Irresistible Chorizo Crescents with Cilantro Cream Sauce
If you're in the mood for a quick snack that's both satisfying and packed with flavor, look no further than these Chorizo Crescents with Cilantro Cream Sauce. Each bite offers a heavenly blend of savory chorizo wrapped in a soft, buttery biscuit, perfectly complemented by a creamy cilantro sauce. These crescent wraps are not only perfect appetizers for a dinner party but also an indulgent treat for a cozy night in.
To ensure a successful execution, start by investing in quality ingredients. A good chorizo is crucial; its spice and flavor define this dish. The flaky biscuit dough is not only easy to work with but adds an ideal buttery contrast to the spicy sausage. As for the cilantro, freshness is key to maintaining vibrant flavor in the accompanying cream sauce.
Prepping your ingredients ahead of time can make the process smoother. Slice the chorizo links into uniform pieces and preheat the oven to ensure even cooking. Main tips include dusting your workspace with flour to prevent sticking, and being gentle as you roll out the dough to keep it tender.
Ingredients
- ½ package cured chorizo sausage (2 links) - Delivers robust flavor.
- All-purpose flour, for dusting - Prevents dough from sticking.
- 5 refrigerated flaky buttermilk biscuits (6-oz) - Forms the buttery crescent wrap.
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, leaves only - Adds freshness and zest.
- 1 cup mayonnaise - Base for the creamy sauce.
- 3 tablespoons tomato cooking base sofrito - Enhances the sauce with depth.
- 2 teaspoons white truffle oil - Provides luxurious aroma.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt - Balances overall seasoning.
- ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked pepper - Adds mild heat and complexity.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400˚F. Ensure even cooking by preheating the oven early.
- Quarter each chorizo link lengthwise, then further cut each section into thirds to yield 12 equal pieces of chorizo. Uniform pieces cook evenly.
- Lightly dust your work surface with all-purpose flour to avoid sticking.
- Halve a biscuit horizontally. Gather 2½ biscuits to form a single dough ball, allowing more flexibility in rolling. Create two dough balls.
- With a rolling pin, flatten each dough ball into a 6-inch square. Cut each square into 6 even strips for consistency.
- Distribute fresh cilantro leaves evenly over each strip of dough. Place one piece of chorizo at the bottom edge of each strip, and roll into a neat cylinder.
- Arrange the chorizo rolls seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Parchment ensures easy release after baking.
- Bake the crescents in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown, observing the browning for ideal doneness.
- In a bowl, blend together mayonnaise, sofrito, white truffle oil, kosher salt, and cracked pepper until well-mixed to prepare the sauce.
- Serve warm with the cilantro cream sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
Tips for Troubleshooting
- Too dry? Ensure dough is rolled thinly for proper wrapping; excessive flour can dry it out.
- Lack of flavor? Boost seasoning in the sauce or add a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the filling before rolling.
- Soggy bottoms? Bake on the middle oven rack for even heat circulation.
- Rolls not golden? Move closer to the oven top if extra browning is needed.
Ideas for Pairing with the Recipe
- Side dishes: Pair with a light, crisp salad with citrus vinaigrette to balance out the richness.
- Drinks: A cold, crisp lager or a sparkling lemonade enhances the spicy and savory notes of the dish.
- Desserts: Follow up with a smooth, creamy dessert such as panna cotta or a refreshing sorbet to cleanse the palate.
How to Store Properly
- For refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to three days and enjoy them as a quick snack.
- For freezing: Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to one month.
- To reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a 350˚F oven for 8–12 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs
- Can I use regular sausages? Certainly, although chorizo adds a distinct flavor profile, any spicy sausage will work.
- What if I can't find sofrito? Substitute with a mixture of sautéed onion, tomato paste, and garlic.
- White truffle oil alternatives? A few drops of olive oil can act as a substitute, but it will alter the richness.
- Can I make them ahead? Definitely. Prepare the rolls ahead, bake them fresh when needed, or freeze for a quick meal later.
