Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Cheesy Sausage Crescents (Buttery, Cheesy & Crowd-Pleasing)

Sarah Smith
Jan 20
3 min read

Golden, stuffed pastry rolls on a tray, sprinkled with seeds. Accompanied by bowls of creamy, mustard, and tomato dips. Warm, inviting setting.

These Cheesy Sausage Crescents are buttery, golden, and packed with savory sausage and melty cheese, making them an easy appetizer for parties, game day, or cozy weekends at home. Serve them alongside dippable favorites like Cheesy Baked Chicken Taquitos, or round out your spread with comfort-food classics like Loaded Baked Potato Chicken Casserole and Creamy Chicken & Stuffing Bake for a warm, crowd-pleasing menu.

Why You’ll Love This

Buttery crescent rolls with a cheesy, savory sausage filling
Quick to assemble with simple store-bought dough
Perfect for parties, game day, potlucks, and holidays
Easy to customize with spices, cheese, or add-ins
Great warm, and still tasty at room temperature

Recipe Card

Servings: 16 crescents Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition Information

(Approximate, per crescent) Nutrition values may vary based on ingredient brands and substitutions.

Calories: ~165
Protein: ~7 g
Carbohydrates: ~11 g
Fat: ~10 g
Fiber: ~0.5 g
Sugar: ~2 g
Sodium: ~360 mg

Ingredients

1 lb breakfast sausage (or mild Italian sausage)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Colby-Jack)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tubes refrigerated crescent roll dough (8-count each)
1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for brushing)
1 teaspoon sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
In a bowl, mix cooked sausage with cream cheese, cheddar, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined.
Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles.
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of sausage mixture onto the wide end of each triangle, then roll up into crescents.
Place on the baking sheet, seam-side down. Brush lightly with melted butter if desired and sprinkle with seasoning.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden brown. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Use spicy sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Swap cheddar for pepper jack for a spicier bite.
Add 2–3 tablespoons finely diced jalapeños or green chiles for extra flavor.
For a brunch-style version, serve with eggs or a simple fruit side.

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can prepare the sausage filling up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate it until ready to assemble. Baked crescents keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness.

FAQ

Can I assemble these ahead of time? Yes. Assemble and refrigerate on a baking sheet (covered) for up to 8 hours, then bake when ready.

Do these work with turkey sausage? Yes, turkey sausage works well. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture after browning.

Can I freeze Cheesy Sausage Crescents? Yes. Freeze baked crescents for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F until warmed through.

What dips go well with sausage crescents? Honey mustard, ranch, spicy mayo, or a warm cheese dip all pair well.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Sausage Crescents are the kind of easy appetizer that disappears fast — buttery, cheesy, and full of savory flavor. Whether you’re serving them for game day, holiday gatherings, or a cozy weekend snack, they’re a reliable crowd-pleaser that fits right into any comfort-food spread.