Sausage and Cheese Crescent Ring

Serves 8–10 | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 20–22 minutes | Total Time: ~45 minutes

This Sausage and Cheese Crescent Ring is as stunning to look at as it is to eat — a golden, flaky ring filled with savory sausage and melty cheese. It’s perfect for parties, brunch spreads, game-day snacks, or even as a fun weekend dinner centerpiece. The layers of buttery crescent dough wrap around a hearty filling, creating beautiful slices that pull apart easily.

Ingredients

• Premium ground sausage (mild, medium, or hot, depending on preference) — 1 pound
• Refrigerated crescent roll dough — 2 tubes (8 oz each)
• Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated — 1 cup
• Sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated — 1 cup
• Large egg — 1
• Water — 1 tablespoon
• Optional seasoning for extra flavor:
  • Garlic powder — ½ teaspoon
  • Italian seasoning — ½ teaspoon
• Fresh parsley, chopped — 2 tablespoons (for garnish)
• Dipping sauces (marinara, ranch, honey mustard, spicy aioli, etc.) — as desired

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Sausage Filling

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground sausage. Break it into small, uniform crumbles with a wooden spoon as it cooks, ensuring even browning.
   • Cooking time: about 8–10 minutes.
3. Once fully cooked, transfer the sausage to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps drain any excess grease, keeping your crescent ring crisp rather than soggy.
4. Let the sausage cool completely — this prevents the cheese from melting prematurely when mixed.

2. Mix the Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
   • Cooled, crumbled sausage
   • 1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
   • 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
   • Optional: ½ tsp garlic powder and ½ tsp Italian seasoning for extra depth of flavor.
2. Toss the mixture until the cheese and seasonings are evenly distributed through the sausage. Set aside.

3. Arrange the Crescent Dough

1. Place a small inverted bowl (about 5–6 inches in diameter) in the center of your prepared baking sheet — this acts as a guide for forming a perfect ring.
2. Separate the crescent roll dough into individual triangles.
3. Arrange the triangles in a circle around the bowl, with the wide ends overlapping near the bowl and the points extending outward like sun rays. The dough should slightly overlap to ensure no gaps in the baked ring.

4. Assemble the Ring

1. Carefully remove the center bowl, leaving the open ring shape.
2. Spoon the sausage-cheese mixture evenly over the wide ends of the dough triangles, forming a continuous mound around the ring.
3. Take the pointed ends of each triangle, fold them over the filling, and tuck them under the inner edge of the ring to secure the filling inside.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon water to make an egg wash.
5. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the dough with the egg wash — this gives the crescent ring its beautiful golden shine.

5. Bake to Golden Perfection

1. Place the ring in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for 20–22 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to ensure even browning.
3. The ring is done when the crust is deep golden brown and the cheese filling is visibly melted.

6. Rest, Garnish & Serve

1. Remove from the oven and allow the ring to cool for 5–7 minutes. This makes it easier to slice and serve without the filling spilling out.
2. Sprinkle the top with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color.
3. Transfer carefully to a serving platter.
4. Slice into wedges and serve with your favorite dipping sauces — marinara for Italian flair, ranch for classic comfort, or honey mustard for a sweet-savory twist.

Flavor Variations

• Mexican-Inspired: Use spicy chorizo and pepper jack cheese; serve with salsa and sour cream.
• Italian-Style: Swap in Italian sausage and mozzarella; add sun-dried tomatoes or chopped black olives to the filling.
• Breakfast Version: Use breakfast sausage, shredded hash browns, and a mix of cheddar and mozzarella; serve with scrambled eggs on the side.

Tips for Success

• Grate your own cheese — pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting.
• Make sure your sausage is cooled before adding cheese to avoid premature melting.
• Don’t skip the egg wash — it gives the finished ring that bakery-quality golden sheen.
• For extra crispness, bake on a dark, heavy baking sheet rather than a glass dish.

This Sausage and Cheese Crescent Ring isn’t just food — it’s a centerpiece, a conversation starter, and a warm, pull-apart treat that everyone at the table will remember.