Discover the ultimate breakfast solution with this sensational **Sausage and Crescent Breakfast Casserole Bake**. Featuring buttery crescent roll dough, savory breakfast sausage, fresh vegetables, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese, this casserole is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a large family, holiday guests, or simply making your mornings more delicious. Say goodbye to mediocre breakfast dishes – this recipe is a game-changer that requires no overnight refrigeration, getting you to breakfast bliss in just 40 minutes!
For years, I searched for that elusive “perfect” breakfast casserole – one that wasn’t bland, wasn’t dry, and didn’t require an elaborate overnight preparation. I’ve tried countless recipes, each promising the ideal morning meal, only to be met with results that were merely “okay.” But the hunt is finally over! This Sausage and Crescent Breakfast Casserole Bake is, without a doubt, the best breakfast casserole I have ever made or had the pleasure of eating. What makes it truly exceptional is its combination of incredibly rich flavors and its remarkably simple preparation. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s the ideal choice for busy mornings or when you need to serve a delicious, hearty breakfast without the usual fuss.
Special occasions often called for one of my tried-and-true quiche recipes, which always made an appearance during the holidays. However, in 2018, I decided it was time to branch out and explore new breakfast horizons. I reached out to my fellow food blogger friends for fresh ideas, and among the many wonderful suggestions, this standout recipe came from my talented friend, Brandi, over at Aunt Bee’s Recipes. Her creation quickly became a permanent fixture in my breakfast rotation, winning over everyone who tasted it.
The Ultimate Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
There’s an undeniable comfort in a rich and hearty breakfast casserole, especially on those mornings when you need a substantial meal to kickstart your day. This Sausage Crescent Breakfast Casserole delivers precisely that, and more. It starts with a buttery, flaky crescent roll crust that forms the perfect foundation. Layered on top are soft and fluffy eggs combined with savory breakfast sausage, all generously smothered with a blanket of melted cheese. This harmonious blend of flavors and textures creates a truly satisfying experience that will have everyone reaching for a second slice.
Versatile Sausage and Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole
One of the greatest advantages of breakfast casseroles, and particularly this sausage and crescent roll breakfast casserole, is their incredible versatility. They offer a fantastic way to utilize ingredients you already have on hand, making meal planning simpler and reducing food waste. Feel completely free to customize this recipe to your heart’s content. Have some leftover cooked vegetables from last night’s dinner? Toss them in! A bit of uneaten ham or bacon? Perfect additions. Any type of cheese you have in the fridge will work beautifully, whether it’s cheddar, mozzarella, or a sharper blend. With this breakfast casserole recipe, nothing is set in stone; it’s designed for you to make it your own.
If you adore the hearty flavors of this sausage and egg breakfast casserole recipe, you’ll be thrilled to discover other beloved variations. Explore the unique taste of Reuben Breakfast Casserole With Crescent Rolls, enjoy the comforting goodness of Cheesy Hash Brown Potato Casserole, or try the rich flavors of this Swiss Cheese Runza Casserole. Each offers a distinct twist on the classic breakfast bake, ensuring there’s a favorite for every palate.
Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole with Sausage and Crescent Rolls
This crescent roll breakfast casserole recipe is truly exceptional for any occasion, but it shines particularly bright at special gatherings. Imagine the delight it would bring to a baby shower brunch, a festive holiday meal, a thoughtful Mother’s Day spread, or a cozy Christmas morning breakfast. It’s also an absolute lifesaver when you have overnight guests, as it can be easily prepared in advance. The beauty of this dish lies in its make-ahead potential: you can chop your vegetables, brown the sausage, and even beat the eggs the night before. Then, the next morning, simply assemble and bake. This advanced preparation strategy is ideal for reducing stress when you have a busy schedule or a house full of hungry people. Not only is it fantastic fresh out of the oven, but leftovers are also incredibly delicious the next day, making it perfect for convenient grab-and-go breakfasts.
Essential Ingredients for Sausage and Crescent Breakfast Bake
Creating this delightful breakfast casserole requires just a few simple, accessible ingredients. For the exact measurements and detailed instructions, scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this page. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Pillsbury Crescent Rolls: These flaky, buttery rolls are the foundation of our casserole, creating a tender and delicious crust. You’ll typically find them in the refrigerated dairy aisle of your local grocery store. For even easier preparation, look for the crescent roll dough sheet if it’s available, as it eliminates the need to press seams together.
- Breakfast Sausage: Ground pork breakfast sausage is my go-to for its rich, savory flavor. Popular brands like Bob Evans or Jimmy Dean work wonderfully. However, feel free to experiment with other varieties such as ground turkey sausage for a lighter option, classic pork sausage, or even mild Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Your Favorite Veggies: This is where you can truly personalize your casserole. I love using a colorful mix of diced yellow onions, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant red and green bell peppers. Other great options include spinach, zucchini, or even finely chopped broccoli.
- Eggs: The binding element of our casserole, providing a fluffy texture. Any large eggs will work perfectly here.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall flavor. Adjust to your personal taste preference.
- Shredded Cheese: The melted cheese layer adds a creamy, decadent finish. I often use a Three Cheese Cheddar blend for extra depth, but classic plain cheddar cheese, mild mozzarella cheese, or any other hard, meltable cheese you enjoy will be delicious.
- Scallions: Also known as green onions, these are entirely optional but add a wonderful fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color when used as a garnish.
Effortless Steps to Make This Sausage and Crescent Roll Breakfast Bake Casserole
Preparing this delicious breakfast casserole is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these easy steps for a fulfilling and flavorful meal:
First Step: Prepare the Meat and Vegetables. Begin by browning your breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. As the sausage starts to cook, add the diced onions and cook until softened. This initial step builds a flavorful base for your casserole.
Once the sausage is about halfway cooked through and the onions are translucent, incorporate the sliced mushrooms and diced bell peppers into the skillet. Continue cooking the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is beautifully golden brown and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Ensure the sausage is thoroughly cooked and has developed a nice golden-brown hue, indicating maximum flavor. Drain any excess grease from the skillet before moving to the next step.
Second Step: Layer the Base. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Carefully unroll the crescent roll dough and spread it evenly across the bottom of the pan. Gently press and seal any seams or perforations to form a single, continuous crust. This buttery base will become wonderfully flaky during baking.
Evenly spread the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture over the crescent roll dough, ensuring every bite will be packed with savory goodness.
Third Step: Add the Eggs. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs with salt and pepper until well combined and slightly frothy. Gently pour this egg mixture evenly over the top of the meat and veggies in the baking dish. The eggs will set during baking, creating a soft and cohesive layer.
Fourth Step: Top with Cheese and Bake. Generously sprinkle your shredded cheese over the entire casserole. Place the baking dish into a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the eggs are set, the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the crescent roll crust is cooked through.
Fifth Step: Rest and Serve. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the eggs to fully set and makes for cleaner, more intact slices.
Garnish with fresh scallions, if desired, for a touch of freshness and color. Serve warm and enjoy!
Any leftovers can be cooled to room temperature, then stored in an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or you can freeze portions for up to 3 months for a convenient grab-and-reheat option.
Love this Recipe? Pin it for Later!
If you’re as excited about this incredible egg and sausage casserole recipe as I am, make sure you save it so you don’t lose track of this gem! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board now, so it’s ready whenever your next breakfast or brunch craving strikes!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Breakfast Casseroles
Navigating the world of breakfast casseroles can sometimes lead to a few questions. Here are answers to some common queries to help you perfect your Sausage and Crescent Breakfast Casserole Bake:
- Why is my breakfast casserole soggy? A soggy casserole can be attributed to a couple of factors. It might not have baked long enough, preventing the eggs from fully setting and the crescent roll crust from crisping. Additionally, some vegetables release a lot of moisture during cooking. Ensure you drain any excess liquid from the cooked sausage and vegetables before assembling the casserole, and make sure your oven is at the correct temperature.
- Do you have to refrigerate breakfast casserole before cooking? While many breakfast casserole recipes suggest or even require an overnight chill in the refrigerator to allow flavors to meld, this particular Sausage and Crescent Breakfast Casserole Bake is designed for immediate baking. You can certainly prepare the components (cook sausage, chop veggies) ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge, but the assembled casserole does not need overnight refrigeration before baking. This makes it a fantastic last-minute option!
- How do you fix a dry breakfast casserole? If your casserole turns out a bit drier than desired, don’t despair! You can often revive it by adding a splash of milk or cream over the top before reheating. Covering the casserole tightly with aluminum foil while reheating can also help trap moisture and prevent it from drying out further. For future bakes, ensure your eggs aren’t overcooked, as this can be a primary cause of dryness.
- Can I use a different type of dough? While Pillsbury crescent rolls provide that signature buttery, flaky crust, you can experiment. Puff pastry sheets or even canned biscuit dough pressed thinly could work as alternatives, though the texture and flavor will vary.
Creative Substitutions for Your Casserole
The beauty of a breakfast casserole lies in its adaptability. Remember, when it comes to substituting ingredients, don’t hesitate to get creative and tailor the recipe to your taste, dietary preferences, or what you simply have on hand. Make this dish truly your own!
- Alternate Meats: While breakfast sausage is classic, feel free to swap it out. Try crispy bacon bits, diced cooked ham, or even crumbled turkey bacon. For a vegetarian option, plant-based meat alternatives that mimic ground sausage or crumbles would also work wonderfully.
- Cheese Varieties: Don’t limit yourself to just cheddar! Experiment with Gruyere for a nutty flavor, Monterey Jack for extra meltiness, pepper jack for a kick, or a blend of Italian cheeses. The possibilities are endless!
- Vegetable Medley: The current recipe calls for onions, mushrooms, and bell peppers, but this is just a starting point. Incorporate other favorites like spinach (wilted and squeezed dry), sautéed zucchini, roasted asparagus, or even diced potatoes (pre-cooked for best results). As long as the total volume of vegetables remains relatively consistent, you’re free to use whatever fresh or leftover veggies you like!
- Spice It Up: For those who love a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage and veggie mixture, or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture.
Expert Tips & Tricks for a Perfect Casserole
Elevate your Sausage and Crescent Breakfast Casserole Bake from great to absolutely unforgettable with these handy tips and tricks:
- Utilize Leftover Sausage: Save time and add convenience by using pre-cooked leftover breakfast sausage in this easy casserole recipe. Just warm it through with the veggies.
- For a Creamier Texture: If you desire an even richer, creamier casserole, try whisking in about 2-3 tablespoons of softened cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream into your beaten eggs before pouring them over the other ingredients. This adds a lovely velvety consistency.
- Boost the Flavor Profile: A small pinch of garlic powder or onion powder added to the eggs can significantly enhance the savory depth of your casserole without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Add a Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a little heat, a gentle drizzle of your favorite hot sauce over individual slices before serving, or even a few dashes mixed into the egg mixture, will provide a delightful pop of spice.
- Efficient Meal Prep: This casserole is fantastic for meal prepping. Once cooled, cut the leftovers into individual portioned squares. Wrap each piece tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave for a minute or two for a quick, delicious breakfast on busy mornings.
- Serve for Dinner: Don’t reserve this magnificent dish just for breakfast! It makes an incredibly satisfying and protein-rich dinner. Pair it with a simple, refreshing green salad with a light vinaigrette on the side for a complete and easy weeknight meal.
- Don’t Overmix Eggs: When beating the eggs, mix just until the yolks and whites are combined. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture.
- Prevent a Soggy Crust: For an extra crispy crescent roll crust, you can pre-bake the crescent dough for about 5-7 minutes before adding the fillings. This creates a slight barrier and prevents it from getting too soft from the moisture of the fillings.
More Delicious Recipes to Love
Breakfast Hashbrown Pizza
Reuben Breakfast Sandwich Two Ways
Egg and Hash Brown Breakfast Pie
Breakfast Burritos
Breakfast Sliders (pictured above)
Loaded Breakfast Cups from West Via Midwest
Baked French Toast with Strawberry Jam from Bowl Me Over
Spaghetti Squash Italian Sausage Egg Bake from Lisa’s Dinnertime Dish
Breakfast Casserole Bites from Take Two Tapas
Mixed Fruit Breakfast Casserole from The Foodie Affair
This favorite breakfast casserole truly is a game-changer for busy mornings, holiday brunches, or simply when you crave a hearty, comforting meal. With its simple ingredients, quick preparation time, and fantastic make-ahead potential, the Sausage and Crescent Breakfast Casserole Bake may just be one of the easiest and most delicious breakfasts you’ll ever create. It’s time to bring this effortless culinary delight into your kitchen!
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Print Recipe
Sausage and Crescent Breakfast Casserole Bake
Equipment
- Meat Chopper, 5 Curve Blades Ground Beef Chopper
- 12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
- 9×13 Pyrex Baking Dish with a Lid
Ingredients
- 1 package Pillsbury crescent rolls
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage
- 2 cups of your favorite veggies diced, I used onions, mushrooms and red and green bell pepper
- 6 eggs beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups of shredded cheese I used Three Cheese Cheddar
- Scallions for garnish if desired
Instructions
- Brown sausage with the onions. When it’s about half done add in the mushrooms and peppers, cook until done.
- Spray 9×13 pan with non-stick cooking spray. Roll out crescent rolls in the bottom of the pan and seal the edges to make 1 large sheet. Top with cooked sausage mixture.
- Beat eggs with salt and pepper and pour eggs over the top of the meat & veggies.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese all over and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
- Allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Top with scallions if desired.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 286kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 153mg | Sodium: 618mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g
This recipe was originally posted on April 5, 2018. It has been updated to improve user experience and reshared on September 26, 2023.
