Sausage Rotel Cream Cheese Rolls

When I made these Sausage Rotel Cream Cheese Rolls, the smell of spicy sausage and melted cheese filled the kitchen.
They baked up golden and soft, with creamy filling tucked inside each roll.
I remember taking one bite and loving that perfect mix of heat and creaminess.

These rolls are warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
They’re perfect for parties, breakfast, or an easy snack everyone loves.

Let’s bake them together—you’ll see how simple and delicious they are.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crowd Pleaser: These rolls vanish within minutes at every party and potluck.
• Simple Ingredients: Just six basic ingredients create amazing flavor.
• Quick Prep: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for game day, holidays, or casual get-togethers.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble ahead and bake when guests arrive.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: About 30 minutes

Servings: This recipe makes 8 rolls—enough for 4-6 people as an appetizer. Hosting a bigger crowd? Double or triple the batch easily.

Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners and perfect for busy cooks.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or non-stick spray
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife for chopping herbs

Ingredients for Sausage Rotel Cream Cheese Rolls

These rolls come together with just a handful of ingredients that pack tons of flavor:

• Sausage (1 pound): Use ground breakfast sausage or spicy Italian sausage for extra kick.
• Cream Cheese (8 ounces): Softened cream cheese makes the filling creamy and smooth.
• Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (1 can, 10 ounces): Adds tangy, spicy flavor. Drain well to avoid soggy rolls.
• Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Brings freshness and color to the filling.
• Fresh Cilantro (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds bright, herbal notes.
• Crescent Rolls (1 can, 8 count): The flaky, buttery wrapper that holds everything together.

Variations for Sausage Rotel Cream Cheese Rolls

• Use Different Sausage: Try turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or chorizo for different flavors.
• Add Cheese: Mix in shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for extra richness.
• Spice It Up: Use hot Rotel or add diced jalapeños for more heat.
• Try Different Herbs: Swap cilantro for green onions or chives.
• Make It Mild: Use mild Rotel and regular pork sausage for less spice.

How to Make Sausage Rotel Cream Cheese Rolls Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess grease.

2. Make the Filling

Reduce heat to low. Add softened cream cheese to the cooked sausage. Stir until the cream cheese melts and combines with the sausage. Drain the can of Rotel well, then add it to the skillet. Mix in chopped parsley and cilantro. Stir everything together and remove from heat. Let the mixture cool for 5 minutes.

3. Prepare the Crescent Rolls

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Open the can of crescent rolls and separate them into 8 triangles.

4. Fill and Roll

Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the sausage mixture onto the wide end of each crescent triangle. Starting from the wide end, roll the dough toward the point, enclosing the filling. Place each roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

5. Bake

Bake the rolls for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and the dough is cooked through. The rolls should be puffed and flaky.

6. Cool and Serve

Let the rolls cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set slightly and prevents burns.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Sausage Rotel Cream Cheese Rolls

These rolls are delicious on their own but also pair wonderfully with dipping sauces:

• With Ranch Dressing: The cool, creamy ranch balances the spicy filling.
• With Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream cools down the heat.
• With Salsa: Extra salsa adds more tomato flavor and kick.
• As Part of a Spread: Serve alongside other appetizers like chips and dip, wings, or veggie trays.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle extra chopped cilantro or parsley on top before serving for a fresh look.

Storing Sausage Rotel Cream Cheese Rolls

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm rolls in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the dough soggy.
• Freeze: Place unbaked, assembled rolls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes to the baking time.
• Make-Ahead Filling: Prepare the sausage mixture up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Drain the Rotel Well: Excess liquid makes the filling runny and the rolls soggy.
• Let Filling Cool: Hot filling can melt through the dough before baking.
• Don’t Overfill: Too much filling makes the rolls hard to seal and can cause leaks.
• Seal Edges Well: Press the dough edges gently to keep the filling inside.
• Watch the Oven: Crescent rolls brown quickly, so check them after 10 minutes.
• Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: It mixes more smoothly with the sausage.

Nutrition

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Sausage Rotel Cream Cheese Rolls FAQs