This savory Sausage and Cheese Crescent Ring is guaranteed to wow your guests! A golden pastry filled with melty cheese and savory sausage makes an irresistible dish everyone will love.
A SHOWSTOPPING APPETIZER WITH MINIMAL EFFORT
This Sausage and Cheese Crescent Ring delivers maximum flavor with just a handful of ingredients! I love recipes that look fancy but are secretly super easy, and this one tops my list. The beautiful ring presentation makes everyone think you spent hours in the kitchen, when really it takes just minutes to assemble!
I created this recipe after experimenting with different quick appetizers for a family gathering. Everyone was so impressed by both the presentation and the taste that it’s now requested at every get-together. The combination of flaky pastry, spiced meat, and gooey cheese creates an addictive flavor that keeps everyone coming back for “just one more slice.”
What’s great about this recipe is its versatility – serve it for breakfast with some scrambled eggs on the side, enjoy it as a hearty lunch, or pair it with a salad for a satisfying dinner. You can even cut it into smaller portions for the perfect party appetizer!
COMMON QUESTIONS:
The center of my ring closed up during baking. How can I prevent this? The key is starting with a larger center opening. Try using a 6-inch bowl as your template instead of a 5-inch one. Also, make sure you’re tucking the pointed ends under the bottom layer rather than pulling them into the center, which can cause the opening to close as the dough expands.
My dough got sticky and difficult to work with. Any tips? Crescent dough warms up quickly, making it sticky. If this happens, place the partially assembled ring in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to firm up before continuing. Working in a cool kitchen also helps, so consider turning down your thermostat before starting.
How can I make this even more flavorful? Try mixing herbs like fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, or basil into your cheese mixture. A tablespoon of Dijon mustard or a dash of hot sauce added to the filling can also elevate the flavors. For extra seasoning, sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the egg wash before baking.
Can I prepare components ahead of time? Definitely! Cook and cool the sausage up to two days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. You can also shred your cheese in advance. I don’t recommend assembling the entire ring until you’re ready to bake, as the dough can become soggy if it sits with the filling too long.
What’s the best way to serve this at a party? For easy serving, place the ring on a large round platter with a small bowl of dipping sauce in the center hollow. Cut into portions before guests arrive, but leave it assembled so they can see the impressive presentation. Small plates and napkins are all you need for this finger-friendly dish!
KEY INGREDIENTS:
- ground sausage – provides the savory foundation for our filling. I prefer using a medium-spiced variety for balanced flavor, but feel free to go milder or spicier based on your preference. Make sure to drain it thoroughly to prevent excess grease from making the pastry soggy.
- crescent roll dough – creates that gorgeous golden ring with minimal effort. The refrigerated tubes work perfectly here and save tons of time compared to making dough from scratch. Their buttery flavor complements the savory filling beautifully.
- cheese blend – I use a combination of Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar for the perfect balance of meltability and flavor. Freshly grating your cheese results in better melting than pre-shredded varieties, which contain anti-caking agents.
- egg mixture – brushing the assembled ring with beaten egg creates that bakery-worthy golden shine. Don’t skip this step if you want that professional-looking finish!
- customizable additions – garlic powder, dried herbs, or red pepper flakes can be mixed into the filling to customize the flavor profile to your preferences.
STEP-BY-STEP CREATION PROCESS
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