Description
These Irresistibly Easy ROTEL Spiced Sausage and Cream Cheese Bites are a delicious and quick appetizer perfect for any party or casual gathering. Made with spicy breakfast sausage, ROTEL diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese, all wrapped in buttery crescent roll dough and baked to golden perfection. The combination of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors makes these bites a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare and serve warm.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage Mixture
- 1 pound spicy breakfast sausage (or regular, if preferred)
- 1 can ROTEL diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Dough & Topping
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain the excess grease to avoid sogginess.
- Add ROTEL and Simmer: Stir in the drained ROTEL diced tomatoes with green chilies. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is combined and most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Melt in Cheeses and Spices: Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until the cheeses melt and the mixture becomes creamy and well combined.
- Prepare Crescent Dough: Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into the 8 original triangles. Cut each triangle in half crosswise, creating 16 smaller triangles total.
- Assemble Bites: Spoon a small amount of the sausage and cheese mixture onto the wider end of each triangle. Fold the corners over the filling to seal the bite, pinching the edges closed to prevent filling leakage. Place each bite seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush each bite lightly with the beaten egg to help them brown evenly and create a shiny, golden crust.
- Bake: Bake the bites in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until they are puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the bites to cool slightly on the baking sheet. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch before serving.
Notes
- Best served warm for maximum flavor and texture.
- Filling can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator to save time when assembling.
- Use regular breakfast sausage if you prefer less heat.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened for easy mixing and melting.
- For extra crispiness, bake on a preheated baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
