
These sausage cheddar crescent rolls blend savory breakfast sausage, tangy cheddar cheese, and smooth cream cheese all wrapped inside flaky golden pastry. Each roll is packed with comforting flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes for a satisfying breakfast or brunch. A brush of butter and sprinkle of garlic powder on top create a deliciously crispy, aromatic crust. Whether you are hosting family for the holidays or just want to level up your weekday mornings, these rolls deliver a just baked treat with minimal effort.
I first made a batch when Christmas morning turned unexpectedly busy and I needed a warm, portable breakfast dish that everyone would love. Since then, they have become our go to on holiday weekends or whenever I want to surprise my family with something special. I always keep a few in the freezer for those mornings when cereal just will not do.
Ingredients
- Breakfast sausage: about one pound this provides a hearty and savory base be sure to choose a sausage with good fat content for rich flavor and texture
- Shredded cheddar cheese: about one cup sharp cheddar brings a tangy element and melts perfectly pick a block and shred it yourself for the freshest taste
- Cream cheese: eight ounces softened soft cream cheese blends smoothly with the sausage key for a creamy filling always let it come to room temperature first
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: two cans this pastry offers convenience and creates those signature buttery flaky layers look for brands with natural ingredients
- Butter melted: one tablespoon brush this over the top for a golden glossy finish select high quality unsalted butter for the best taste
- Garlic powder: about half a teaspoon this subtle seasoning adds depth and enhances the sausage flavor choose a fresh container for maximum flavor impact
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish): about one tablespoon offers bright color and a fresh note pick parsley with deep green leaves for best results
Instructions
- Prepare Your Kitchen:
- Preheat your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the pastries do not stick and cleanup is simple
- Cook The Sausage Base:
- Place a large skillet over medium heat then add the breakfast sausage break it up into crumbles as it cooks stir often for eight to ten minutes until it is evenly browned with no pink left this makes sure your filling is flavorful throughout
- Create The Creamy Mixture:
- Drain off any extra grease then add the softened cream cheese right into the hot skillet mix constantly for two to three minutes until it fully melts and coats every bite making a velvety base
- Add The Cheddar:
- Remove your skillet from the heat then quickly stir in the shredded cheddar use the leftover warmth to fully melt the cheese and bind everything together in a rich creamy filling
- Prepare The Pastry:
- Gently unroll both cans of crescent dough breaking them into triangles lay them out with the wide end facing you try not to stretch or tear the dough as you work
- Fill And Roll:
- Spoon about two tablespoons of the creamy sausage mixture onto each triangle at the wide end leave a small edge for rolling then roll up each triangle from the wide end to the tip keeping the seam on the bottom when you place it on the sheet to help seal in the filling
- Final Touches:
- Arrange crescents on your baking sheet at least two inches apart use a pastry brush to coat each top with melted butter then sprinkle on garlic powder for extra flavor
- Bake To Perfection:
- Bake for ten to twelve minutes until the pastry is deeply golden and puffs up with a crisp crust let cool for five minutes so the filling sets slightly before you serve

My favorite part of this recipe is the savory mixture of sausage and cream cheese as it always reminds me of holiday mornings when we all gather around the kitchen. The very first time my kids took a bite they declared it the best breakfast ever and now they request it all year long.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These rolls are best served warm but you can easily reheat leftovers in the oven at three hundred fifty degrees for about five minutes to bring back the crispiness. If you want to save time in the morning prepare the sausage filling up to two days in advance and keep it in the fridge. You can also assemble the crescent rolls the night before and bake straight from the fridge just add a couple extra minutes to the bake time.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
If you want a different twist use Monterey Jack for a milder flavor or pepper jack for a little heat. Turkey or chicken sausage work well as lighter alternatives. Feel free to sneak in finely chopped bell peppers or green onions for a pop of color and crunch. Reduced fat cream cheese can make the filling a bit lighter too without sacrificing much richness.
Serving Suggestions
For a hearty breakfast or brunch spread serve the warm crescent rolls with a bowl of fresh fruit or a simple green salad. Make it a special holiday treat by offering small bowls of hot sauce or maple syrup on the side for dipping so each guest can enjoy a custom flavor twist. If you want to keep things simple a cup of coffee and a few rolls can easily start your day right.
The Perfect Brunch Addition
These rolls are the ultimate crowd pleaser since everyone loves handheld breakfasts packed with flavor. Whether you bring them to a work potluck or a family gathering they disappear in minutes. The combination of flaky pastry and creamy salty filling is always a hit and feels way more festive than a bowl of cereal.

The flaky pastry and creamy filling make these rolls a breakfast you will crave again and again. Serve warm and enjoy every savory, cheesy bite.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Prepare the sausage filling in advance and refrigerate. Assemble and bake the rolls fresh in the morning for best results.
- → What cheese works best for this dish?
Sharp cheddar provides bold flavor and melts well, but mozzarella or pepper jack can also add tasty variety.
- → Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach make great additions, adding flavor and texture alongside the sausage.
- → How do I keep the rolls from getting soggy?
Drain any excess grease from the sausage before mixing with cream cheese to help the pastry stay crisp while baking.
- → What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Warm rolls in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore their crisp texture. Avoid microwaving to keep them from turning soggy.