Sausage and Cheese Crescent Ring Recipe

Sometimes the best party food is the one that makes everyone stop talking and say, “Whoa, what is that?”
That’s exactly the kind of reaction a Sausage and Cheese Crescent Ring gets.

Golden, flaky crescent dough shaped into a beautiful ring, stuffed with savory sausage and gooey melted cheese—it looks impressive in the center of the table, but it’s secretly very simple to make. Each slice is like a warm, cheesy, handheld pocket of comfort: buttery pastry on the outside, flavorful sausage filling on the inside, and just enough cheese to make every bite satisfyingly stretchy.

What makes this crescent ring special is how it combines presentation and practicality.
You get the look of a show-stopping centerpiece with the ease of a beginner-friendly recipe. There’s no complicated shaping, no special equipment, and no long list of ingredients. With just crescent dough, sausage, and cheese, you create a dish that works for brunch, game day, potlucks, family dinners, or holiday breakfasts.

Whether you serve it as a main dish with a salad, as a breakfast item with eggs, or as a party appetizer sliced into wedges, this Sausage and Cheese Crescent Ring will quickly become one of those recipes you reach for again and again whenever you want something easy, cozy, and crowd-pleasing.

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Core Ingredients for Making the Recipe

To prepare this comforting and versatile Sausage and Cheese Crescent Ring, you’ll need just a few simple, everyday ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Crescent Ring

• 1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
  This forms the flaky, buttery pastry that wraps around the filling and bakes into a beautiful ring.
• 1 pound (450 g) ground sausage
  Mild or spicy—choose your favorite. Sausage brings savory flavor, richness, and heartiness to every bite.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  You can use sharp cheddar for a bold flavor or a cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, etc.) for extra creaminess and melt.

Optional Add-Ins (Recommended but Not Required)

These are completely optional, but they boost flavor and texture:

• ¼ cup finely chopped onion
• 1–2 cloves garlic, minced, or ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried parsley
• 1 egg, beaten (for brushing the dough for a glossy finish)

Even if you stick to just the three core ingredients, you’ll still have a delicious ring. The optional additions simply help customize it to your taste.

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Step-by-Step

Guide to Making the Recipe

1. Prepare the Sausage Filling

Start by cooking the sausage, which will be the heart of your crescent ring.

1. Place a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the ground sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
3. Cook until the sausage is no longer pink and nicely browned, about 7–10 minutes.
4. If you’re using onion or garlic, add them to the skillet once the sausage starts to brown and sauté until softened and fragrant.
5. Once cooked, drain off excess fat if necessary. You want a flavorful filling, not a greasy one.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the sausage cool slightly for a few minutes.
   • This helps prevent the cheese from melting too early and makes the filling easier to handle.

When the sausage has cooled just a bit, sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and any optional seasonings you like (such as Italian seasoning or parsley). Stir until the cheese is evenly distributed and beginning to melt into the mixture.

You now have a rich, cheesy sausage filling ready to be wrapped in crescent dough.

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2. Prepare the Crescent Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) (or according to the instructions on your crescent dough can).
2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
3. Open the can of refrigerated crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles along the perforated lines.

To create the ring shape:

4. Arrange the crescent triangles in a circle on the baking sheet, with the wide ends overlapping in the center and the points facing outward, like a sunburst.
   • The center should form a small circle where the wide ends overlap.
   • The triangle tips will extend outward, forming the outer rim of the ring.

It doesn’t need to be perfect. Once everything is filled and folded, it will bake into a beautiful, rustic-looking ring.

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3. Add the Sausage and Cheese Filling

Now it’s time to fill your ring.

1. Spoon the sausage and cheese mixture evenly over the wide ends of the crescent triangles, forming a ring of filling around the center.
   • Leave the pointed ends uncovered; you’ll need these to fold over the filling.
2. Make sure the filling is evenly distributed so each slice will have a good amount of sausage and cheese.

The ring should look like a wreath: dough on the bottom, a ring of filling, and dough points sticking out all around.

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4. Fold and Seal the Crescent Ring

To create the signature ring shape:

1. Gently lift each crescent triangle tip and fold it up and over the sausage filling toward the center.
2. Tuck the tip under the central ring of dough to secure it.
3. Continue folding each triangle around the ring until all the sausage filling is encased and the crescent points overlap slightly, forming a braided or woven look.

If any filling peeks through, that’s perfectly fine. During baking, it will bubble slightly and become deliciously golden around the edges.

If you’re using an egg wash for extra shine:

4. Beat one egg in a small bowl and brush it lightly over the top of the crescent dough.
   • This step is optional but gives the ring a beautiful, glossy, bakery-style finish.

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5. Bake the Crescent Ring

1. Place the baking sheet with the assembled ring into your preheated 375°F (190°C) oven.
2. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until:
   • The crescent dough is golden brown,
   • The cheese is melted, and
   • You can see the sausage filling hot and bubbling slightly between the seams.

Keep an eye on the ring toward the end of baking. If the top starts browning too quickly, you can lightly tent it with foil for the last few minutes.

Once baked, remove the Sausage and Cheese Crescent Ring from the oven and allow it to cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set slightly, making it easier to cut clean slices.

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6. Slice and Enjoy

Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the ring into wedges, like you would slice a pizza. Each wedge will have a flaky crescent crust on the outside and a warm, cheesy sausage filling inside.

Serve warm and enjoy that first bite of buttery pastry and savory cheese-filled sausage—comfort food wrapped in a golden ring.

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Flavor Variations and Creative Twists

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. By changing just a few ingredients, you can create new versions to match your mood, occasion, or what’s in your fridge.

1. Breakfast Sausage Crescent Ring

Turn the ring into a full breakfast:

• Add scrambled eggs to the sausage and cheese mixture.
• Use breakfast sausage and maybe even a little cooked bacon.
• Serve with salsa or hot sauce on the side.

2. Spicy Jalapeño Sausage Ring

If you love heat:

• Use spicy sausage instead of mild.
• Stir in diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) with the sausage filling.
• Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for extra kick.

3. Veggie-Loaded Sausage Ring

Add color and nutrition:

• Sauté diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach with the sausage.
• Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a gooey, stretchy melt.

4. Italian-Inspired Crescent Ring

Give it an Italian twist:

• Use Italian sausage.
• Add Italian seasoning, garlic, and a bit of shredded mozzarella.
• Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

5. Bacon and Sausage Combo

For serious meat lovers:

• Add chopped, cooked bacon to the sausage and cheese mixture.
• Use sharp cheddar to balance the richness.

6. Three-Cheese Crescent Ring

Turn up the cheesiness:

• Use a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack or provolone.
• The combination gives flavor, stretch, and creaminess.

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How to Serve

This Sausage and Cheese Crescent Ring is incredibly versatile in how it can be served. You can tailor the presentation depending on whether you’re serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, or party snacks.

As a Party Appetizer

Slice the ring into smaller wedges and arrange them on a platter. Pair with dipping sauces like:

• Ranch dressing
• Honey mustard
• Spicy ketchup
• Marinara sauce

It makes a great centerpiece for game day, holiday gatherings, or potlucks.

As a Breakfast or Brunch Main

Serve slices alongside:

• Scrambled or fried eggs
• Hash browns or roasted potatoes
• Fresh fruit or a simple salad

Add coffee or orange juice, and you have a complete, hearty brunch spread.

As a Cozy Dinner

Pair the crescent ring with:

• A green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Soup (like tomato or vegetable soup)

It transforms a simple sausage and cheese combination into a comforting, satisfying meal.

On the Go

Leftover slices can be wrapped and reheated for a quick breakfast or snack. The crescent dough holds together well, making this ring easy to eat with your hands.

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Tips & Variations

A few simple tips can help ensure your Sausage and Cheese Crescent Ring turns out perfectly every time.

Choose the Right Sausage

• Mild sausage is great if you’re serving children or guests with milder tastes.
• Spicy sausage adds excitement and depth for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
• You can even mix mild and spicy to find your perfect balance.

Don’t Overfill the Ring

It’s tempting to pile on the filling, but too much can make the ring difficult to close and cause it to burst open while baking. Aim for an even, moderate layer of filling around the ring.

Let the Filling Cool Slightly

Adding very hot sausage directly to the cheese and dough can cause the cheese to melt too early and the dough to become difficult to shape. Let it rest for a few minutes before assembling.

Seal the Dough Well

Tuck the tips of the crescent dough securely under the center ring to help keep the filling inside. Even if a little leaks out, it will bake into a delicious, crispy edge, but sealing helps the ring hold its shape.

Use Freshly Shredded Cheese

Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that affect melting. Shredding your own cheddar gives you a smoother, creamier melt.

Egg Wash for Shine

If you want that glossy, golden bakery look, don’t skip the egg wash. A quick brush of beaten egg over the dough before baking makes a big difference in appearance.

Make It Ahead

You can cook the sausage and mix it with cheese in advance. Store the filling in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake the ring fresh when you’re ready to serve.

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Final Thoughts

The Sausage and Cheese Crescent Ring is a celebration of simple ingredients turned into something special. With just crescent roll dough, sausage, and cheese, you create a dish that feels warm, welcoming, and impressive—without requiring complicated steps or fancy tools.

It’s the kind of recipe that fits into busy weeknights, relaxed Sunday brunches, game-day spreads, and holiday tables alike. Slice by slice, it delivers comfort: flaky pastry, savory sausage, and gooey melted cheese in every bite.

Whether you stick to the basic version or experiment with vegetables, spices, and different cheeses, this crescent ring proves that sometimes the best recipes are the ones that start with everyday ingredients and end with everyone asking for seconds.

It’s easy to see why this is the kind of dish you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation—simple to make, endlessly adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser.

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FAQ

Can I make this ring ahead of time?
You can prepare the sausage and cheese filling ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. For best results, assemble the ring just before baking so the dough stays fresh and flaky.

Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork?
Yes. Ground turkey or chicken sausage works well and can be a lighter option. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and season to taste, as leaner meats can be a bit milder.

Can I reheat leftovers?
Absolutely. Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 325–350°F (160–175°C) until warmed through. This helps keep the dough crispier than microwaving.

Can I freeze the Sausage and Cheese Crescent Ring?
You can freeze baked slices by wrapping them tightly and storing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Reheat from frozen in the oven until hot. For best texture, freezing is ideal for leftovers rather than the unbaked assembled ring.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes. Diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach are great additions. Cook them with the sausage to remove excess moisture before adding the cheese.

Do I have to use cheddar cheese?
Not at all. While cheddar is a classic choice, you can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, pepper jack, or a blend. Each cheese will slightly change the flavor and melt, letting you customize the ring to your liking.

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