produced options.
If you’re concerned about fat content, lean sausage options, like turkey or chicken sausage, can still deliver great flavor with less grease. However, these may be a bit drier than pork sausages, so you may want to add a bit more seasoning or a small amount of olive oil to keep the rolls moist.
Making Them Ahead of Time
Sausage crescent rolls can be made ahead of time. Prepare the rolls, then refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. You can also freeze them and bake them straight from the freezer when needed.
How to Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftovers, you can easily reheat them to restore their flaky texture:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the sausage crescent rolls on a baking sheet, and heat for 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave: For quicker reheating, microwave the rolls on a microwave-safe plate for about 20-30 seconds, depending on the size of the rolls.
However, using the oven will ensure the rolls maintain their crispiness.
Healthier Alternatives to Sausage Crescent Rolls
If you’re looking to make these rolls a little healthier, here are some alternatives:
Using Turkey Sausage or Chicken Sausage
Swap out traditional pork sausage for leaner options like turkey or chicken sausage. These alternatives still have plenty of flavor but are lower in fat.
Low-Carb Crescent Rolls
If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, there are low-carb crescent rolls available at specialty stores. Alternatively, you can use a homemade low-carb dough for your sausage crescent rolls.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Make Sausage Crescent Rolls Without Sausage?
Yes, you can use other fillings, such as cooked chicken, ham, or vegetables, if you prefer a non-sausage option.
How Can I Make These Rolls More Flavorful?
Experiment with different types of sausage, spices, or even add-ins like sautéed onions, garlic, or herbs to enhance the flavor.
How Do I Store and Reheat Sausage Crescent Rolls?
Store leftover sausage crescent rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes.
Conclusion
Sausage crescent rolls are a delicious, easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, as a snack, or as part of a larger meal, these savory rolls are sure to be a hit. With endless variations and flavor possibilities, they are a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your preferences. Try them today and enjoy a simple, satisfying meal that’s sure to please!