Flaky, Golden & Perfect for Sharing
Few appetizers make a statement quite like a golden, wreath-shaped Crescent ring fresh from the oven. This Savory Sausage and Cheese Crescent Ring combines flaky crescent roll dough with a creamy, seasoned sausage filling for a dish thatโs as visually impressive as it is satisfying.
Perfect for holiday spreads, game-day tables, brunch gatherings, or casual dinners, this recipe delivers comfort, convenience, and crowd-pleasing flavor โ all in one ring.
This master recipe walks you through shaping technique, filling balance, baking tips, and foolproof texture control.
Recipe Overview
Yield: 8โ10 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20โ25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Cuisine Style: American Party Appetizer
Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly
Ingredients and Their Purpose
The Creamy, Savory Core
For the Filling
1 lb (450g) ground sausage (breakfast or Italian) or ground beef
Provides savory richness and protein. Sausage adds built-in seasoning.
ยฝ small yellow onion, finely chopped
Adds sweetness and depth.
2 cloves garlic, minced
Enhances savory aroma.
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
Creates creamy, cohesive filling.
ยผ cup milk or cream
Loosens filling for easy spreading.
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Herbal balance.
ยผ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Adds mild heat.
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Crust & Topping
2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
Creates flaky, golden exterior with minimal effort.
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella blend)
Adds melt factor and flavor depth.
1 large egg + 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
Promotes glossy, golden crust.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Adds freshness and visual contrast.
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Pastry brush
Step-by-Step Master Instructions
Building the Perfect Crescent Ring
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Heat skillet over medium heat.
Cook sausage (or beef) with chopped onion until browned and fully cooked.
Drain excess grease.
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Remove from heat.
Stir in:
- Cream cheese
- Milk or cream
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Let cool slightly before assembling.
Step 2: Arrange the Dough
Preheat oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
Line baking sheet with parchment.
Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles.
Arrange triangles in a circular pattern:
- Wide ends overlapping in center
- Points facing outward
- Forming a sun shape
Press overlapping sections together gently.
Step 3: Fill the Ring
Spoon sausage mixture evenly over the wide overlapping base.
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
Fold triangle points over filling toward center.
Tuck underneath slightly to seal.
Filling should remain partially visible in between folds.
Step 4: Apply Egg Wash
Brush entire dough surface with egg wash.
This ensures deep golden color.
Step 5: Bake
Bake 20โ25 minutes until:
- Deep golden brown
- Dough cooked through
- Cheese melted
Let rest 5โ10 minutes before slicing.
Texture & Flavor Profile
Exterior: Flaky, buttery, crisp edges
Interior: Creamy, savory sausage filling
Flavor: Rich, cheesy, lightly herbed
Aroma: Warm pastry, garlic, melted cheese
Common Problems & Fixes
Bottom soggy:
Filling too hot before assembling.
Filling leaking:
Overfilled or not sealed properly.
Uneven browning:
Rotate pan halfway through baking.
Dough undercooked:
Tent loosely with foil and bake additional 5 minutes.
Variations
Spicy Version
Use hot Italian sausage and add diced jalapeรฑos.
Breakfast Ring
Add scrambled eggs to filling.
Veggie Add-In
Mix in sautรฉed mushrooms or spinach.
Tex-Mex Twist
Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning and use pepper jack cheese.
Serving Suggestions
- With marinara or ranch dip
- As brunch centerpiece
- Paired with simple green salad
- As game-day appetizer
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Freeze baked slices up to 2 months.
Reheat:
Oven at 325ยฐF for 10โ12 minutes for best texture.
Nutritional Overview (Approximate Per Slice)
Calories: 320โ380
Protein: 12โ15 g
Carbohydrates: 20โ24 g
Fat: 22โ26 g
(Varies by sausage and cheese choice.)
Why This Recipe Works
- Cream cheese binds filling for clean slices
- Crescent dough provides instant flakiness
- Layered cheese adds richness
- Circular shaping ensures even baking
Itโs impressive without being complicated.
Final Thoughts
Savory Sausage and Cheese Crescent Ring is the kind of recipe that turns a simple gathering into something festive. It looks special, tastes indulgent, and comes together quickly.
Flaky. Creamy. Crowd-pleasing.
A golden ring of comfort ready to be shared.