Get ready to transform your morning routine with our easy crescent roll breakfast casserole! This comforting dish combines fluffy eggs, savory sausage, and melty cheese atop a buttery crescent roll crust. It is perfect for holidays, special brunches, or simply making a busy weekend morning feel effortless. Prepare this classic family-favorite casserole and enjoy its rich, cheesy, and utterly delicious flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole
This versatile crescent roll breakfast casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it uses simple, accessible ingredients, yet delivers an incredibly satisfying flavor profile. You can prepare most of it ahead of time, which significantly cuts down on morning stress and makes it ideal for entertaining. This casserole is also highly customizable, allowing you to easily adjust it to suit any dietary preference or taste. It efficiently feeds a hungry crowd, making it perfect for family gatherings or potlucks. Finally, the combination of tender eggs, juicy sausage, and a soft, flaky crust creates the most delightful savory texture everyone enjoys.
Ingredients
Creating this delightful crescent roll breakfast casserole begins with a few basic, fresh ingredients. You’ll need one 8-ounce package of refrigerated crescent roll dough to form the base. For the savory filling, grab a pound of your favorite breakfast sausage, either pork or turkey. Eight large eggs and 1 ¼ cups of milk (we recommend 2%) create a rich, custardy texture. Finally, for that irresistible cheesy goodness, have ½ to 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese ready. Season everything perfectly with ¾ teaspoon of kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper.
Notes & Substitutions
Feel free to customize your crescent roll breakfast casserole to fit your family’s preferences. Instead of pork breakfast sausage, try ground turkey sausage, crumbled bacon, or diced cooked ham for a different flavor profile. You can easily swap out the cheeses; mozzarella, Colby Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack work wonderfully. Adjust the milk fat percentage based on what you have on hand; whole milk will yield a richer casserole. For a hint of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture. If crescent rolls aren’t available, you can substitute a can of refrigerated biscuit dough, pressed together, for the crust.
Equipment
Gathering your equipment beforehand makes assembling your crescent roll breakfast casserole a breeze. You’ll need a standard 9×13 inch baking dish, perfect for feeding a family. A large skillet is essential for browning your breakfast sausage evenly. Prepare two mixing bowls, one large and one medium, for whisking eggs and holding other ingredients. A sturdy whisk and a spatula will aid in mixing and crumbling. Lastly, have your measuring cups and spoons ready for precise ingredient amounts.
Instructions
Let’s bake your very own crescent roll breakfast casserole!
Prepare Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Form Crescent Crust: Unroll the crescent dough carefully and place it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Press the seams together firmly to create a solid crust. If the dough allows, gently press the edges up the sides of the dish to form a small rim. Bake this crescent crust for 5 minutes. This partial bake helps ensure a golden, non-soggy base for your casserole.
Cook Sausage: While the crust bakes, place your breakfast sausage in a large skillet. Cook and crumble the sausage with a spatula over medium heat until it’s fully browned and no pink remains.
To ensure food safety, the USDA recommends cooking ground sausage to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Drain Grease: Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate lined with paper towels. This step is crucial for absorbing any excess grease, which prevents your crescent roll breakfast casserole from becoming oily.
Whisk Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, lightly beat the eight large eggs. Pour in the milk, then whisk in the kosher salt, garlic powder, and ground black pepper until thoroughly combined.
Assemble Layers: Remove the partially baked crescent crust from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the cooked and drained sausage over the dough.
Add Cheese: Next, evenly spread the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the layer of sausage. This ensures cheesy goodness in every bite of your crescent roll breakfast casserole.
Pour Egg Mixture: Carefully pour the whisked egg mixture over the cheese and sausage layers. Make sure it distributes evenly throughout the dish.
Bake Casserole: Return the baking dish to the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This indicates the eggs are fully set.
Cool and Serve: Allow the finished crescent roll breakfast casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time helps the casserole set further and makes for cleaner cuts.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
For the best crescent roll breakfast casserole, follow these simple pro tips. When preparing the egg mixture, avoid overmixing; whisk just until combined to maintain a fluffy texture. Always ensure your cooked sausage is well-drained of excess grease; a soggy casserole bottom is easily avoided with this step. When pressing the crescent dough into the dish, firmly press the seams together to create a cohesive base. If the top of your casserole starts browning too quickly during baking, loosely tent it with aluminum foil. To verify doneness, insert a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, your casserole is ready. Lastly, for the best melt and texture, use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
Serve your warm crescent roll breakfast casserole with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced meal. A dash of your favorite hot sauce or a dollop of salsa adds a nice kick. Garnish with fresh chopped chives or parsley for a touch of color and extra flavor. To store leftovers, cool the casserole completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, oven, or air fryer until warmed through.
Explore variations to keep your crescent roll breakfast casserole exciting! Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sausage layer for more vegetables. Try using cooked, diced ham or crumbled bacon in place of or in addition to the sausage. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, dice up some jalapeños and sprinkle them into the egg mixture.
Nutrition Information
This nutrition information is an estimate and can vary significantly based on the specific brands, types of ingredients, and portion sizes used in your crescent roll breakfast casserole. It should be used as a general guide only.
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-400 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15-20 g |
| Protein | 20-25 g |
| Fat | 20-25 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8-10 g |
| Cholesterol | 180-200 mg |
| Sodium | 600-700 mg |
| Fiber | 0-1 g |
| Sugar | 2-3 g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to tell if this egg casserole is done?
Insert a knife or toothpick into the center of the crescent roll breakfast casserole; if it comes out clean, the eggs are fully set and cooked through. The top should also appear golden brown.
The USDA emphasizes that perishable foods like casseroles should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth, as detailed in their food safety guidelines for perishable foods.
How long can this casserole sit out?
For food safety, never leave your cooked casserole at room temperature for longer than two hours. Refrigerate any leftovers promptly to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
Can you freeze crescent roll breakfast casserole?
Freezing this casserole is not recommended as the eggs can sometimes become watery and change texture upon thawing. It is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.
Conclusion
This easy crescent roll breakfast casserole is a true game-changer for any meal, making delicious mornings a reality. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, highly versatile, and consistently delivers hearty, comforting flavors everyone enjoys. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a regular weekend, this savory bake is sure to become a cherished recipe in your home. Go ahead, give this amazing crescent roll breakfast casserole a try and simplify your breakfast today!