Sausage and Cheese Crescent Rings Recipe — The Ultimate Guide
Sausage and Cheese Crescent Rings are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or party snack featuring savory sausage wrapped in flaky crescent dough, filled with melty cheese, and baked until golden and irresistible. These rings combine the richness of sausage, the gooey delight of melted cheese, and the buttery flakiness of crescent rolls into a fun, shareable dish.
They’re perfect for game day, potlucks, family brunches, or any gathering that calls for finger food that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.
What Are Sausage and Cheese Crescent Rings?
This recipe takes standard crescent roll dough (often from a can), layers it with cooked sausage and cheese, then forms it into a ring shape. The result is a visually appealing and delicious dish where every slice reveals layers of savory filling and flaky dough.
They’re quick to prepare, and yet they look like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Why Make Sausage and Cheese Crescent Rings?
Simple ingredients: Crescent dough, sausage, cheese—easy to find.
Fast prep and bake time: About 30 minutes total.
Crowd-pleaser: Kids and adults love them.
Versatile: Customize with your favorite cheeses, spices, or additional fillings.
Portable: Easy to serve at parties or as snacks on the go.
Impressive presentation: The ring shape makes it perfect for sharing.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Sausage Filling:
1 pound (450 g) ground sausage: Use your favorite style—Italian, breakfast sausage, spicy chorizo, or mild pork sausage. Fresh, uncooked sausage works best for flavor.
1 small onion, finely chopped (optional): Adds sweetness and depth.
2 cloves garlic, minced (optional): Adds savory flavor.
Salt and pepper: To taste.
Optional: herbs or spices (e.g., crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning) to enhance the flavor.
For the Crescent Dough:
2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough: Standard refrigerated crescent rolls, found in most grocery stores.
For the Cheese:
2 cups shredded cheese: A good melting cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend works perfectly. Choose your favorite or mix cheeses for extra flavor.
Optional Extras:
1 egg (for egg wash): To brush on top for a golden finish.
Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning: For garnish.
Dips or sauces: Ranch, marinara, mustard, or spicy ketchup for serving.
Equipment Needed
Large skillet or frying pan
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Mixing spoon or spatula
Knife for slicing
Pastry brush (for egg wash)
Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Cook the Sausage Filling
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground sausage, breaking it up with a spatula or wooden spoon.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic if using, stirring occasionally.
Cook until sausage is browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
Drain excess grease using a spoon or pour off carefully.
Season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs/spices. Stir well and remove from heat to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Dough Base
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
Unroll the first can of crescent dough and carefully separate it into triangles along the perforations but don’t separate the triangles fully. You want to keep the dough connected for rolling later.
Lay the triangles in a circle on the baking sheet with the wider ends touching and the points facing outward. This forms the base of your ring.
Unroll the second can of crescent dough, and layer it over the first in the same pattern to create a double-thick base.
Step 3: Add the Filling
Evenly spread the cooked sausage mixture over the wide end of the dough triangles, leaving a small border near the center where all wide ends meet.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the sausage layer.
Step 4: Form the Ring
Starting with the wide end, roll each triangle tightly toward the point to encase the filling.
Pinch the ends together at the center to form a ring, sealing the ring well.
If you want a more defined ring shape, gently shape the ring on the baking sheet and pinch any gaps.
Step 5: Apply Egg Wash and Bake
Whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water to make an egg wash.
Brush the entire ring generously with the egg wash. This will give a beautiful golden-brown crust.
Sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or seasoning on top if desired.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden and cooked through.
Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Using a sharp knife, slice the ring into wedges.
Serve warm with dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or mustard.
Tips for Success
Don’t overfill the crescents: Overfilling causes leaking and messy baking.
Cook sausage thoroughly: Raw sausage inside dough can result in undercooked bites.
Use a double layer of crescent dough for sturdier rings.
Egg wash is key for a golden crust.
Slice with a sharp knife after cooling slightly to keep slices intact.
Make ahead: Prepare and assemble the ring, refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Variations to Try
1. Spicy Sausage and Pepper Jack
Swap regular cheese for pepper jack cheese and add diced jalapeños to the sausage for a kick.
2. Breakfast Style
Use breakfast sausage, add cooked scrambled eggs and cheddar cheese for a hearty breakfast ring.
3. Vegetarian Version
Replace sausage with cooked mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers sautéed with onions and garlic.
4. Italian Style
Use Italian sausage, mozzarella, and add a layer of marinara sauce inside for a pizza-inspired ring.
5. BBQ Sausage Ring
Mix cooked sausage with BBQ sauce and cheddar cheese for a smoky, tangy flavor.
Nutritional Information (approximate per serving if sliced into 12 pieces)
Calories: 220-280 kcal
Fat: 16-20 g
Protein: 10-12 g
Carbohydrates: 12-15 g
Sodium: Varies depending on sausage and cheese
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Problem Cause Solution
Ring falls apart during baking Not sealed well at edges Pinch dough firmly, use a little water to help seal edges
Dough soggy or undercooked Overfilled or oven temp too low Use less filling; bake at recommended temp; pre-cook sausage thoroughly
Cheese leaks out Overfilling or uneven rolling Use moderate amount of cheese; roll dough tightly
Dough not golden No egg wash applied Always brush with egg wash before baking
Serving Suggestions
Serve with dips: Ranch, marinara, honey mustard, or spicy ketchup.
Pair with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Serve warm alongside roasted vegetables or coleslaw.
Great finger food for parties or game days.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to crisp up the dough.
Avoid microwaving as it can make the dough soggy.
Fun Facts & History
The idea of combining sausage and cheese inside crescent dough comes from the popularity of crescent rolls as a convenient, pre-made dough option for quick baking. Crescent rolls themselves have a rich history dating back to European pastry traditions, evolving into the American convenience food staple sold in cans. This recipe is a modern, Americanized appetizer inspired by the love of sausage rolls and cheesy snacks.
Final Thoughts
Sausage and Cheese Crescent Rings are the perfect blend of ease, flavor, and presentation. They’re simple enough for novice cooks but tasty and impressive enough to serve at any party. The balance of savory sausage, gooey cheese, and flaky dough is irresistible.
Try experimenting with different sausages, cheeses, and additional fillings to make this your signature dish.
If you want, I can help with printable recipe cards, a shopping list, or even suggest sides and drinks that pair perfectly with this dish!
Would you like me to add those or customize the recipe for a specific diet or occasion?
0 comments:
Post a Comment