Cheesy Sausage & Rotel Crescent Rolls

Name: Cheesy Sausage & Rotel Crescent Rolls
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound breakfast sausage; 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened; 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained; 2 cans (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll dough; 2 tablespoons butter, melted (optional for brushing); ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional for added flavor)

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on February 19, 2025

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A Family Tradition in Every Bite

Every family has that one recipe that instantly brings people together. For me, it’s these Savory Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescent Bites. I first encountered them at a family holiday party, where my aunt brought out a warm tray fresh from the oven. The moment I took my first bite, I was hooked—the buttery, flaky crescent roll, the rich and creamy sausage filling, and the perfect hint of spice from the Rotel tomatoes.

From that moment, these became a staple at every gathering. Whether it was game day, a potluck, or just a casual family night, we knew these little bites would disappear within minutes. Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe slightly, adding my own little touches, but the heart of it remains the same. It’s a dish that isn’t just about the flavors—it’s about the memories made while sharing it.

Now, I’m excited to share this recipe with you, hoping it becomes as much of a crowd-pleaser in your home as it has been in mine.

Why These Crescent Bites Will Be Your New Go-To Snack

Quick and Easy – Minimal prep and simple ingredients make this a stress-free recipe.
Crowd-Pleaser – Everyone loves these, whether you serve them at a party, brunch, or as a snack.
Perfect Balance of Flavors – The buttery crescent roll, the creamy filling, and the slight kick from Rotel come together beautifully.
Versatile for Any Occasion – Serve them as appetizers, breakfast bites, or even a grab-and-go snack.
Freezer-Friendly – Make a batch ahead of time and freeze for quick, delicious treats later.

Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

Recipe Description

These Easy Philly Cheesesteak Sliders pack all the bold, savory flavors of the classic Philly cheesesteak into a fun, shareable dish. Juicy thin-sliced steak, gooey melted cheese, and caramelized onions come together on soft, buttery slider rolls for the ultimate game-day snack, party appetizer, or family-friendly dinner. Quick to prepare and irresistibly delicious, these sliders will be the star of any meal!

Ingredients

For the steak filling:

1 pound ribeye or flank steak, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

For the onions:

1 tablespoon butter
1 large onion, thinly sliced

For the sliders:

12 Hawaiian rolls or brioche slider buns
6 slices provolone cheese
2 tablespoons melted butter
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Steak Filling
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the thinly sliced steak, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes until browned, then remove from heat.
Caramelize the Onions
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add sliced onions.
- Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and golden brown (about 10-12 minutes).
Assemble the Sliders
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the slider buns in half and place the bottom halves in a greased baking dish.
- Layer the cooked steak evenly over the buns, followed by the caramelized onions.
- Place provolone cheese slices on top and cover with the top half of the buns.
Add the Buttery Topping
- Mix melted butter with garlic powder and brush over the tops of the buns.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds for extra flavor.
Bake and Serve
- Cover with foil and bake for 10 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 5 minutes until golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, serve warm, and enjoy!

Notes

For ultra-thin steak slices, freeze the meat for 30 minutes before cutting.
Provolone is traditional, but you can use mozzarella, cheddar, or cheese whiz for a twist.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven at 350°F.
To make ahead, assemble sliders, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 sliders
Category: Appetizer, Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

These Philly Cheesesteak Sliders are the perfect bite-sized take on a legendary sandwich—great for parties, family meals, or anytime you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and satisfying!

The Secret Behind the Perfect Crescent Bites

Choosing the Best Sausage

The type of sausage you use can make or break this recipe. Breakfast sausage works great, but if you want extra flavor, try:

Spicy Italian Sausage – Adds a little extra kick for those who love bold flavors.
Turkey Sausage – A leaner alternative without sacrificing flavor.
Chorizo – Infuses a smoky, slightly spicy taste for a unique twist.

Draining the Rotel is Essential

One common mistake is skipping this step. Rotel tomatoes and green chilies add amazing flavor, but they also bring extra liquid that can make the filling too runny. To avoid soggy crescent rolls, always drain the Rotel thoroughly before mixing it with the cream cheese and sausage.

Getting the Crescent Rolls Just Right

Work with Cold Dough – Crescent roll dough is easier to handle when chilled. Keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble.
Seal the Edges Well – Prevent the filling from leaking by pinching the edges together tightly.
Brush with Butter for Extra Flakiness – A light brush of melted butter before baking gives them a golden, crispy finish.

Serving Suggestions

These sausage crescent bites pair well with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are some favorites:

Ranch Dressing – A classic, creamy pairing.
Honey Mustard – A sweet and tangy contrast to the savory filling.
Spicy Sriracha Mayo – For those who love a little heat.
Cheese Dip – Extra indulgence with every bite.

Ways to Customize This Recipe

These bites are amazing as they are, but here are some fun variations to try:

Cheesy Sausage Crescents – Add shredded cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella to the filling for extra cheesiness.
Bacon Lover’s Edition – Mix in crispy bacon bits for an extra smoky flavor.
Southwestern Twist – Add black beans and a dash of taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex flair.
Vegetarian Option – Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the crescent rolls, place them on a baking sheet, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This makes them perfect for entertaining.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to maintain their crispiness.

3. Can I freeze these crescent bites?

Yes! Freeze them before baking by placing the assembled rolls on a baking sheet and freezing until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.

4. Can I use a different type of dough?

If crescent rolls aren’t available, you can use:

Puff pastry – For an extra flaky, buttery alternative.
Pizza dough – For a slightly thicker, chewier texture.
Homemade biscuit dough – For a more rustic take on the recipe.

5. Can I make these spicy?

Absolutely! Try adding red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or extra spicy sausage for a little extra heat.

6. What’s the best way to serve these at a party?

These are best served warm right out of the oven. If you’re hosting a party, keep them on a warming tray or in a low-temperature oven (200°F) until ready to serve.

7. Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?

Yes, but full-fat cream cheese gives a richer, creamier texture. If using reduced-fat, the filling might be slightly less smooth.

8. What’s the best way to reheat them?

The best way to reheat these is in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crescent rolls soggy.

Conclusion

These Savory Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescent Bites are more than just an appetizer—they’re a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a party, a family breakfast, or just because you’re craving something warm and delicious, these crescent bites are sure to be a hit.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a dish that’s packed with bold flavors, creamy textures, and flaky perfection. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to customize, so you can make them exactly how you like them.

Next time you need a go-to appetizer that’s guaranteed to disappear in minutes, give these crescent bites a try. They might just become your new favorite snack—just like they did for me.