Description
Sausage and Cheese Pastry Ring
A show-stopping savory pastry that’s perfect for brunch or gatherings!
Ingredients
1 package crescent roll dough
300g ground sausage (cooked and crumbled)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 egg
(beaten, for egg wash)
Optional: Fresh parsley
for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Filling:
In a bowl, mix the cooked sausage, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, and paprika until well combined.
Assemble the Ring:
Unroll the crescent roll dough and arrange the triangles in a circular pattern on the baking sheet, with the wide ends overlapping in the center. Spoon the sausage mixture onto the wide ends of the dough.
Fold and Seal:
Gently fold the narrow ends of the dough over the filling and tuck them under the wide ends to form a ring. Brush the entire pastry with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake to Perfection:
Bake the pastry ring for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
Serve and Garnish:
Let the pastry cool for a few minutes before transferring to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
This sausage and cheese pastry ring is a flaky, cheesy delight that will wow your guests every time!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep & Preheat: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook 300g ground sausage until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat and let cool slightly.
3. Make Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked sausage, 1 cup shredded cheddar, 1/2 cup softened cream cheese, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp paprika. Mix thoroughly.
4. Form Dough Base: Unroll crescent dough. Separate triangles and arrange them in a sunburst circle on your sheet, with wide ends overlapping in the center by about 2 inches.
5. Add Filling & Shape: Scoop the sausage mixture onto the wide, overlapped part of the dough circle. Carefully fold each narrow triangle tip over the filling and tuck it underneath the inner ring to secure.
6. Apply Egg Wash: Beat one egg in a small bowl. Use a pastry brush to coat the entire visible surface of the dough. This creates a golden, glossy finish.
7. Bake: Place in oven for 20-25 minutes until deep golden brown and dough is fully puffed.
8. Cool & Serve: Let ring rest on the pan for 5-10 minutes before carefully sliding it onto a serving platter. Garnish and slice.
Serving Suggestions
This pastry ring is incredibly versatile. For brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit. As a party appetizer, pair it with a dipping sauce like marinara, ranch, or a spicy sriracha mayo. For a heartier meal, complement it with a simple green salad or a creamy soup. Slice into individual portions for easy serving.
How-to Summary
Create a stunning Sausage and Cheese Pastry Ring by mixing cooked sausage, cheddar, cream cheese, and spices. Arrange crescent dough triangles in a circle, spoon filling onto the wide ends, fold the tips over, and tuck to form a ring. Brush with egg wash and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden. Let cool briefly, garnish, and slice to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this ahead of time? Yes! Assemble the ring completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Brush with egg wash and bake directly from the fridge, adding 2-3 extra minutes.
Can I use a different meat? Absolutely. Ground beef, turkey sausage, or even chopped ham are excellent substitutes. Ensure any raw meat is fully cooked and drained before mixing.
My ring is browning unevenly. Why? Oven hot spots are common. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
How do I store leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to restore crispness.
Can I use puff pastry instead? Yes, puff pastry sheets will work. You may need to adjust baking time slightly. Thaw according to package instructions and cut into triangles or shape into a single large circle.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Hot Filling: Adding hot sausage to the cheese mixture will melt the cream cheese into a greasy mess and can make the dough soggy. Always let cooked meat cool first.
- Overfilling: Resist packing too much filling, as it will spill out during baking and make sealing difficult.
- Not Tucking Dough Securely: Ensure the narrow dough tips are tucked firmly under the ring to prevent unraveling in the oven.
- Skipping the Egg Wash: The egg wash is crucial for that professional, golden-brown color and shine. Don’t omit it.
Conclusion
This Sausage and Cheese Pastry Ring is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining flaky layers with a rich, savory filling. Its impressive appearance belies its simple preparation. By following this enhanced guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can confidently create a delicious centerpiece for any occasion. Enjoy the compliments as you serve this guaranteed hit!