Can I prep these ahead of time?

Absolutely! Make the sausage and cheese filling up to three days in advance and store tightly covered in the fridge. When ready, just assemble and bake. You can even pre-roll the crescents, chill them on the sheet, and pop them in the oven right before serving.

What if I can’t find Rotel brand tomatoes?

Any brand of diced tomatoes with green chilies will do. Just make sure to drain them as instructed. You might want to add a small pinch of cayenne or diced fresh jalapeño if your substitute variety is on the mild side.

How do I make these even healthier?

Use turkey sausage, low-fat cream cheese, and reduced-fat crescent rolls. You won’t lose an ounce of flavor! Sneaking in finely chopped veggies is an easy way to add more nutrition.

Can I make these in advance for a party?

Definitely! Bake them earlier in the day, then warm in a low oven just before guests arrive. They’re also tasty at room temperature, so you won’t have to stress about keeping them piping hot.

Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe

Name: Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (1-lb) roll breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled; 1 (8-oz) cream cheese, softened; 1 (10-oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained very well; 2 (8-oz) cans refrigerated crescent rolls

If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate easy appetizer or a crave-worthy snack that disappears in minutes, Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents are about to become your new secret weapon. Think buttery, golden crescent rolls wrapped around a luscious, slightly spicy blend of creamy cheese, savory sausage, and those irresistible Rotel tomatoes and chilies—every bite is creamy, meaty, tangy, and utterly delicious. You can have these little flavor bombs on the table in under 30 minutes, making them a lifesaver for hectic weeknights, game days, potlucks, or anytime you want to impress (without the stress).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Quick: From mixing to baking, you’re only 25 minutes away from a piping-hot tray of pure happiness.
Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: Each ingredient brings its own magic—no fillers, no fuss—just bold, satisfying taste.
Perfect for Any Occasion: These bite-sized crescents shine on party platters but work just as well as a fun dinner with a salad or as a comforting after-school snack.
Endlessly Adaptable: Whether you love spicy, want to lighten things up, or need to feed a crowd, there’s a way to make this recipe work for you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients and let’s dive in—here’s what each one does (and a few pro notes to make your life even easier):

Breakfast Sausage: The heart of the filling, delivering meaty, spiced goodness. Pork sausage packs the most flavor, but turkey sausage is a fantastic lighter swap.
Cream Cheese: Brings the creamy, tangy texture that binds everything together; softened cream cheese mixes best. Low-fat works, too!
Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies: Adds a pop of color, a mild kick, and zippy freshness. Be sure to drain and squeeze them super well—no sogginess allowed!
Refrigerated Crescent Rolls: The flaky, buttery wrap that turns this filling into portable bites of joy. Reduced-fat crescents also work perfectly if you want to cut back on calories.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Let your cravings guide you! There’s no wrong way to mix things up:

Amp Up the Heat: Love it spicy? Swap in “hot” breakfast sausage, use Hot Rotel, or add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the filling.
Cheesy Twist: Stir in a little shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for an extra gooey bite.
Veggie Boost: Sneak in finely chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
Make It Sweet & Savory: Add a sprinkle of cooked, crumbled bacon for smoky richness, or a touch of maple syrup for a breakfast-inspired twist.

How to Make Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, combine your cooked and crumbled sausage (pulsed for extra smooth texture, if you like) with softened cream cheese and those thoroughly drained Rotel tomatoes. Stir until everything is evenly mixed and creamy.

Step 2: Prep the Crescents

Pop open your crescent roll cans and unroll the dough. Separate along the perforations, and then use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice each triangle lengthwise in half. This gives you the perfect bite-sized base.

Step 3: Fill and Roll

Using a small cookie scoop or teaspoon, dollop a generous spoonful of the sausage mixture onto the wide end of each dough triangle. Gently roll up from the wide end, wrapping the filling inside. Place each on a baking sheet, seam side down for best results.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 375ºF for about 15 minutes, or until the crescents are golden brown and look absolutely irresistible.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Let them cool for a minute or two, then serve warm—or sneak one for yourself while they’re fresh from the oven!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Really, really drain the Rotel. Use a colander, and then gently press with paper towels. Too much moisture means soggy rolls.
Chop or pulse your cooked sausage in a food processor for the ultimate creamy filling—every bite will be packed with flavor.
If prepping ahead, the filling can be made and refrigerated for up to 3 days—making assembly day a breeze.
Using a cookie scoop makes portioning clean and easy, so you can roll more, and clean less.

How to Serve

Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents truly shine fresh and hot out of the oven, but they’re also delicious at room temperature—perfect for parties! Arrange them on a platter, scatter with fresh chives or parsley for color, and serve with toothpicks for easy grabbing.

For a meal, pair with a fresh green salad or a side of crunchy veggies. As a brunch item, they’re fantastic with fruit, scrambled eggs, or even dipping sauces like spicy ranch or honey mustard.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any extras (if you have them!) in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze fully baked crescents in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They keep beautifully for up to a month! Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm crescents in a 350ºF oven for 7-8 minutes, or microwave in short bursts for a quick snack. They regain their irresistible flakiness with a bit of gentle heat.

FAQs

Can I prep these ahead of time?

Absolutely! Make the sausage and cheese filling up to three days in advance and store tightly covered in the fridge. When ready, just assemble and bake. You can even pre-roll the crescents, chill them on the sheet, and pop them in the oven right before serving.
What if I can’t find Rotel brand tomatoes?

Any brand of diced tomatoes with green chilies will do. Just make sure to drain them as instructed. You might want to add a small pinch of cayenne or diced fresh jalapeño if your substitute variety is on the mild side.
How do I make these even healthier?

Use turkey sausage, low-fat cream cheese, and reduced-fat crescent rolls. You won’t lose an ounce of flavor! Sneaking in finely chopped veggies is an easy way to add more nutrition.
Can I make these in advance for a party?

Definitely! Bake them earlier in the day, then warm in a low oven just before guests arrive. They’re also tasty at room temperature, so you won’t have to stress about keeping them piping hot.

Final Thoughts

Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescents are more than just an easy snack—they’re the recipe you’ll want to make again and again, for every gathering and every craving. With bold flavors, comforting textures, and simple assembly, it’s impossible not to fall in love with each cheesy, savory bite. Grab those ingredients and give these a go—you’re about to earn legendary status among friends and family!