My father-in-law requested it every Father’s Day for 40 years. Only 4 ingredients and the platter empties in minutes
Oven-Baked 4-Ingredient Savory Pastry Cups
These simple savory pastry cups combine flavorful browned sausage with creamy cream cheese and tangy sharp cheddar, all tucked inside flaky crescent dough. Baked until puffed, golden, and bubbling, these little bites are perfect for serving at gatherings, brunches, or as a quick and satisfying breakfast snack.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground sausage | 1 pound |
| Cream cheese, softened | 8 ounces |
| Shredded sharp cheddar cheese | 2 cups |
| Refrigerated crescent roll dough | 2 packages |
Directions
- Prepare the oven and pans: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly coat two mini muffin pans with cooking spray or grease a standard muffin tin.
- Cook the sausage: Place the ground sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until fully browned and crumbly, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and allow the sausage to cool for a few minutes.
- Prepare the filling: Add the cooked sausage, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar to a mixing bowl. Stir everything together until the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and form a thick, creamy filling.
- Create the pastry shells: Unroll the crescent dough and press the seams together to create solid sheets. Cut the dough into 24 equal squares. Carefully press one square into each muffin cup, shaping it into a small pastry shell.
- Fill and bake: Divide the sausage and cheese mixture among the pastry shells, filling each one generously. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crescent dough has puffed up and developed a deep golden-brown color.
- Cool and enjoy: Leave the pastry cups in the pan for about 5 minutes before carefully removing them. Serve warm.
