Rotel Chicken Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescent Bake

When you think of a dish that’s easy to prepare, irresistibly creamy, and packed with flavor, the Rotel Chicken Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescent Bake is a standout option. This delightful combination of shredded chicken, sausage, Rotel tomatoes, and cream cheese wrapped in buttery crescent rolls is the epitome of comfort food. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a game-day gathering, or looking for a simple yet satisfying dinner, this recipe has you covered. Its blend of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors makes it a guaranteed hit, and it’s versatile enough to be adapted to your preferences.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making this indulgent dish, offering tips, variations, and serving suggestions to make it perfect for every occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make: With minimal prep time and readily available ingredients, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
2. Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: The creamy filling and buttery crescent rolls are universally appealing.
3. Customizable: Swap in different meats, cheeses, or seasonings to suit your tastes.
4. Great for Any Meal: Enjoy it as a hearty breakfast, snack, or dinner.
5. Perfect for Sharing: This dish is ideal for potlucks, parties, or family meals.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Serving Size: 1 crescent roll with filling

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 350
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 pound ground sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken sausage)
• 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

For the Crescent Bake:

• 2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted (optional, for brushing)

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped fresh parsley or green onions
• A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked (about 8 minutes). Drain any excess grease.
2. Add the shredded chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the sausage.
3. Stir in the Rotel tomatoes, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the cream cheese is fully melted and the filling is smooth and creamy (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Rolls

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles on a clean surface.
3. Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the filling onto the wide end of each crescent triangle. Sprinkle a small amount of shredded cheese on top of the filling.

Step 3: Roll and Arrange

1. Starting at the wide end, roll each crescent triangle tightly around the filling, tucking in the sides as needed to seal.
2. Place the filled crescents seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking dish.

Step 4: Bake

1. Brush the tops of the crescents with melted butter (optional) for a golden, glossy finish.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are puffed and golden brown.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the crescents from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and serve warm.

Ingredient Background

Rotel Tomatoes and Green Chilies

Rotel is a canned blend of diced tomatoes and green chilies that adds a kick of spice and tanginess to the filling. It’s a Southern kitchen staple often used in dips, casseroles, and Tex-Mex dishes.

Ground Sausage

Sausage brings a savory richness to the dish. Pork sausage is traditional, but turkey or chicken sausage can be used for a lighter option. Look for a seasoned sausage to enhance the flavor profile.

Cream Cheese

The cream cheese binds the filling and provides a creamy texture that balances the spice from the Rotel. For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese.

Crescent Roll Dough

This buttery, flaky dough is the perfect vessel for the rich filling. Pillsbury crescent rolls are widely available and easy to work with, but homemade crescent dough can be used if desired.

Technique Tips

1. Seal the Edges: To prevent the filling from leaking, pinch the edges of the crescent rolls tightly after wrapping.
2. Don’t Overfill: Use about 1-2 tablespoons of filling per crescent to ensure they roll easily and bake evenly.
3. Cool the Filling: Allow the filling to cool slightly before spooning it onto the dough to avoid melting or tearing the crescent rolls.
4. Use Parchment Paper: Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper makes cleanup easy and prevents sticking.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

1. Crescent Bake Casserole: Instead of individual rolls, layer the crescent dough in a baking dish, add the filling, and top with another layer of dough for a casserole-style dish.
2. Mini Crescent Bites: Cut the crescent dough into smaller triangles and roll bite-sized portions of filling for appetizers.
3. Breakfast Style: Add scrambled eggs to the filling for a breakfast-inspired variation.

Additional Tips for Success

• Shred Chicken Ahead: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken or preparing the shredded chicken in advance.
• Cheese Variety: Experiment with cheeses like pepper jack, gouda, or Monterey Jack for different flavors.
• Reheating: Warm leftover crescents in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for extra heat.
2. Vegetarian Option: Replace the sausage and chicken with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and black beans.
3. Low-Carb Version: Use keto-friendly crescent roll dough or wrap the filling in large lettuce leaves.
4. Buffalo Twist: Mix a few tablespoons of buffalo sauce into the filling and use blue cheese crumbles instead of shredded cheese.
5. Taco-Inspired: Add taco seasoning to the filling and serve with sour cream and salsa on the side.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerating

Store leftover crescent rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Prepare and bake the crescents as directed, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat frozen crescents directly from the freezer in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Healthier Twist Ideas

1. Light Crescent Rolls: Use reduced-fat crescent dough to cut calories.
2. Lean Protein: Swap pork sausage for turkey or chicken sausage.
3. Veggie-Packed: Add finely chopped vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the filling for added nutrients.
4. Low-Fat Cheese: Opt for reduced-fat cream cheese and shredded cheese.

Serving Suggestions for Events

1. Game Day Snack: Serve with a side of spicy ranch or queso dip for a winning appetizer.
2. Family Dinner: Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
3. Brunch Spread: Include these crescents in a brunch buffet with fresh fruit and coffee.
4. Potluck Favorite: Prepare a double batch for sharing at potlucks or gatherings.

Special Equipment

• Large Skillet: For browning the sausage and mixing the filling.
• Baking Sheet: A nonstick or parchment-lined baking sheet ensures even cooking.
• Pastry Brush: Use for applying melted butter for a golden finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
   Yes, pre-cooked sausage works well. Simply chop or crumble it and mix with the other filling ingredients.
2. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
   Absolutely! Prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
3. Can I freeze unbaked crescents?
   Yes, assemble the crescents, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then store them in a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
4. What can I substitute for Rotel?
   Use a combination of canned diced tomatoes and diced green chilies. Adjust the quantity to match your spice preference.
5. Can I use phyllo dough instead of crescent rolls?
   Yes, but the texture will be crispier. Layer phyllo sheets with melted butter and wrap the filling tightly.
6. What pairs well with these crescents?
   Serve with a side of creamy coleslaw, fresh fruit salad, or a zesty avocado dip.
7. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, use gluten-free crescent roll dough or another gluten-free wrap alternative.
8. How do I keep the crescents from getting soggy?
   Drain the Rotel tomatoes thoroughly and avoid overfilling the rolls to prevent excess moisture.

Conclusion

The Rotel Chicken Sausage & Cream Cheese Crescent Bake is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s as easy to make as it is to love. With its creamy filling, buttery crescent rolls, and endless customization options, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a family meal, or satisfying your own cravings, these crescents are guaranteed to please. So, grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection!

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