Description of this recipe: This Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole is a delightful and easy-to-make breakfast or brunch dish that combines the flaky goodness of crescent rolls with savory sausage, a creamy egg mixture, and a generous topping of melted cheese. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, holiday breakfasts, or a special weekend brunch.
Why you will love this recipe: This casserole is a guaranteed hit for several reasons:
- Simplicity: It requires minimal effort and readily available ingredients, making it a fantastic option for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.
- Flavor explosion: The combination of savory sausage, cheesy goodness, and the subtle sweetness of crescent rolls creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Crowd-pleaser: Its satisfying and comforting flavors make it universally appealing, even to picky eaters. It’s a great way to start the day off right with friends and family.
- Customizable: This recipe is highly adaptable! You can easily swap out ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs. Add vegetables, different types of cheese, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can assemble this casserole the night before and bake it in the morning, saving you valuable time and effort on the day you plan to serve it.
Introduction
Breakfast casseroles are the unsung heroes of the morning meal. They’re comforting, customizable, and incredibly convenient. This Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole takes the classic casserole formula and elevates it with the unexpected, yet utterly delightful, addition of flaky crescent rolls. Imagine biting into a warm, cheesy, and savory slice – the soft, buttery crescent roll crust forming the perfect foundation for a hearty filling of sausage, eggs, and melted cheese.
This recipe is perfect for those mornings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also an excellent choice for potlucks, holiday breakfasts, or brunch with friends and family. Its adaptable nature means you can easily tailor it to your liking, incorporating your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or seasonings.
Get ready to transform your breakfast routine with this easy and delicious Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole!
Ingredients:
- 1 can (8 ounces) crescent roll dough
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (regular or spicy, your preference)
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2% milk work best for richness)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, your choice)
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for extra gooeyness)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional, for a pop of color and freshness)
- Cooking spray (to grease the baking dish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the casserole cooks evenly and the crescent roll crust gets golden brown and flaky.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This prevents the casserole from sticking and makes it easier to remove after baking. A glass or ceramic baking dish works best for even heat distribution.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
- In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break the sausage into crumbles as it cooks.
- Continue cooking until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through. Be sure there are no pink pieces remaining.
- Carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet after the sausage is cooked. This prevents the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Set the cooked sausage aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Roll Base
- Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean surface.
- Carefully separate the dough into triangles.
- Starting at the wide end of each triangle, roll them up tightly towards the point.
- Place the rolled crescent rolls into the prepared baking dish. You can arrange them in a single layer, pressing them slightly together to form a cohesive crust.
- Use your fingers to gently press the seams together, creating a solid base for the casserole filling. This prevents the filling from seeping underneath the rolls.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the cooked sausage evenly over the crescent roll crust. Ensure that the sausage is distributed evenly to provide a consistent savory flavor throughout the casserole.
- Distribute the sausage in a manner that will ensure flavor in every bite!
Step 5: Mix the Egg Mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk until the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy. This ensures that the egg mixture is evenly distributed throughout the casserole and creates a light and airy texture.
- The milk adds moisture and richness to the egg mixture, while the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.
- Taste the egg mixture and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra flavor.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Bake
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the sausage-covered crescent roll crust. Make sure that the egg mixture covers all the sausage and fills in any gaps.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the egg mixture. The cheddar cheese adds a sharp and tangy flavor, while the mozzarella cheese creates a gooey and melty texture.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean when the casserole is done.
- If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness. The parsley complements the savory flavors of the casserole and adds a touch of elegance.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: Easy
- Flavor Profile: Savory, cheesy, comforting
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Perfect for: Breakfast, brunch, potlucks, holiday meals
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of fresh fruit, such as berries, melon, or sliced oranges, for a balanced and refreshing meal.
- Pair with a side salad for a lighter and healthier option.
- Offer a selection of hot sauces or condiments for those who like a little extra heat or flavor.
- Serve with coffee, tea, juice, or mimosas for a complete brunch experience.
Tips:
- For a spicier casserole, use spicy breakfast sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture.
- Add your favorite vegetables, such as chopped onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach, to the sausage while it’s cooking for added flavor and nutrition.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Gruyere.
- Assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast.
- To prevent the crescent roll crust from browning too quickly, loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Use high quality sausage. It will impact the entire flavor of the dish.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
25-30 minutes
Total Time:
40-45 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Estimated per serving, based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 20-25g
- Sodium: 700-800mg
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Conclusion
This Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that is easy to make and utterly delicious. Its adaptable nature allows you to customize it to your liking, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch for friends and family or simply looking for a quick and easy breakfast option, this casserole is sure to satisfy. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of this breakfast masterpiece!
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
Q1: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This casserole is incredibly make-ahead friendly. You can assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply remove the plastic wrap and bake according to the recipe instructions. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since the casserole will be cold. Make-ahead casseroles are a lifesaver during busy mornings!
Q2: What kind of sausage should I use?
A: The choice of sausage is entirely up to your personal preference! Regular breakfast sausage provides a classic, savory flavor. Spicy breakfast sausage adds a delightful kick. You could even use Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. You can also use turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a lower-fat option. Just make sure to fully cook the sausage before adding it to the casserole. Experiment and find your favorite!
Q3: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
A: Yes, definitely! Adding vegetables is a fantastic way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of this casserole. Some great options include chopped onions, bell peppers (any color), mushrooms, spinach, broccoli florets, or even diced tomatoes. Sauté the vegetables with the sausage until they are tender before adding them to the casserole. This will ensure that they are fully cooked and have a nice flavor.
Q4: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Of course! Feel free to get creative with the cheese. Cheddar and mozzarella are a classic combination, but you can easily substitute them with other types of cheese. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, Gruyere, Swiss, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese would all work well. Consider what cheese flavors complement your style or flavor goals.
Q5: My crescent roll crust is browning too quickly. What can I do?
A: If you notice that the crescent roll crust is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This will help to prevent the crust from burning while the rest of the casserole finishes cooking. Make sure the foil isn’t touching the cheese, as that might pull it off when you remove the foil.
