Sausage Cheese Crescent Ring

This sausage and cheese crescent ring recipe delivers a melty, savory centerpiece you can prepare in just 40 minutes, making it the perfect quick dinner or party appetizer with ingredients you likely have on hand. The golden crescent dough hugs a creamy sausage filling loaded with cheese, resulting in irresistible flavor and crowd appeal. Whether you need a weeknight meal or a festive snack, this recipe turns eight simple ingredients into a show-stopping dish ready fast.

I started making this easy sausage and cheese crescent ring on weekends when my kids wanted something that felt like a special treat but was quicker than pizza. Now this recipe is a staple for family dinners, impromptu get-togethers, and potluck parties, always winning compliments for its creamy, flavorful filling and impressive ring shape. The warm cheese pulls and buttery crust never fail to make it the highlight of any meal or gathering.

Gather Your Ingredients

• One pound ground beef sausage: Brings rich flavor and hearty protein. Choose mild or spicy based on your taste. Fresh, good quality sausage will yield the best texture and flavor. Pork, turkey, or plant based sausage can also work.
• One can refrigerated crescent roll dough: Provides flaky, golden layers to wrap the filling. Name brand varieties tend to stay intact better, but store brands work if handled gently. Non perforated dough creates the cleanest look.
• One and a half cups shredded cheddar cheese: Gives melty, cheesy goodness throughout every bite. Use sharp cheddar for extra tang or try a cheese blend for different flavors. Mozzarella or pepper jack make great swaps.
• Four ounces softened cream cheese: Adds richness and makes the filling creamy. Let it sit for about 20 minutes before mixing for best results. Reduced fat cream cheese works if you want a lighter option.
• Half teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers savory, aromatic kick. Powder mixes smoothly, but minced fresh garlic can be used for stronger flavor if desired.
• Half teaspoon onion powder: Gives mellow, sweet allium flavor. White onion powder provides a gentler taste, and granulated onion is also suitable.
• Quarter teaspoon black pepper: Rounds out the filling with gentle heat. Fresh cracked pepper is especially robust, but pre ground will do in a pinch.
• One egg (optional): For brushing the crust to achieve a shiny, golden finish. Skip if you prefer a lighter top or are out of eggs.

How to Make Sausage and Cheese Crescent Ring

Preheat and Prep the Baking Sheet:

Set your oven to 375°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup. If parchment is unavailable, lightly grease the sheet with a thin layer of oil. A spacious surface is key for shaping the ring without crowding. Starting with a fully heated oven ensures a beautifully golden crust.

Brown the Sausage for Big Flavor:

In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, for about 8 minutes until fully cooked and well browned. Deep, even browning develops rich savory flavor. Drain off all visible grease to avoid a soggy ring, and use a paper towel if needed to remove excess fat.

Mix in the Cream Cheese and Spices:

With the skillet still warm but removed from the heat, stir in the softened cream cheese until it fully melts and coats the sausage mixture. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly for even seasoning. Allow the filling to cool for 5 minutes to prevent melting the dough during assembly.

Shape the Crescent Dough Into a Ring:

Open the crescent dough and separate into eight triangles. Arrange triangles on the prepared baking sheet in a circle with wide ends overlapping at center to form a sun like ring, leaving a five inch gap in the middle. Pinch seams as needed for a leakproof circle. This layout creates the signature ring look and makes filling and slicing easy.

Fill and Top With Cheddar Cheese:

Spoon the sausage mixture all around the base of the ring where triangles overlap, leaving a half inch space in the center for tidy edges. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the sausage layer to ensure gooey, melty texture in every bite. Cheddar melts beautifully and helps hold the filling together.

Fold and Brush the Dough for the Perfect Finish:

Fold each tip of dough over the filling and tuck it snugly under the inner edge to fully encase the sausage and cheese. Beat the egg and brush it gently over the top for a bakery style shine and crispness, if using. Tucking firmly helps seal the ring and maintain shape during baking.

Bake and Serve Hot:

Bake the ring in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until deeply golden, puffed, and fragrant with some bubbling cheese at the edges. Let it rest for 5 minutes on the baking sheet for cleaner slicing and to keep the filling in place. Slice into wedges and serve warm for the best taste and texture.

My favorite way to make this crescent ring unique is to add a sprinkle of smoked paprika in the filling or swap in sharp cheddar for extra intensity. The first time my kids pulled a cheesy wedge from the ring at a birthday party, their faces lit up—stringy cheese goodness for everyone. I also love knowing each serving delivers protein, a little fiber, and calcium along with big flavor.

Smart Swaps and Variations

Switching up your sausage and cheese crescent ring to suit your tastes or dietary needs is simple and fun. Choose turkey, chicken, or plant based sausage for a lighter dish, or swap cheddar for mozzarella, gouda, or jalapeno cheese for new flavors. To boost nutrition, add chopped spinach or finely diced bell peppers to the filling. If you require gluten free, select certified gluten free crescent dough and sausage. Lighter cream cheese is great if you are aiming for less fat without sacrificing creamy texture.

How to Store and Reheat Sausage and Cheese Crescent Ring

For best flavor and food safety, store cooked crescent ring slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place slices in a 350°F oven or toaster oven for 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through and crisp, which keeps the crust flaky and cheese melty. To freeze, cool slices completely, wrap tightly in foil or plastic, place in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for optimal texture.

What to Serve with Sausage and Cheese Crescent Ring

This sausage and cheese crescent ring is versatile for brunch, dinner, or parties. Serve with a crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette for freshness, or pair with creamy tomato soup on chilly nights for a cozy meal. At brunch, offer wedges with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit juice for wholesome variety. For entertaining, present on a large wood board with dips like ranch or spicy mustard and garnish with herbs for a festive look.

Nutritional Benefits

Satisfying and packed with protein, the sausage and cheese crescent ring supplies calcium from the cheese, vitamin B12 from the sausage, and energy for busy days. Using light cheese and sausage can reduce fat and calories, while adding veggies increases fiber and nutrients. The recipe can easily be adapted for gluten free or low carb diets by swapping dough and sausage as needed, making it accessible for many eaters.

Recipe Success Tips

To avoid common issues like cheese leaks or soggy bottoms, pinch and seal the dough seams tightly and thoroughly drain the cooked sausage. If your ring begins to brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last ten minutes without sealing it completely so steam can escape. Letting the baked ring rest for a few minutes before slicing guarantees neatly cut wedges and ensures the filling settles for best presentation.

This sausage and cheese crescent ring is my ultimate recipe for easy comfort food packed with flavor and fun presentation. Give it a try for your next gathering or dinner, and enjoy all the ways you can make it your own!

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use different sausage types?

Yes, substitute with pork, chicken, or plant-based sausage for varied flavor and dietary needs.

→ How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

Seal the dough edges tightly and avoid overfilling for the best results.

→ Can crescent ring be made ahead?

Prepare up to step six, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for optimal freshness.

→ Is egg wash necessary?

Egg wash provides a glossy, golden finish but can be omitted if desired.

→ What are ideal serving suggestions?

Slice warm and pair with fresh salad or seasonal fruit for a complete meal.