If you’re looking for a warm, comforting breakfast that feels like a special weekend treat but comes together quickly, then this Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine flaky, buttery crescent roll crust beneath a savory layer of seasoned sausage, fluffy eggs, and melty cheddar cheese, all baked to golden perfection. It’s an irresistible combination that fills the kitchen with inviting aromas and ends with a crowd-pleasing dish everyone will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each bringing its own magic to the casserole. From the buttery crescent roll base creating a tender crust, to the savory sausage that adds a hearty punch, every element works in harmony to deliver texture, flavor, and color to this irresistible dish.
- Crescent rolls (1 can, 8 oz): Provides a flaky, buttery foundation that crisps beautifully in the oven.
- Breakfast sausage (1/2 lb): Adds rich, savory flavor and a satisfying meaty texture; feel free to substitute with your favorite sausage.
- Eggs (6 large): The protein-packed base that binds the casserole together with a fluffy, custardy consistency.
- Milk (1 cup): Lightens the eggs and helps achieve the perfect creamy texture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts into gooey, golden layers adding sharp, indulgent flavor.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that brighten and balance the overall taste.
- Diced onions (1/2 cup, optional): Contribute a sweet, aromatic depth when sautéed with the sausage.
- Diced bell peppers (1/2 cup, optional): Add a pop of color and a tender crunch to brighten each bite.
How to Make Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Sausage Mixture
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C), giving it the perfect environment to bake your casserole to a golden finish. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it up so it cooks evenly. If you’re using onions and bell peppers, toss them in during the last few minutes so they soften perfectly without losing their bite. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
Step 2: Create the Crescent Roll Base
Roll out the crescent rolls directly onto the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Press the seams together so they form one solid, seamless layer. This buttery crust will serve as the delicious foundation that soaks up all the savory egg and sausage goodness while providing a flaky bite.
Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and slightly frothy. This mixture will cook to a tender, custardy texture that holds the casserole together without weighing it down.
Step 4: Layer the Sausage and Pour the Egg Mixture
Evenly spread your cooked sausage (and veggies, if using) over the crescent roll base. Then, gently pour the egg mixture over the sausage layer, making sure it spreads out to fill the dish evenly.
Step 5: Top with Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the top for that irresistibly gooey, melted layer. Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is set firm and the top turns a beautiful golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. This brief resting time helps it set up perfectly so your slices hold together when served.
How to Serve Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped chives, parsley, or green onions make fantastic garnishes, adding a pop of color and a fresh bite that cuts through the richness. A dollop of sour cream or a few slices of ripe avocado also elevate the dish with creamy contrast.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salad to bring light sweetness and a refreshing balance. Serve alongside crispy bacon or a simple mixed green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for added variety that rounds out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch party, try serving the casserole in individual ramekins or muffin tins for personal portions that look charming and are easy to grab. Layer in additional veggies or swap the sausage for ham or smoked salmon to customize flavors according to your taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. The casserole stays delicious and safe for up to 3-4 days, making it an ideal option for quick breakfasts later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole Recipe in advance, it freezes wonderfully. Freeze the unbaked casserole in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed for a fresh-from-the-oven breakfast whenever you want.
Reheating
Warm leftover slices in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or in an oven set to 350°F until heated through. Reheating in the oven helps maintain the crispness of the crescent roll crust that can soften in the microwave.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar gives a nice sharpness, feel free to experiment with mozzarella for meltiness, pepper jack for a bit of spice, or a blend of cheeses to suit your personal tastes.
What can I substitute for breakfast sausage?
Ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even diced ham work wonderfully as alternatives. You can also make a vegetarian version by using plant-based sausage or hearty sautéed mushrooms.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Since crescent rolls generally contain gluten, you would need to find a gluten-free crescent roll dough or substitute with a gluten-free biscuit dough. Otherwise, consider a crustless version by simply using the egg, cheese, and sausage layers cooked in a greased dish.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Onions and bell peppers are a classic addition, but mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or tomatoes can add wonderful flavor and nutrition. Just sauté vegetables beforehand to soften them and prevent excess moisture.
How long does it take to prepare and bake this casserole?
The total time is about 40 minutes—roughly 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients and assemble everything plus 25-30 minutes baking. It’s a fantastic weekend breakfast that doesn’t keep you in the kitchen all morning.
Final Thoughts
This Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole Recipe is a deliciously easy way to bring everyone to the table with smiles and full bellies. Its flaky crust, savory sausage, cheesy goodness, and fluffy eggs combine into a true breakfast crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a new favorite in your meal rotation!
Print
Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make morning dish perfect for feeding a crowd. It features a buttery crescent roll crust layered with savory cooked sausage, optional sautéed vegetables, a rich egg and milk custard, and melted cheddar cheese. Baked until golden and set, this casserole combines classic breakfast flavors into one delicious, satisfying bake.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 can (8 oz) crescent rolls
Filling
- 1/2 lb breakfast sausage (or any sausage of your choice)
- 1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
Egg Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook the sausage and vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until it is browned and fully cooked through, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. About 2-3 minutes before finishing, add diced onions and bell peppers if using, and sauté until soft. Drain off any excess grease from the pan.
- Prepare the crust: Unroll the crescent rolls and press them into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, pressing and sealing the seams to form a uniform crust layer.
- Mix the egg custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined and slightly frothy.
- Layer the casserole: Evenly spread the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture over the crescent roll crust. Then carefully pour the egg mixture over the sausage layer.
- Add the cheese topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is set in the center and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the layers to set.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms.
- You can add other vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, or mushrooms for more flavor and nutrition.
- Use whole milk or reduced-fat milk according to your preference.
- Serve with salsa, hot sauce, or ketchup for added taste.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
