What could be better than waking up to the smell of sausage, eggs, and buttery crescent rolls baking in the oven? The sausage and egg casserole with crescent rolls is the ultimate breakfast or brunch dish that combines all your morning favorites into one delicious, hearty meal. It’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or even meal prep for busy mornings. This recipe’s ease and versatility make it a top choice for anyone looking to impress a crowd with minimal effort. Plus, it’s a dish that can be easily customized to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to make this irresistible casserole.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Sausage and Egg Casserole with Crescent Rolls
Main Ingredients
- Sausage: The foundation of the casserole is ground breakfast sausage. Whether you prefer mild, spicy, or turkey sausage, it’s the key ingredient that gives the dish its savory richness. For added flavor, you can even try seasoned Italian sausage.
- Crescent Rolls: Crescent rolls form the buttery, flaky base of this casserole. They provide a delicious crust that holds everything together while adding a touch of indulgence.
- Eggs: Eggs are essential for creating the fluffy, custard-like consistency that binds all the ingredients. You’ll need about six to eight large eggs for this recipe.
Supporting Ingredients
- Cheese: Shredded cheese is a must for this casserole. Cheddar cheese adds sharpness, while mozzarella offers a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture. You can also experiment with Swiss or pepper jack cheese for a unique flavor twist.
- Vegetables: Add diced onions, bell peppers, or even mushrooms for a pop of color and a nutrient boost. All of these ingredients improve the dish’s overall taste and consistency.
- Seasonings: A pinch of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika enhances the dish’s flavor profile. You can also sprinkle in some dried herbs like parsley or oregano for extra depth.
Equipment You’ll Need
Before you start, make sure you have the right tools on hand for a seamless cooking process:
- Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe. It provides enough space for the layers to cook evenly.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two mixing bowls—one for whisking the eggs and another for combining other ingredients.
- Cooking Utensils: A sturdy whisk for the eggs, a spatula for layering, and a skillet for browning the sausage are essential.
Preparing the Sausage and Egg Casserole
Prepping the Ingredients
- Cook the Sausage: First, cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat. As it cooks, split it up into crumbles with a spatula. Drain any extra fat from the sausage when it is cooked through and no longer pink, then let it cool somewhat.
- Prepare the Crescent Rolls: Press the unrolled crescent roll dough into the bottom of the baking dish that has been oiled. To make a strong crust, make sure the dough covers the whole foundation and squeeze any seams together.
Making the Egg Mixture
- Whisk the Eggs: Crack the eggs in a mixing dish and whisk them rapidly until the whites and yolks are well mixed. For a smoother consistency, add a little milk or cream.
- Add Seasonings: Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. At this point, incorporate any veggies into the egg mixture if using.
- Incorporate Cheese: Mix in about 1 to 1½ cups of shredded cheese. Reserve a handful of cheese for sprinkling on top before baking.
Assembling the Casserole
- Layer the Sausage: Evenly cover the crescent roll base with the cooked sausage. This ensures every bite has a bit of savory sausage flavor.
- Pour the Egg Mixture: Slowly pour the egg mixture over the sausage layer, ensuring it covers the entire surface evenly.
- Top with Cheese: For a last golden, bubbling touch, sprinkle the saved cheese over the top.
Baking the Casserole
Setting the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). To guarantee even cooking, place the rack in the middle of the oven.
- Lightly grease the edges of the baking dish to prevent sticking.
Baking Time of Sausage and Egg Casserole with Crescent Rolls
The casserole should be baked for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the eggs are set. To determine doneness, poke a toothpick or knife into the center; it should come out clean.
Cooling and Serving
- Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This resting period helps the layers set, making it easier to cut clean slices.
- Serve warm with a garnish of fresh parsley or green onions for a touch of color and freshness.
Variations of the Recipe
Vegetarian Option
Substitute the sausage with plant-based crumbles, sautéed spinach, or roasted vegetables like zucchini and cherry tomatoes. This version is perfect for those who prefer a meatless dish.
Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free crescent roll dough, which is readily available in most grocery stores, to make this dish suitable for gluten-intolerant guests.
Spicy Twist
For those who love a kick, try using spicy sausage, adding diced jalapeños, or sprinkling red pepper flakes into the egg mixture.
Tips for the Perfect Casserole
- Preventing Soggy Crescent Rolls: To avoid soggy layers, pre-cook any vegetables to remove excess moisture before adding them to the casserole.
- Fluffy Eggs: Whisk the eggs thoroughly to incorporate air, which results in a fluffier texture.
- Storing Leftovers: Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For optimal results, reheat slices in the oven or microwave.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this casserole with a side of fresh fruit salad or a small bowl of yogurt for a balanced breakfast.
- Serve with a side of crispy hash browns or roasted potatoes for an even heartier meal.
- For drinks, consider offering freshly brewed coffee, tea, or orange juice to complete the brunch experience.
Why Make This Recipe?
Benefits of a Make-Ahead Meal
This casserole can be prepped the night before and baked fresh in the morning, making it an excellent option for busy mornings or hosting guests.
Crowd-Pleasing Dish
This dish is ideal for potlucks, holidays, and family get-togethers because it combines well-known flavors with customizable options that make it a favorite among both adults and children.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you freeze the casserole? Yes! Assemble the casserole and freeze it unbaked. When ready to cook, defrost it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as suggested.
- How long does it stay fresh? When stored properly in the refrigerator, the casserole stays fresh for up to 3 days.
- Can you substitute other meats? Absolutely! Ham, bacon, or shredded chicken are all excellent alternatives to sausage.
- What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
- How to adjust the recipe for more servings? Use a bigger baking dish, double the ingredients, and adjust the baking time, checking often to make sure the eggs are cooked through.