Name: Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Appetizer
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough (8-count); 4 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup chopped mushrooms (optional); ¼ tsp garlic powder; ¼ tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tbsp poppy or sesame seeds; 1 egg, beaten

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Welcome to Recipes2Gather, where delicious memories start in the kitchen! If you’re looking for an easy, savory, and crowd-pleasing finger food, this Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Appetizer is your new go-to. These golden-baked bites are filled with a warm, creamy blend of cheese and savory mix-ins, wrapped in flaky crescent dough that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re prepping for a game day snack table, a family holiday, or a quick weekday treat, this recipe promises flavor and simplicity with every bite.

Designed for busy home cooks, this dish checks all the right boxes—quick prep, minimal ingredients, and maximum satisfaction. If you’re already a fan of cheesy delights like our goat cheese appetizers or cream cheese filling, you’re going to fall head over heels for these flaky parcels of joy.

Key Benefits

Why are these Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Appetizers such a hit? Let’s break it down.

Super Quick to Prepare: With just a few ingredients and store-bought crescent dough, you can whip up these goodies in under 30 minutes. Perfect for last-minute guests or spontaneous snacking!
Universally Loved: Who doesn’t love warm, cheesy bread? This recipe satisfies picky eaters, cheese lovers, and adventurous snackers alike. They’re as welcome at a kid’s birthday party as they are at a holiday cocktail hour.
Customizable: The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Want to spice it up with jalapeños? Or maybe sweeten the deal with caramelized onions or cranberry sauce? The creamy base adapts beautifully to your flavor preferences.
Great Make-Ahead Option: Prepare these ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and bake them fresh before serving. They also freeze well, making your life easier when you need to plan ahead.
Great for Entertaining: Bite-sized, portable, and practically mess-free, they’re a host’s dream. Pair them with our Shirley Temple Punch for a guaranteed hit at your next gathering.

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Appetizer

What makes this recipe so great is how easy it is to pull together. Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch of irresistibly gooey, savory crescents:

1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough (8-count)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup chopped mushrooms (optional but flavorful)
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon of poppy or sesame seeds to sprinkle on top
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

You can also experiment by folding in ingredients like crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, or jalapeños. For cheese lovers, check out our Colby Jack guide to learn how to use bold-flavored cheeses in crescent appetizers.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Appetizer

Step-by-step process making cream cheese crescent roll bites

Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 375°F and get a baking sheet ready with some parchment paper.
Mix the Filling:
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mozzarella, mushrooms, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and smooth.
Prepare the Dough:
Roll out the crescent dough, pull it apart into 8 triangles, then slice each one in half so you end up with 16 mini triangles.
Add the Filling:
Place about a teaspoon of the cheese mixture in the center of each dough piece. Wrap the dough around the filling and press the edges together to keep everything snug inside.
Egg Wash and Topping:
Place the stuffed dough pieces seam-side down on the baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg and sprinkle with poppy or sesame seeds.
Bake to Golden Perfection:
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Pair these with something creamy like our cottage cheese sauce for chicken for a well-rounded appetizer experience.

Pro Tips and Variations for Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Appetizer

Make It Your Own:

Add Heat: A dash of crushed red pepper or diced jalapeños can give these a fiery edge.
Make it Sweet-Savory: Try adding a touch of cranberry jelly or fig preserves with the cream cheese for a holiday-inspired version.
Cheese Swap: Use blue cheese crumbles for tang, as inspired by our blue cheese flavor guide.
Protein Boost: Toss in chopped rotisserie chicken, bacon bits, or seasoned ground sausage for a heartier version.

Helpful Tips:

Don’t stuff them too full: just a little filling is enough, or you’ll risk the dough tearing apart.
Serve Warm: For the tastiest results, enjoy them warm right after baking. If reheating, use an oven or air fryer to maintain crispness.
Storage: Keep any extras in a sealed container in the fridge, and they’ll stay good for about three days. Reheat at 325°F for 5–7 minutes.

For another cozy appetizer idea, our chipped beef cheese ball is another must-try.

Serving Suggestions for Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Appetizer

These crescent roll bites are as versatile as they are delicious. Here are some tasty ideas:

Party Platter Star: Pair them with dips like ranch, marinara, or our cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip for an irresistible snack spread.
Soup Companion: Pair them with a hot bowl of cheesy soup—like our Wisconsin cheese soup—for a comforting night in.
Holiday Favorite: Add a festive touch with a cranberry dipping sauce or serve them as part of a larger appetizer tray featuring items like cured meats and olives.
Kid-Friendly Lunchbox Option: Make mini versions with smaller crescent triangles for bite-sized treats that are perfect for school or road trips.
Breakfast Twist: Serve with scrambled eggs or a cheesy omelet on the side for a savory start to your day.

These are also perfect alongside our grilled cheese and jam sandwich if you’re planning a brunch grazing table.

Trusted Resources for Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Appetizer

Serious Eats shares tips for flaky dough success that’ll help you master this appetizer.
The Kitchn offers a great guide to storing cream cheese safely.
Healthline details the nutritional benefits of cream cheese.
Bon Appétit discusses how to customize savory appetizers for any event.

Conclusion

There’s something deeply comforting about warm, cheesy appetizers—and this Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Appetizer checks all the boxes. With flaky, buttery dough and a creamy, flavorful center, it’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s as easy to prepare as it is satisfying. From quick weekday cravings to festive holiday spreads, this dish brings people together in the best possible way.

Whether you’re pairing it with cozy soups or serving it on its own, you’re guaranteed to delight your guests every time. Don’t forget to explore other cheesy favorites on Recipes2Gather—each one designed to make your kitchen experience joyful and easy.

FAQs

1. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep them a few hours early and chill in the fridge—just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve for the perfect texture.

2. Can I freeze them?

Absolutely. Once baked, let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in an oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to restore crispness.

3. What other fillings can I use?

Feel free to get creative! Some reader favorites include cooked spinach and feta, ham and cheddar, or even Nutella for a sweet twist.

4. Can I use homemade crescent dough?

Yes, if you enjoy baking from scratch, homemade dough works great. Just make sure it’s rolled thin enough to fold around the filling easily.

5. What dipping sauces go best with these?

These tasty bites go great with dips like marinara, ranch, garlicky butter, or a zesty chipotle sauce.

Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Appetizer