Memaw’s Sausage Bundles Recipe has been one of my all-time favorite comfort snacks since I was a kid visiting my grandparents. What I love most about it is how simple ingredients come together to create these cozy little parcels of savory goodness that everyone around the table just devours. Whether you’re entertaining guests or looking for an easy appetizer, this recipe hits all the right notes—warm, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned.
When I first tried making Memaw’s Sausage Bundles, I wasn’t sure if the crescent dough would hold up during baking. But trust me, once you seal those little bundles, they bake up beautifully—golden and flaky with a hearty sausage filling. I’m excited to share this recipe with you because it’s straightforward, super tasty, and has a little nostalgic magic that’ll make you want to keep this one in your rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Only a handful of staples you probably already have, making it fuss-free yet delicious.
- Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for these bundles at every gathering, and your guests will too.
- Quick Prep: From start to finish, it’s a speedy recipe perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute treats.
- Comfort Food Vibes: The creamy cheesiness mixed with savory sausage wrapped in flaky dough – pure nostalgic comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in Memaw’s Sausage Bundles Recipe plays a role in building that perfect balance of flavor and texture. I always recommend using full-flavored cream cheese with chives and onions to add a gentle kick and depth without overpowering the sausage.
- Bulk pork sausage: Go for good-quality, flavorful sausage to keep the filling juicy and meaty.
- Chive and onion cream cheese spread: This adds creaminess and a subtle oniony bite that lifts the whole bundle.
- Crescent rolls dough: I’ve found that pressing the seams to seal really helps avoid leaks during baking.
- Dijon mustard (optional): A tangy dip that pairs beautifully with the richness, but feel free to skip if you prefer them solo.
Variations
I love making Memaw’s Sausage Bundles Recipe my own whenever I feel like adding a twist. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or spices—you’ll find that these little bundles can easily become your signature snack customized to your family’s tastes.
- Cheese Upgrade: Sometimes I swap the chive and onion cream cheese for herbed goat cheese or add shredded cheddar mixed in to amp up the flavor.
- Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes to the sausage mix gives these bundles a pleasant, smoky kick.
- Meat Alternatives: Ground turkey or chicken sausage work fine if you want a lighter version, though you might want to add a bit more seasoning.
- Nutrition Boost: Fold in some finely chopped spinach or kale into the sausage mixture for some hidden greens without compromising the yum factor.
How to Make Memaw’s Sausage Bundles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage Just Right
Begin by heating a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble the bulk pork sausage in the pan and cook it through, which takes about 5 minutes. You’ll want to keep breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until there’s no pink left. Transfer the cooked sausage into a bowl and let it cool just a bit so it doesn’t melt the cream cheese when mixed.
Step 2: Mix in the Cream Cheese Spread
Once the sausage is slightly cooled, stir in the chive and onion cream cheese spread until everything is well combined. This creamy mixture is what really takes Memaw’s Sausage Bundles Recipe to the next level, adding richness and moisture that keeps each bite luscious.
Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough
Unroll the crescent dough and press it firmly into a 12″ by 9″ rectangle. Don’t forget to pinch the perforations closed so the dough won’t split when baking. Then, use a knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into 24 squares, each measuring about 2 inches.
Step 4: Assemble the Bundles With Care
Spoon about one heaping teaspoon of sausage filling onto the center of each dough square. Bring the four corners together so they slightly overlap at the top center, then twist and pinch tightly to seal your little bundle. I’ve learned that sealing them well prevents the filling from leaking out and keeps the bundles nice and plump.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your sausage bundles on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until the dough is beautifully golden and puffed. Serve warm with a little Dijon mustard on the side for dipping if you like that bit of tanginess to cut through the richness.
Pro Tips for Making Memaw’s Sausage Bundles Recipe
- Seal Those Seams: Press the dough edges tightly to keep your bundles from leaking sausage juices during baking.
- Don’t Overfill: A heaping teaspoon of filling is perfect; too much makes sealing trickier and the dough might burst.
- Let the Sausage Cool: Mixing in warm sausage with cream cheese can make the dough soggy if the filling’s too hot.
- Use a Timer: Keep an eye on them while baking—over-baking can dry out the dough, so 10-12 minutes is key for golden, tender bundles.
How to Serve Memaw’s Sausage Bundles Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a little chopped fresh parsley or chives on top of the bundles after baking. It adds a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note that complements the creamy, savory filling. Sometimes a little cracked black pepper on top just before serving takes it up a notch.
Side Dishes
Memaw’s Sausage Bundles go so well with a crisp garden salad or some roasted vegetables to balance the richness. I also love pairing them with sweet potato fries or a bowl of warm tomato soup for a cozy meal that feels like a warm hug.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I’ve arranged these bundles in a circular basket lined with a colorful kitchen towel, making it super inviting. You can also skewer two or three bundles on a toothpick for easy finger-food style serving at a game day or potluck, which always gets rave reviews.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually pop a piece of parchment paper between layers so they don’t stick together. Just reheat gently before serving again.
Freezing
I’ve had great luck freezing these bundles before baking them. Arrange the sealed bundles on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual. It’s a lifesaver for busy days!
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer using the oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes to restore that crispy dough texture. Microwaving can work in a pinch but tends to make the dough a bit soggy. The oven method keeps the bundles just as delicious as fresh.
FAQs
-
Can I use refrigerated sausage links instead of bulk sausage?
Yes, you can remove the casing of sausage links and crumble the meat to use in this recipe. Just make sure to cook the meat thoroughly and drain any excess fat before mixing with the cream cheese.
-
Is there a vegetarian version of Memaw’s Sausage Bundles Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the sausage with plant-based crumbles or seasoned cooked lentils. Just adjust the seasoning and make sure to cook the filling beforehand, so your bundles stay flavorful and moist.
-
Can I prepare these bundles ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the bundles and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before baking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent the dough from drying out.
-
What kind of cream cheese spread works best?
I recommend using a spread with chives and onions because it adds that subtle flavor boost, but plain cream cheese mixed with a pinch of dried herbs and garlic powder works well too.
Final Thoughts
Memaw’s Sausage Bundles Recipe is one of those warm-hearted dishes that brings back memories and fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these bundles as much as my family and I do. Once you try them, I bet you’ll keep making them again, whether it’s for a cozy night in, a quick snack, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Give it a go—you’ll thank me later!
PrintMemaw’s Sausage Bundles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Total Time: 22 mins
- Yield: 24 bundles
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Memaw’s Sausage Bundles are bite-sized savory treats combining seasoned pork sausage and creamy chive and onion cream cheese, wrapped in buttery crescent roll dough and baked to golden perfection. These bundles are perfect for appetizers, snacks, or party platters and can be served with Dijon mustard for an extra tangy kick.
Ingredients
Sausage Mixture
- 8 oz. regular bulk pork sausage
- 1/2 cup chive and onion cream cheese spread
Dough
- 1 (8-oz.) can crescent rolls
Optional
- Dijon mustard, for dipping
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, add the bulk pork sausage. Using a wooden spoon, crumble and cook the sausage until it is fully cooked and no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Transfer the cooked sausage to a medium bowl and allow it to cool slightly for about 5 minutes.
- Mix with Cream Cheese: Add the chive and onion cream cheese spread to the cooked sausage in the bowl. Stir well until the mixture is evenly combined and creamy.
- Prepare the Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and press it firmly into a 12-inch by 9-inch rectangle, sealing the perforations to ensure the dough holds together. Cut the rectangle into 24 equal 2-inch by 2-inch squares.
- Form the Bundles: Spoon about one heaping teaspoon of the sausage and cream cheese mixture onto the center of each square. Bring the four corners of the dough square up and slightly overlap them at the center. Twist and pinch the corners to seal the filling inside, forming individual bundles. Place each bundle on an ungreased baking sheet, spaced evenly.
- Bake the Bundles: Bake the sausage bundles in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are golden brown on all sides. Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool just enough to handle.
- Serve: Serve the bundles warm, accompanied by Dijon mustard for dipping if desired. These are perfect for parties, snacks, or anytime you crave a flavorful bite.
Notes
- You can substitute regular cream cheese with flavored cream cheese spreads to customize the flavor.
- Serve immediately for best texture; reheating can be done in a warm oven but may soften the dough slightly.
- If preferred, you can use pre-cooked sausage or change the meat to turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
- These bundles freeze well before baking; bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sausage bundle
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg