breakfast casserole with crescent rolls

Are you searching for a delicious, effortless breakfast that pleases everyone? Look no further than this fantastic breakfast casserole with crescent rolls! It’s the perfect blend of fluffy eggs, savory sausage, and melty cheese, all baked atop a buttery, flaky crescent roll crust. This recipe offers incredible make-ahead convenience, making it ideal for busy mornings, holiday brunches, or even a simple family dinner. Get ready to enjoy a crowd-pleasing meal with minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Breakfast Casserole

You’ll adore this simple yet satisfying dish for so many reasons. It truly embodies the ultimate breakfast comfort food.

• This recipe uses simple, few ingredients, many of which you likely have on hand.
• Enjoy a perfect balance of savory flavors from the sausage and cheese.
• Experience fluffy eggs perfectly complementing the rich, buttery crescent roll crust.
• It’s a convenient make-ahead option, saving you precious morning time.
• This casserole is versatile for any occasion, from casual weekends to festive gatherings.
• Even beginners will find success with this straightforward approach to a classic breakfast casserole with crescent rolls.

Ingredients

Making this flavorful breakfast casserole with crescent rolls requires just a few key components. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 1 (8-ounce) package refrigerated crescent rolls: Any standard brand works well.
• 1 pound breakfast sausage: Your favorite flavor or brand.
• 8 large eggs: Fresh is always best for fluffy results.
• 1 1/4 cups milk: 2% or whole milk provides the best richness.
• 3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt: Important for seasoning the eggs.
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory depth.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: For a touch of spice.
• 1/2-1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp or mild, depending on your preference.
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully, or use more cheddar/mozzarella.

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your pantry and preferences. For the crescent rolls, any standard refrigerated brand works, including store-brand or even reduced-fat options. Feel free to use spicy breakfast sausage for a kick, or opt for turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter meal. If sausage isn’t your favorite, cooked and crumbled bacon or diced ham are excellent protein swaps.

When it comes to cheese, feel free to get creative! Colby Jack, mozzarella, or even a Mexican blend all work wonderfully. If using table salt instead of kosher, use 1/2 teaspoon. Boost the flavor further by adding 1/2 teaspoon onion powder or a pinch of paprika to the egg mixture.

Equipment

You won’t need many specialized tools to create this delicious casserole. Gather these common kitchen items:

• 9×13 inch baking dish: Essential for a family-sized portion.
• Large skillet: For cooking the breakfast sausage.
• Large mixing bowl: To whisk the egg mixture.
• Whisk: Ensures perfectly combined eggs.
• Spatula: Helpful for crumbling sausage and transferring.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient amounts.

Instructions

Creating this delightful breakfast casserole with crescent rolls is a straightforward process. Follow these easy steps for a perfect result every time:

1. Prep Oven & Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents the crust from sticking.
2. Lay Crescent Dough: Unroll the crescent dough carefully and place it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Gently press the seams together to seal them. If there’s excess dough, press the edges slightly up the sides of the dish to form a slight crust.
3. Pre-bake Crust: Bake the crescent dough in the preheated oven for 5 minutes. This crucial step prevents a soggy crust in your finished breakfast casserole with crescent rolls.
4. Cook Sausage: While the crust pre-bakes, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula until it’s fully browned and crumbled.
5. Drain Grease: Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps absorb any excess grease, ensuring your breakfast casserole with crescent rolls isn’t too oily.
6. Whisk Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the 8 large eggs until well combined. Whisk in the milk, Kosher salt, garlic powder, and ground black pepper until the mixture is smooth and evenly seasoned.
7. Assemble Casserole: Once the crescent crust has pre-baked, sprinkle the drained, cooked sausage evenly over the dough. Then, spread both the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the sausage layer. Finally, carefully pour the whisked egg mixture over the cheese and sausage, ensuring it distributes evenly.
8. Bake Casserole: Place the baking dish back into the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven.
9. Check for Doneness: The casserole is ready when the top is golden brown and puffy, and a toothpick or knife inserted into the center comes out clean. This indicates the eggs are fully set.
10. Cool Before Serving: Remove the breakfast casserole with crescent rolls from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time helps the eggs set completely, making for cleaner cuts.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Making this simple breakfast casserole with crescent rolls even better is easy with these handy tips. Avoid common pitfalls for a perfect dish every time!

• Prevent Burnt Edges: If you notice the crescent roll edges browning too quickly during the final bake, lightly cover the dish with aluminum foil.
• Ensure Even Cooking: Don’t overcrowd the baking dish. A single layer of ingredients ensures everything cooks through at the same rate.
• Avoid Greasy Casserole: Always thoroughly drain the cooked sausage on paper towels before adding it to the casserole. This is key for the best texture.
• Smooth Crescent Base: When pressing the crescent dough into the dish, firmly press the perforations to seal them completely. This creates a solid, uniform crust.
• Prevent Sticking: Generously grease your baking dish with nonstick spray, especially along the bottom and sides, to ensure easy removal.
• Achieve Fluffy Eggs: Avoid overmixing the egg mixture. Just whisk until combined; too much air can sometimes lead to rubbery eggs.
• Troubleshooting Runny Casserole: If your casserole still seems runny after the recommended baking time, simply extend the baking by 5-10 minute increments until set.
• Adding Vegetables: If adding veggies like bell peppers or onions, sauté them first. This removes excess moisture, preventing a watery casserole.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not pre-baking the crescent rolls: This leads to a soggy crust. Don’t skip this quick step!
• Forgetting to drain sausage grease: Excess grease makes for an unpleasant texture and flavor.
• Overfilling the baking dish: This can lead to uneven cooking and spills in your oven.
• Cutting into the casserole too soon: Always let it rest for a few minutes; it helps the eggs set and makes slicing much neater.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile breakfast casserole with crescent rolls is perfect for so many occasions. Make it your own with these ideas!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve generous slices alongside a vibrant fresh fruit salad for a balanced meal.
• Offer hot sauce, salsa, or sour cream on the side for guests to customize their flavors.
• Pair it with crispy hash browns or roasted potatoes for a heartier brunch.
• Garnish with fresh chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover breakfast casserole with crescent rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, individual slices warm up beautifully in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. For a crispier crust, use a toaster oven or air fryer until heated through. Freezing is not highly recommended, as the eggs can become watery and the crescent crust loses its texture upon thawing.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in a dash of your favorite hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the egg mixture.
• Different Meats: Swap breakfast sausage for cooked ham, bacon, or even ground turkey.
• Extra Veggies: Sauté diced onions, bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms and add them to the casserole.
• Herbaceous: Mix fresh herbs like chopped chives, dill, or a pinch of dried rosemary into the eggs.
• Cheesy Remix: Experiment with different cheeses such as Gruyere, provolone, or a spicy pepper jack.
• Sweet & Savory: Drizzle a touch of maple syrup over your slice just before serving for an unexpected twist.

Nutrition

Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving for this savory breakfast casserole with crescent rolls. Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and exact quantities of ingredients you use. For a more in-depth look at the broader health impacts, Harvard’s Nutrition Source provides detailed information on the nutritional benefits of eggs.

FAQ

• How do you know if an egg casserole is set? Insert a knife or toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the casserole is fully cooked. To ensure your casserole is cooked to a safe internal temperature, the USDA provides essential safe cooking temperatures for egg dishes.
• Can you make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the unbaked breakfast casserole with crescent rolls the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. Bake it fresh in the morning!
• How long can crescent roll casserole sit out? Due to the eggs and meat, this casserole should not sit out at room temperature for longer than two hours.
• Can you freeze crescent roll casserole? Freezing is generally not recommended for this dish; the eggs can become watery and the crescent crust loses its texture after thawing.
• Can I use other types of dough besides crescent rolls? Absolutely! You can experiment with other refrigerated doughs like biscuit dough or puff pastry for a different kind of crust.

Conclusion

This easy breakfast casserole with crescent rolls offers a delightful solution for any meal, proving that delicious food doesn’t need to be complicated. With its flaky crust, savory sausage, and fluffy eggs, it’s a truly satisfying dish that comes together quickly. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting brunch, or simply want a comforting make-ahead meal, this recipe is a winner. Give this versatile and delicious casserole a try – you’ll love how simple and flavorful it is!

Sausage and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

This easy Sausage and Cheese Breakfast Casserole features a crescent roll crust, savory sausage, scrambled eggs, and a blend of cheeses, perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 500

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 (8-ounce) package refrigerated crescent rolls
• 1 pound breakfast sausage
• 8 large eggs
• 1 1/4 cups milk I use 2%
• 3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt or 1/2 teaspoon table salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2-1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded monterey jack cheese can sub for cheddar or mozzarella if preferred

Equipment

• 9x13-inch baking dish
• large skillet
• spatula
• large bowl
• whisk
• paper towel-lined plate
• toothpick

Method

 

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and thoroughly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Unroll the crescent dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, pressing the seams together and extending the edges up the sides; bake for 5 minutes.
3. In a large skillet, cook and crumble the breakfast sausage over medium heat using a spatula, then transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any extra grease.
4. In a large bowl, beat the eggs well, then whisk in the milk, Kosher salt, garlic powder, and ground black pepper until combined.
5. Evenly sprinkle the cooked sausage over the baked crescent dough, then spread both cheeses over the sausage layer before pouring the egg mixture evenly over everything.
6. Bake the casserole for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean; allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For best results, let the casserole set for a few minutes after baking to make serving easier. You can prepare the sausage and egg mixture the night before and assemble it in the morning to save time.