Sausage and Cheese Crescent Ring 🥐

Looking for a showstopping yet simple dish for brunch, a party, or a weekend breakfast? This **Sausage and Cheese Crescent Ring** combines savory breakfast sausage, gooey cheese, and buttery crescent roll dough into a beautiful ring that’s fun to slice and serve. It’s warm, satisfying, and packed with flavor.

Here’s what you’ll find in this post:

• A detailed, easy-to-follow recipe
• Chef tips and variations
• Nutrition and health info
• Common pitfalls & how to fix them
• 10 FAQs to answer your questions
• Internal links for related recipes on FreshTonerHungar

Ingredients (Makes 1 large ring, serves ~6–8)

• 2 packages refrigerated crescent roll dough (each contains 8 rolls, so total ~16 pieces)
• 1 lb (450 g) breakfast sausage (choose mild, medium, or spicy based on your preference)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or use a blend such as cheddar + Monterey Jack)
• Optional extras / flavor enhancers:
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1–2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or chili powder (for extra flavor)
  • Egg wash (1 egg beaten + splash of milk) for brushing the dough
  • Mustard or a light spread (on the dough base) for tang

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
Grease a round baking sheet or line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage Filling

1. In a skillet over medium heat, add the breakfast sausage (remove from casings if necessary).
2. Optional: Add chopped onions and minced garlic if using, sauté for ~2–3 minutes until softened.
3. Cook sausage, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and cooked through (no pink).
4. Drain excess fat if necessary, then stir in any chopped herbs or spices.
5. Let the sausage mixture cool slightly (so it doesn’t melt your cheese or make dough soggy).

Step 3: Assemble the Crescent Ring

1. Open both crescent roll packages and unroll all pieces. You should have 16 triangular segments.
2. On your prepared baking sheet, arrange the triangles in a circular “ring” shape, with the wide bases pointing inward and tips outward—leaving a hole in the center (like a sunburst).
3. If desired, lightly brush the inner base of each triangle with mustard or a thin layer of spread for tang.
4. Spoon the cooked sausage evenly over the inner bases.
5. Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the sausage.
6. Carefully fold each pointed tip of the triangle over the filling, tucking it under the base (or crisscrossing) to seal the ring.
7. For a golden finish, brush the top of the dough with egg wash (beaten egg + tiny splash of milk).

Step 4: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about **18–22 minutes**, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and cooked through (watch the tips—they may brown first).
If the outer edges brown too fast, you can loosely tent the ring with aluminum foil during the final few minutes.

Step 5: Serve

Let the ring rest a few minutes after baking (5 mins is good).
Slice between the seams with a sharp knife to serve wedges.
Serve warm. Pair with ketchup, hot sauce, mustard, or a side of eggs or salad.

Chef Tips, Variations & Troubleshooting

🧑‍🍳 Pro Tips

• Don’t overfill—too much sausage or cheese can make the ring spill or tear.
• Let the sausage cool slightly; piping hot filling can cause the dough to become soggy.
• Work on parchment or a silicone mat to help easily transfer the ring.
• Seal the folds by brushing a little egg wash on the dough edges before folding to help them stick.
• Rotate the baking tray halfway through baking for even browning.
• If you want extra crisp, place the ring on the lower rack of the oven for the last few minutes.

Flavor & Ingredient Variations

• Spicy version: Use spicy sausage, or add diced jalapeños, cayenne, or chili flakes.
• Cheese variations: Swap or mix cheeses—pepper jack, mozzarella, or Swiss can work.
• Veggie boost: Add finely diced bell pepper, spinach, or mushrooms to the sausage mixture.
• Sweet & savory twist: Add a drizzle of maple syrup or a bit of brown sugar to the sausage mixture.
• Dipping sauces: Serve with mustard, ranch, marinara, or a spicy aioli.
• Mini version: Use 1 package of crescent dough and scale down sausage and cheese to make smaller rings or multiple “pinwheels.”

Common Issues & Fixes

• Ring falls apart: Not enough sealing or overfilling. Use egg wash to help edges stick.
• Dough soggy in middle: Filling was too hot or moist. Let it cool more before assembling or reduce excess liquid/fat.
• Uneven browning: Rotate sheet, or tent edges with foil if tips brown too fast.
• Filling spills out while baking: Fold tips carefully and don’t open seams.

Nutrition & Health Considerations

This dish is indulgent (savory, cheesy, buttery), so it’s best enjoyed in moderation. Below is a rough estimate per serving if the ring is divided into 8 pieces.

Nutrition Table (Estimated per Wedge)**

** These are rough estimates. The final values depend heavily on the specific brands of sausage, dough, and cheese you use.

Health Notes & Tips

• Choose lower-sodium or lean breakfast sausage to reduce salt/fat load.
• Use moderate amounts of cheese or a lighter cheese blend.
• Pair with fresh vegetables or a side salad to balance richness.
• Keep portion sizes moderate—this dish is rich and calorie-dense.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This crescent ring is versatile. Here are some pairings to elevate your meal:

• A crisp green salad or fresh fruit salad
• Scrambled eggs, fried eggs, or a simple omelet
• Roasted or sautéed vegetables (asparagus, zucchini, peppers)
• A light soup (tomato, vegetable, or broth‑based) as starter
• Iced tea, fresh juice, or coffee to round out a brunch menu

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes—assemble the ring, cover, and refrigerate for up to a few hours. Bake when ready. Filling should be cool so dough doesn’t become soggy.
2. Can I freeze leftovers?
   You can freeze baked slices in airtight containers, but texture may change. Reheat in oven to help retain crispness.
3. Is there a low-carb version?
   You can experiment with low-carb doughs (almond‑flour crusts or low-carb wraps) but results will vary.
4. Can I use pizza dough instead of crescent rolls?
   Yes—use dough rolled thin and follow similar layering/folding steps. Baking time may vary.
5. How do I prevent the bottom from burning?
   Use parchment or a silicone mat. Also, place the ring on the middle rack, not directly over the heat source.
6. Why did my filling dry out?
   Possibly overcooked sausage or not enough fat/moisture. Use juicy sausage or add a bit of olive oil or cream.
7. Can I add vegetables inside?
   Yes—finely diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms work well. Just ensure they’re fairly dry (pre‑cooked or drained).
8. How do I reheat without ruining texture?
   Use a 325–350 °F (160–175 °C) oven and warm slowly, uncovered, until heated through.
9. What’s the best cheese to use?
   Cheddar melts well; mixing with Monterey Jack, Colby, or mozzarella can give a milder melt. Avoid very hard cheeses only.
10. Is this safe for kids and picky eaters?
    Yes—mild sausage, simple cheese, and removable dipping sauces make it kid-friendly.

Related Recipes & Further Reading

If you like this kind of savory, crowd-pleasing dish, check these out on FreshTonerHungar:

• Brunch & Breakfast Recipes
• Cheesy Ring & Pull‑Apart Recipes
• Delicious Sausage Recipes
• Party Appetizers & Crowd Pleasers

Conclusion

The **Sausage and Cheese Crescent Ring** is a brilliantly simple yet impressive dish. With minimal ingredients and effort, you get a savory, cheesy, flaky ring that’s perfect for brunch, parties, or a comforting weekend meal. Use the tips and variations above to customize it for your audience—or to experiment boldly.

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