Sausage and Cheese Crescent Ring Recipe

Introduction

The Sausage and Cheese Crescent Ring is a show-stopping, savory appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, game-day parties, or Sunday brunches. This golden, flaky ring combines the buttery softness of crescent dough with the rich flavors of seasoned sausage and melted cheese, creating a crowd-pleasing centerpiece that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. With its spiral design and irresistible aroma, this recipe brings people together—literally! Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or guests at a potluck, the Sausage and Cheese Crescent Ring delivers bold taste in an elegant, easy-to-make package.

The History

While there isn’t a single documented origin of the Sausage and Cheese Crescent Ring, its roots can be traced back to American comfort food traditions of the mid-20th century. Crescent roll dough, popularized by brands like Pillsbury, became a pantry staple in the 1960s due to its convenience and versatility. Home cooks began experimenting with ways to transform canned dough into festive, shareable dishes—leading to creations like pinwheels, spirals, and ring-shaped appetizers.

The concept of a “crescent ring” likely evolved from European pastry traditions, particularly Austrian kipferl and French croissants, which inspired the curved shape of modern crescent rolls. However, the American twist came with hearty fillings like sausage, cheese, and herbs, turning a simple baked good into a satisfying snack or meal starter. Over time, the Sausage and Cheese Crescent Ring gained popularity through community cookbooks, church potlucks, and online recipe sharing platforms, becoming a beloved classic across the United States.

Ingredients Breakdown

To make a perfect Sausage and Cheese Crescent Ring, you’ll need a balance of savory, cheesy, and slightly spiced components wrapped in tender, flaky dough. Here’s a detailed look at each ingredient and why it matters:

Canned Crescent Roll Dough (1 tube, 8 count): The foundation of the ring. These pre-made sheets provide a light, airy texture with minimal effort. Look for original or reduced-fat versions depending on your preference.
Ground Breakfast Sausage (1 lb): Choose mild or spicy pork sausage for flavor. You can substitute turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened): Adds richness and helps bind the filling. Philadelphia-style works best for smooth blending.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1½ cups): Sharp cheddar offers tang and color. Mix in mozzarella or pepper jack for variation.
Green Onions (¼ cup, finely chopped): Brings freshness and mild onion flavor without overpowering.
Garlic Powder (½ tsp): Enhances savoriness and depth.
Onion Powder (½ tsp): Complements the sausage and adds umami.
Dried Parsley (1 tsp): For herbal notes and visual appeal.
Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Balances the richness with subtle heat.
Butter (2 tbsp, melted): Used for brushing the top after baking to give a glossy finish and buttery flavor.
Optional Add-ins: Diced jalapeños, sun-dried tomatoes, cooked bacon bits, or sautéed mushrooms for extra layers of taste.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a round baking stone or silicone mat to prevent sticking.
Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked through (about 8–10 minutes). Stir occasionally to break it into small crumbles. Once done, drain excess fat using a paper towel-lined plate or colander. Let cool slightly.
Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.
Unroll Crescent Dough: Open the tube of crescent dough and carefully separate the triangles. Press each triangle into a rectangle by sealing the perforated edges. Place all rectangles side by side on the prepared baking sheet, forming a large circle with the short sides overlapping slightly. Pinch seams together to form a continuous ring, leaving about a 2-inch hole in the center.
Add Fillings: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, staying about ½ inch from the outer edge. Sprinkle the cooked and drained sausage evenly over the cream cheese layer. Top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar.
Fold and Seal: Cut vertical slits along the outer edge of the dough, about 1 inch apart and 2 inches long. Then, gently fold every other strip toward the center, alternating sides to create a braided effect. Tuck the ends under to seal.
Bake: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
Finish with Butter Glaze: Remove from oven and immediately brush the top with melted butter. This enhances flavor and gives a professional sheen.
Cool and Serve: Allow the ring to cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp serrated knife to cut into wedges, like a pie.

Tips

Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can cause leakage during baking. Stick to recommended amounts for clean results.
Seal Seams Well: Ensure the base dough is tightly joined so the ring holds its shape.
Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Softened cream cheese blends more smoothly and prevents tearing the dough.
Drain Sausage Thoroughly: Excess grease can make the dough soggy. Blot with paper towels if needed.
Bake Immediately After Assembly: Delays can cause the dough to dry out or absorb moisture from the fillings.
Let It Rest Before Cutting: Cooling slightly sets the cheese and makes slicing cleaner.
Double for Crowds: Easily scale the recipe to serve more—just use two tubes of dough and double the filling.
Freeze Before Baking (Optional): Assemble the ring, wrap tightly, and freeze. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to cooking time.

Variations and Customizations

This versatile recipe welcomes creativity. Try these fun twists:

Vegetarian Version: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles or sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot smoked paprika to the filling.
Italian Style: Use Italian sausage, marinara sauce swirls, mozzarella, and basil.
Bacon Lover’s Ring: Mix in crumbled cooked bacon with the sausage for extra smokiness.
Herb Garden Twist: Swap parsley for fresh dill, chives, or thyme for aromatic flair.
Sweet Option: Transform it into a dessert ring with Nutella, banana slices, and mini marshmallows—omit sausage and use cinnamon sugar instead.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crescent-style dough or puff pastry (check labels).
Dairy-Free: Substitute vegan cream cheese and dairy-free shreds; use olive oil instead of butter for brushing.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

While undeniably delicious, the traditional Sausage and Cheese Crescent Ring is high in saturated fat, sodium, and calories. A single serving (1/8 of the ring) contains approximately:

Calories: ~320–380
Total Fat: 25–30g (Saturated Fat: 10–14g)
Cholesterol: 60–80mg
Sodium: 600–800mg
Carbohydrates: 18–22g
Protein: 10–12g
Fiber: 1–2g

Healthy Modifications:

Use turkey sausage or vegetarian crumbles to reduce fat and calories.
Opt for low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheddar.
Increase fiber by mixing in finely chopped veggies like spinach or zucchini.
Control portion sizes by serving smaller wedges with a side salad.
Limit added salt by choosing lower-sodium sausage and skipping extra seasoning.

This dish should be enjoyed in moderation, especially by individuals managing cholesterol, hypertension, or heart health. Pairing it with fresh vegetables or fruit can balance the meal nutritionally.

Ingredients

1 tube (8 count) refrigerated crescent roll dough
1 pound ground breakfast sausage (pork, turkey, or plant-based)
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
¼ cup green onions, finely chopped
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for brushing)
Optional: jalapeños, bacon, mushrooms, or herbs

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or nonstick spray.
In a skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain fat thoroughly and let cool.
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, 1 cup cheddar, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, and black pepper until smooth.
Unroll crescent dough and press triangles into rectangles. Arrange them in a circle on the baking sheet, pinching seams to form a ring with a 2-inch center gap.
Spread cream cheese mixture over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border. Top with sausage and remaining ½ cup cheddar.
Cut slits around the outer edge, then fold alternating strips inward to create a braid. Tuck ends under.
Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Brush hot ring with melted butter. Cool 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm as a standalone appetizer or with dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or marinara.

FAQ

Can I make the Sausage and Cheese Crescent Ring ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the ring, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 2–3 minutes to the baking time if starting cold.

Can I freeze this crescent ring?
Absolutely. Freeze the unbaked ring on a tray, then wrap in plastic and foil for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to the cook time.

What can I use instead of crescent dough?
Puff pastry, biscuit dough, or homemade pizza dough can work. Adjust baking times accordingly.

Why did my ring come out soggy?
Likely causes: insufficiently drained sausage, too much filling, or underbaking. Make sure to blot the meat and avoid overloading.

How do I reheat leftovers?
Warm individual slices in the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes or in a toaster oven until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dough gummy.

Can I make this into individual rolls?
Yes! Divide the dough, add filling to each piece, roll up, and bake for 12–15 minutes for personal-sized treats.

Is this kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love the cheesy, meaty flavor and fun shape. Use mild sausage and skip spices for younger palates.

Summary

The Sausage and Cheese Crescent Ring is a flavorful, eye-catching appetizer that combines flaky crescent dough with savory sausage, creamy cheese, and aromatic seasonings in a stunning braided ring. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s the perfect centerpiece for any festive occasion or casual get-together.