Italian Sausage Crescent Cheese Balls with Mozzarella
These golden-brown appetizer bites combine spicy Italian sausage with melted mozzarella cheese and flaky crescent roll dough pieces for an irresistible party snack. The addition of basil and red pepper flakes gives each ball a perfect balance of Italian flavors, while the Parmesan topping adds an extra layer of cheesy goodness. Perfect for game day gatherings, holiday parties, or any time you need a crowd-pleasing finger food that disappears fast.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground bulk Italian sausage
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried basil leaves
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury Original Crescent Rolls or Crescent Dough Sheet
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- 1
Heat oven to 375°F and line two pans with parchment paper, then spray with cooking spray
- 2
Mix sausage, basil, pepper flakes and mozzarella cheese in large bowl until well blended
- 3
Unroll dough on work surface and press perforations to seal if using crescent rolls
- 4
Sprinkle each side of dough with flour
- 5
Cut dough into small pieces using pizza cutter or knife
- 6
Mix crescent dough pieces into sausage mixture in small amounts until well blended
- 7
Shape mixture into balls and place on prepared pans
- 8
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese
- 9
Bake until golden brown
Tips
Press crescent roll perforations firmly to prevent dough from separating during mixing and baking
Mix dough pieces into sausage mixture gradually to ensure even distribution without overworking
Use a small cookie scoop to make uniform-sized balls for even cooking
Good to Know
Store covered in refrigerator up to 3 days, reheat in 350°F oven until warmed through
Can be shaped and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking, add 2-3 minutes to baking time if cold
Serve warm as finger food with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping
Common Mistakes
Don't overmix the dough pieces to avoid tough texture
Ensure sausage is fully cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 160°F
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use cooked sausage instead of raw?
Yes, brown and drain the sausage first, then let it cool before mixing with cheese. This may reduce baking time slightly.
Can I freeze these cheese balls?
Freeze unbaked balls on trays, then transfer to bags. Bake from frozen adding 5-7 minutes to cooking time.
What if I don't have crescent rolls?
Use pizza dough or biscuit dough cut into small pieces, or make from scratch using basic bread dough recipe.