Kilted Sausage Bites are a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties, game days, or casual gatherings. Featuring smoky sausage wrapped in buttery crescent dough, they deliver bite-sized satisfaction in every mouthful.
This savory treat combines melty cheeses, poppy seeds, and a flavorful buttery glaze for an irresistible finish. Whether dipped in mustard or ketchup, Kilted Sausage Bites are guaranteed to vanish fast from the table.
Star Ingredients for Kilted Sausage Bites
- Crescent roll dough – Acts as the buttery, flaky outer layer that hugs each piece of sausage beautifully.
- Kielbasa or smoked sausages – The hearty, smoky centerpiece that brings depth and bold flavor to every bite.
- Shredded cheese – Melts into a gooey, savory layer that enhances the sausage’s richness.
- Cream cheese – Adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the sharper flavors of sausage and shredded cheese.
- Poppy seeds – Lend a subtle nuttiness and charming visual texture to the finished bites.
- Butter – The base of the rich, golden glaze that crisps and flavors the dough.
- Dijon mustard – Infuses the glaze with a zesty sharpness that cuts through the richness.
- Brown sugar – Balances the glaze with a touch of sweetness.
- Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami depth, giving the glaze a savory backbone.
How to Make Kilted Sausage Bites
Start by preheating your oven and preparing a baking sheet. Roll out the crescent dough and patch any seams to create a smooth surface.
For the first roll, sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the dough before wrapping the sausage tightly. For the second, spread a luscious layer of cream cheese before rolling up. Slice each roll into bite-sized rounds and arrange them neatly on your baking sheet.
Whisk together the glaze ingredients and brush each piece liberally before sprinkling with poppy seeds. Bake until golden brown and crispy, then serve warm with your favorite dips for a guaranteed hit!
Top Tips for Perfect Kilted Sausage Bites
For best results, ensure the dough is well-sealed around the sausage to prevent any cheese from leaking out during baking. You can easily customize the filling—swap in pepper jack for a spicy kick or add a sprinkle of garlic powder for extra flavor.
If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the brown sugar slightly or replace it with honey for a floral touch. Always use a sharp knife to slice the rolls cleanly, helping each bite stay neat and even while baking.
Storing and Reheating Kilted Sausage Bites
To keep Kilted Sausage Bites fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crisp again—avoid microwaving, as it can make the dough soggy.
For longer storage, freeze the unbaked slices on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, brush with glaze and pop them straight into the oven, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.
Kilted Sausage Bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
- ⅓ cup butter melted
- 2 8 oz crescent roll dough sheets
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 12 oz kielbasa or smoked sausages
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly coat a large baking sheet with non-stick spray. Unroll one package of crescent roll dough, pressing the seams together to create a smooth, single sheet. Evenly distribute the shredded cheese over the first sheet, positioning one sausage along the long edge; if the sausage curves, cut it in half for easier rolling. Tightly roll the dough around the sausage and pinch the seam to seal securely. Proceed by repeating the same process with the second crescent dough sheet, this time spreading cream cheese over half the dough surface instead of shredded cheese before adding the sausage. Slice each roll into approximately ¾-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife and arrange them cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet. In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce, then brush this glaze generously over the tops of each round. Sprinkle the poppy seeds evenly across the bites. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the dough turns golden brown and crispy. Serve warm, accompanied by ketchup, mustard, or your preferred dipping sauces.
