This easy 3-ingredient recipe for sausage cream cheese crescent rolls is the ultimate quick snack. cheesy, and ready in 25 minutes
Some recipes feel like a warm hug. This is one of them.
Whether you’re scrambling to throw together a snack before guests arrive or just need a late-night comfort bite, these sausage cream cheese crescent rolls answer the call — fast. With only three ingredients, no culinary degree required, and just 25 minutes from fridge to mouth, they walk that beautiful line between minimal effort and maximum payoff.
They’re flaky, creamy, salty, buttery… basically, edible therapy.
Let’s be honest: we’ve all been in that moment where hunger meets laziness meets a nearly-empty fridge. That’s where this recipe shines. It’s made for busy parents juggling a million things, college students surviving on five-ingredient grocery hauls, or anyone who just wants to impress without stress.
In this post, you’ll get a foolproof, step-by-step guide to making these craveable rolls, plus smart tips, easy variations, and answers to those “wait, can I freeze this?” questions you’re already thinking about.
Trust me — you’ll want to keep this recipe within arm’s reach.
Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls Recipe: 3 Ingredients
Course: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8 crescent rolls
servings10
minutes18
minutes~210 kcal per roll (approximate)
kcalFlaky crescent rolls stuffed with creamy cheese and savory sausage—an easy, 3-ingredient crowd-pleaser
Ingredients
1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough (refrigerated, any brand)
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
½ lb breakfast sausage (pork or turkey, browned and drained)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Combine the cooked sausage and softened cream cheese in a bowl. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
- Unroll the crescent dough and separate into 8 triangles.
- Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of the sausage mixture onto the wide end of each triangle.
- Roll up each triangle, starting from the wide end, to form a crescent shape. Place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.
- Cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed warm!
Ingredients for Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
You only need three simple ingredients — no fancy shopping list, no hidden extras. Odds are, you’ve already got them sitting in your fridge or freezer right now. Here’s what to grab:

- 1 roll (16 oz) breakfast sausage
Go with pork for classic richness, or turkey if you’re leaning lighter. Spicy sausage? Also a win. - 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
Room temperature is key — it blends like a dream. You can even use reduced-fat if you’re cutting back a bit. - 1 can (8-count) refrigerated crescent rolls
The star of this shortcut. Pillsbury is the go-to, but any brand with that flaky triangle dough will do.
Pro Shopping Tip:
Want to make a double batch? Just double everything. These disappear fast — and if you think you’ll have leftovers, you’re cute.
H3: Can I add extra ingredients?
Absolutely — but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The magic here is in the minimalism. Start simple, then riff once you’ve nailed the base.
How to Make Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
This is the kind of recipe that doesn’t need you to be “good at cooking.” If you can stir, scoop, and not burn things, you’re golden. Here’s how to pull it off:

Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Let it heat while you prep — we’re aiming for golden, flaky perfection. - Brown the sausage.
Toss the sausage into a skillet over medium heat. Break it up as it cooks until it’s no longer pink. Drain off any grease (trust me, it’s worth it). - Mix in the cream cheese.
While the sausage is still warm, stir in the softened cream cheese until it’s fully combined. It’ll look like creamy, savory magic — and smell even better. - Unroll the crescent dough.
Open that can (brace yourself for the pop), then separate the triangles onto a clean surface. - Add the filling.
Spoon about a tablespoon of the sausage-cream cheese mix onto the wide end of each triangle. Don’t overfill — you want these to roll up, not explode. - Roll ’em up.
Starting at the wide end, roll each triangle toward the point like a little sausage croissant. Pinch the edges if they’re overflowing. - Bake for 12–15 minutes.
Place the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Bake until they’re golden brown and the dough is fully cooked through. - Cool slightly before serving.
Let them rest for 5 minutes. It’s tempting, but molten cream cheese waits for no one.

H3: What if my rolls open up while baking?
No worries — it happens. You can tuck the ends underneath before baking, or place them closer together on the baking sheet so they support each other. A little cheesy leak isn’t a deal-breaker… it’s bonus flavor.
Tips & Tricks for Flaky, Flavor-Packed Rolls
Let’s be honest — the recipe’s simple, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dial it up a notch. These little tweaks turn “good enough” into “wait… who made these?”
Cool Your Filling Slightly
After mixing the hot sausage with the cream cheese, give it a few minutes to cool. This makes the filling thicker and way easier to roll without oozing out like lava.
Use Parchment Paper
It’s not just to avoid sticking — it also gives you a more even bake and zero cleanup drama. No parchment? A silicone mat works too.
Don’t Overstuff the Dough
Resist the urge to pile it on. Overfilling leads to messy leaks and uneven baking. Think “a generous spoonful,” not “stuffed like a Thanksgiving turkey.”
Butter Brush Finish
Before baking, brush the tops with a little melted butter. You’ll get a glossy, golden crust — bakery vibes without leaving home.
Freeze For Later
Want to get ahead? Assemble the rolls, freeze them raw on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen at 375°F for 17–20 minutes. Boom — emergency snacks, sorted.
H3: Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yep! Air fry at 330°F for 8–10 minutes. Keep an eye on the first batch — every air fryer has its quirks. But when done right? Even crispier edges and faster gratification.
Substitutions & Variations to Try for Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
This recipe is already a shortcut dream — but if you’re feeling adventurous, hungry for change, or just working with what’s left in the fridge, here’s how to remix it without ruining the magic.
Make It Spicy
- Use hot sausage or add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.
- A few diced jalapeños tossed in? Game changer.
Go Vegetarian
- Swap the sausage for a plant-based alternative like Beyond Breakfast Sausage or crumbled tempeh sautéed with a little seasoning.
- Add flavor with smoked paprika or a spoonful of salsa verde.
Mix in Extras
You don’t have to stop at three ingredients if the fridge calls your name:
- Shredded cheddar or pepper jack for extra gooeyness
- Chopped green onions for a fresh bite
- Garlic powder or Italian seasoning for a herby twist
- Diced mushrooms or bell peppers for extra texture
Swap the Dough
- Crescent rolls not your thing? Puff pastry cut into squares can work — just adjust baking time to get a golden crust.
- Want bite-sized? Use crescent roll sheet dough and cut into smaller pieces.
H3: Can I turn this into a breakfast dish?
Absolutely — just add scrambled eggs to the mix before rolling. It becomes a hand-held breakfast bomb you’ll want to make again and again.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls
Even with only three ingredients, a few questions tend to pop up. Let’s tackle the most common ones before you hit the kitchen (or your next grocery run).
H3: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes — and it’s one of their best features.
Assemble the rolls and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just bake as directed. Or freeze them (pre-baked or raw) and bake directly from frozen — just add 3–5 extra minutes.
H3: What kind of sausage works best?
Pork breakfast sausage gives that classic, rich flavor. But turkey sausage works great if you’re lightening it up. Want bold? Go spicy or maple-flavored — surprisingly good.
H3: Can I reheat leftovers?
For sure. Pop them in the oven at 350°F for 6–8 minutes, or in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes at 330°F. Avoid the microwave unless you like soggy regret.
H3: Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
Not if you’re using parchment or a silicone mat. If not, a light spritz of nonstick spray is a good safety net — no one likes stuck rolls.
H3: Can kids help make these?
Absolutely. Let them spoon the filling and roll them up — it’s messy fun, but beginner-friendly. Just handle the oven part yourself.
Nutrition Information Sausage Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls (Per Roll)
Let’s not pretend this is a kale smoothie — but for what it is, it’s surprisingly balanced. Here’s a rough breakdown per roll (assuming 8 servings from one batch):
- Calories: ~250
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 7g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: ~420mg
Important Note:
Numbers will shift depending on the sausage and crescent dough brand you use. For lower fat/sodium versions, go with turkey sausage and reduced-fat dough or cream cheese.
H3: Are these rolls keto or gluten-free?
Nope — they’re definitely not keto, and crescent dough contains gluten. But you could experiment with low-carb doughs or gluten-free alternatives if you’re feeling adventurous. Just expect some trial and error.
Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Snack
Let’s be real — it’s hard to beat a recipe that checks all the boxes: fast, filling, and face-meltingly good. These sausage cream cheese crescent rolls don’t just save time — they earn a permanent spot in your mental recipe Rolodex.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd, saving dinner on a chaotic Tuesday, or just need something warm and salty to snack on while binge-watching your comfort show — this is it.
Now it’s your turn:
- Try it.
- Tweak it.
- Tell us how it went.
Drop a comment below with your favorite variation (or any happy accidents), and if it hit the spot, don’t forget to save or share this recipe — because food this easy should never be gatekept.
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