If you’re searching for a dish that combines simplicity, comfort, and a touch of wow factor, look no further than the Cheesy Sausage Crescent Ring. This recipe blends buttery crescent rolls with savory sausage and gooey cheeses to create a golden, pull-apart masterpiece.
Whether you’re making it for a hearty breakfast, a weekend brunch, or as the centerpiece appetizer for a gathering, this crescent ring delivers every time. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also visually impressive—guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen, even though it’s incredibly easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Sausage Crescent Ring
There’s something irresistible about the combination of flaky crescent dough and warm, melty filling. Here’s why this recipe works so well:
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor – Savory sausage paired with two cheeses creates a creamy, hearty filling.
- Easy to Make – Using refrigerated crescent dough means you can have this dish prepped and baked in under an hour.
- Beautiful Presentation – Its sunburst ring shape makes it perfect for parties and holiday gatherings.
- Customizable – Switch out the sausage, experiment with different cheeses, or add veggies to make it your own.
- Versatile – Enjoy it as a breakfast main dish, a brunch showpiece, or an appetizer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this cheesy, savory crescent ring, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground sausage
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tubes crescent roll dough
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Preparation Tips Before You Start
A few small details make a big difference in how your crescent ring turns out. Keep these tips in mind:
- Cook the Sausage Thoroughly – Brown and crumble it fully, draining excess grease for a lighter filling.
- Soften the Cream Cheese – Room temperature cream cheese blends smoothly with sausage and cheddar.
- Use Parchment Paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup faster.
- Don’t Overstuff – Evenly distribute filling to keep the ring neat and easy to slice.
- Preheat the Oven – Start with a hot oven for that perfect golden-brown crust.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage Filling
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until browned and crumbly. Drain excess grease.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sausage with cheddar cheese and softened cream cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Arrange the Crescent Dough
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Separate crescent dough into triangles. Arrange them in a sunburst pattern—with wide ends overlapping in the center and points facing outward.
Step 3: Add the Filling
- Spoon the sausage mixture evenly along the wide ends of the crescent triangles.
- Fold the pointed ends of the dough over the filling, tucking under the wide ends to form a ring.
Step 4: Bake the Crescent Ring
- Brush melted butter over the dough.
- Sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Garnish with parsley for freshness and color.
- Slice into sections and serve warm.
Flavor Variations to Try
- Spicy Kick – Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
- Veggie Boost – Add sautéed peppers, onions, or spinach for nutrition and flavor.
- Cheese Swap – Try mozzarella for a gooier texture, pepper jack for spice, or Swiss for nuttiness.
- Breakfast Style – Add scrambled eggs to the filling for a complete breakfast ring.
- Mediterranean Twist – Use feta cheese, olives, and spinach instead of cheddar.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is versatile enough to fit any occasion. Here are some ideas:
- Party Appetizer – Serve with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or spicy mustard.
- Brunch Table Centerpiece – Pair with fresh fruit, hash browns, and mimosas.
- Quick Dinner – Serve alongside a green salad or roasted vegetables.
- Game Day Snack – Slice into bite-sized portions for easy finger food.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Make Ahead – Assemble the ring up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
- Refrigerate Leftovers – Store slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the dough crisp.
- Freeze for Later – Wrap cooled slices tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 580mg
Tips for Recipe Success
- Don’t skip draining the sausage—too much grease can make the dough soggy.
- Always let the crescent ring cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing to prevent cheese from oozing out.
- Use a pizza cutter to slice neatly.
- Double the recipe if you’re feeding a crowd—this dish disappears quickly!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes. Try ground turkey, chicken sausage, or plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the ring up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator, then bake when ready to serve.
What cheeses work best in this recipe?
Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Swiss, or pepper jack all work beautifully.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely. Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach make excellent additions. Just sauté them first to avoid excess moisture.
Conclusion
The Cheesy Sausage Crescent Ring is everything you want in a comfort food dish—warm, cheesy, savory, and easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a golden, impressive ring that looks like it came straight from a bakery.
Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, dinner, or as a party appetizer, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Its versatility means you can customize it to suit your taste, making it a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Next time you need a show-stopping dish that’s quick to put together, give this crescent ring a try—you’ll be amazed at how fast it disappears from the table.