1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet

• Preheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Line Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the crescent rolls from sticking and make cleanup much easier.

2. Cook the Sausage: The Foundation of Flavor

• Crumble and Cook: Place the breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Use a spoon or spatula to break it up into crumbles as it cooks.
• Cook Through: Cook the sausage until it’s fully browned and cooked through, with no pink remaining. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes.
  • Tip: Stir the sausage frequently to ensure even cooking.
• Drain Grease: Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and carefully drain off any excess grease.
  • Tip: You can use a spoon to scoop out the grease, or you can carefully tilt the skillet and pour it off into a heat-safe container. You can also transfer the cooked sausage to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the grease.
• Cool Slightly: Let the cooked sausage cool slightly for a few minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. This will make it easier to handle and prevent the cream cheese from melting prematurely when you mix the filling.

3. Prepare the Filling: Combining the Delicious Flavors

• Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper.
• Mix Thoroughly: Use a fork or spoon to mix all the ingredients until they are well combined and evenly distributed. The cream cheese should be smooth and fully incorporated, creating a cohesive filling.
  • Tip: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing. If it’s too cold, it will be difficult to blend smoothly.

4. Assemble the Crescent Rolls: Wrapping Up the Goodness

• Unroll Dough: Open the tubes of crescent roll dough and carefully unroll them onto a lightly floured surface or a clean countertop.
• Separate Triangles: Gently separate the dough into individual triangles along the perforated lines.
• Add Filling: Place a spoonful (about 1-2 tablespoons) of the sausage and cheese mixture onto the wide end of each triangle.
  • Tip: Don’t overfill the triangles, or they may be difficult to roll up and the filling might leak out during baking. A good rule of thumb is to leave about a half-inch border around the edges.
• Roll Up: Starting at the wide end, carefully roll up each triangle around the filling, tucking in the sides as you go to create a neat crescent shape.
• Place on Baking Sheet: Place the rolled-up crescent rolls on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down. Leave a little space (about 1-2 inches) between each roll to allow for expansion during baking.

5. Brush with Egg Wash (Optional): For a Golden Finish

• Prepare Egg Wash: If using, whisk the egg in a small bowl until well beaten.
• Brush Rolls: Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the tops of the crescent rolls with the beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly shiny finish when baked.

6. Bake to Perfection: Golden Brown and Delicious

• Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven on the center rack.
• Bake Time: Bake for 12-15 minutes.
• Check for Doneness: The crescent rolls are done when they are golden brown on top and the dough is fully cooked through. The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
  • Tip: Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time, as oven temperatures can vary. If the tops are browning too quickly, you can loosely tent them with a piece of aluminum foil.

7. Serve and Enjoy: A Breakfast Treat for Everyone

• Cool Slightly: Let the crescent rolls cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before serving. This will allow the filling to set slightly and prevent burns.
• Serve Warm: Serve the Breakfast Sausage Crescent Rolls warm with your favorite dipping sauces.