Easy Breakfast Casserole with Crescent Rolls and Sausage

Welcome to the ultimate solution for a stress-free, delicious morning meal! This easy breakfast casserole with crescent rolls takes minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Featuring flaky crescent rolls, savory sausage, and cheesy eggs, it is perfect for busy parents, weekend brunches, or simply a comforting start to any day. Get ready to enjoy a perfectly savory, cheesy, and irresistibly flaky breakfast.

Why You’ll Love This Breakfast Casserole

• Quick Prep Time: You will love how quickly this recipe comes together. With only 15 minutes of active preparation, this breakfast casserole fits perfectly into even the busiest schedules.
• Delicious & Comforting: Every bite offers a delightful combination of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and rich cheese, all nestled on a buttery, flaky crescent roll crust. It is pure comfort food.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Whether you are feeding a family or hosting a brunch, this casserole is always a hit. It easily scales up or down and satisfies everyone.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare this dish the night before and simply bake it in the morning. This convenience makes mornings much smoother and more enjoyable.
• Customization Options: Easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste. Add different cheeses, meats, or vegetables for a unique spin every time.

Ingredients

To make this incredible breakfast casserole with crescent rolls, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of textures and flavors.

• 1 lb. bulk breakfast sausage
• 1 8 oz. tube refrigerated crescent rolls
• 8 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily customize this recipe to your preferences. Feel free to swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or what your family enjoys most.

• Sausage: Experiment with different sausage varieties. Try hot sausage for a kick, mild for a classic taste, or use turkey sausage for a lighter option. Cooked bacon or diced ham are also excellent substitutes in this breakfast casserole.
• Crescent Rolls: Pillsbury dough sheets can simplify assembly even further. Just unroll and press into the dish without pinching seams.
• Cheese: While mild cheddar is a favorite, feel free to use Monterey Jack, Colby, pepper jack for a bit of spice, or a delicious cheddar-Monterey Jack blend.
• Milk: Any type of dairy milk works well, from whole milk to skim. You can also use half-and-half for an extra creamy texture or a non-dairy alternative for dietary needs.
• Add-ins: Elevate your breakfast casserole by stirring in diced bell peppers, onions, fresh spinach, or a can of drained green chilies with the eggs before baking.

Equipment

Gathering your equipment before you start makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. You likely have most of these items in your kitchen already.

• A 9×13 inch baking dish is essential for this casserole.
• A large skillet is needed to brown your sausage effectively.
• You will also need a mixing bowl for the egg mixture.
• A whisk helps combine the eggs and milk thoroughly.
• Finally, measuring cups and spoons ensure precise ingredient amounts for the best results.

Instructions

Creating this savory breakfast casserole with crescent rolls is straightforward, even for beginner cooks. Just follow these step-by-step directions to ensure a perfect outcome every time.

1. Prepare Your Dish: Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly spray a 13×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This ensures easy cleanup later.
2. Cook the Sausage: Add the bulk breakfast sausage to a large skillet. Place the skillet over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage apart as it cooks. Continue cooking until the sausage is completely browned and crumbled. For optimal food safety, it’s important to cook ground sausage to the recommended internal temperature. According to FoodSafety.gov, you can find safe minimum internal temperatures for ground meat and sausage.
3. Drain Excess Fat: Once the sausage is cooked through, carefully drain off any excess fat from the skillet. This step is crucial for preventing a greasy or soggy crescent roll crust in your breakfast casserole.
4. Lay the Crescent Dough: Unroll the refrigerated crescent roll dough from its packaging. Carefully place the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Gently pinch all the seams of the dough together. Press the dough out evenly to cover the entire bottom of the dish, forming your crust.
5. Add the Sausage Layer: Evenly spread the cooked and drained sausage over the crescent roll dough in the baking dish. Make sure it forms a consistent layer.
6. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a separate large bowl, combine the large eggs, milk, salt, and ground black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and the mixture is uniform.
7. Pour Egg Mixture: Carefully pour the whisked egg mixture over the sausage layer in the baking dish. Do not worry if some of the egg mixture seeps under the crescent dough; this is perfectly fine. This is the base for your fluffy breakfast casserole.
8. Sprinkle with Cheese: Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the egg and sausage mixture. This creates a delicious, golden-brown crust.
9. Bake the Casserole: Place the uncovered baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the egg mixture is set in the center. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
10. Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Let the breakfast casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the ingredients to set and makes for cleaner slices.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving the perfect breakfast casserole with crescent rolls is easy with these helpful tips. These suggestions ensure your dish turns out flawlessly every time and help you troubleshoot common issues.

• Prevent Soggy Crust: The most important tip for a non-soggy crescent roll crust is to drain the cooked sausage exceptionally well. Excess grease will make the dough less flaky.
• Ensure Even Baking: Distribute the sausage and egg mixture uniformly across the baking dish. This prevents hot spots and ensures your casserole cooks evenly throughout.
• Avoid Over-Browning: If you notice the top of your casserole browning too quickly before the eggs are fully set, simply tent the dish loosely with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
• Make Ahead Success: To prepare this breakfast casserole the night before, assemble it completely up to the point of baking. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
• Cook From Cold: If baking a refrigerated casserole, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the total baking time. Always check for doneness by ensuring the eggs are set.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

This versatile breakfast casserole is not only delicious but also adaptable for various occasions and dietary needs. Here are some ideas for serving, storing, and customizing your dish.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty casserole makes a complete meal on its own.

• Pair with a light and refreshing fresh fruit salad for a balanced breakfast.
• Offer a selection of hot sauce or salsa on the side for those who enjoy a little extra kick.
• Serve alongside your favorite morning beverage, such as freshly brewed coffee or a glass of orange juice.

Storage & Reheating

Planning ahead or enjoying leftovers is simple with this recipe.

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover breakfast casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze individual portions. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, reheat larger portions in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until warm.

Variations

Get creative with your next breakfast casserole!

• Vegetarian: Omit the sausage entirely and instead add extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach for a flavorful meat-free option.
• Meaty: Boost the protein by incorporating other cooked meats such as diced ham, crumbled bacon, or a combination of various breakfast meats.
• Spicy: Amp up the heat by using hot breakfast sausage, adding finely diced jalapeños, or sprinkling in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the egg mixture.
• Cheesy: Don’t limit yourself to just cheddar! Experiment with different cheese varieties like Swiss, Gruyère, or a Mexican blend for distinct flavors.
• Veggies: Incorporate your favorite vegetables. Try sautéed onions, kale, roasted cherry tomatoes, or even leftover roasted potatoes for added texture and nutrition.

Nutrition

Enjoying a satisfying and hearty meal does not mean sacrificing your health goals. This breakfast casserole with crescent rolls provides a good balance of macronutrients to fuel your day.

Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving):

Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient substitutions. This information is provided for general guidance only.

To help understand the nutritional content of your meals, resources like the USDA FoodData Central provide comprehensive databases. Explore the USDA FoodData Central for detailed information on various foods.

FAQ

You have questions, and we have answers! Here are some common inquiries about making a delicious breakfast casserole with crescent rolls.

• Can I prepare this breakfast casserole the night before? Yes, absolutely! Assemble the entire casserole as directed, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. Simply bake it in the morning.
• Can you freeze breakfast casserole with crescent rolls? Yes, you can. After baking and cooling completely, slice the casserole into individual portions. Wrap each slice well and freeze for convenient future meals.
• How do I prevent the crescent rolls from getting soggy? The key is to thoroughly drain all excess fat from the cooked sausage. This prevents the dough from absorbing too much liquid and ensures a flaky crust.
• Can I use other meats instead of sausage? Absolutely! Cooked and crumbled bacon, diced ham, or even ground turkey are fantastic substitutes for breakfast sausage in this recipe.
• What size baking dish is best for this recipe? A standard 9×13 inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe. It ensures even cooking and perfect portion sizes.

Conclusion

This easy breakfast casserole with crescent rolls truly simplifies your morning routine without compromising on taste. Its combination of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and flaky crescent dough makes for an irresistible dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether it is a busy weekday or a leisurely weekend brunch, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Give it a try, and do not forget to share your experience with us!