Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole is the perfect dish for a hearty and delicious breakfast or brunch. Combining the flaky, buttery goodness of crescent rolls with savory breakfast ingredients like eggs, cheese, sausage, and vegetables, this casserole is a surefire crowd-pleaser. It’s ideal for busy mornings when you want something quick yet filling, or for special occasions like family gatherings, holidays, or brunch parties. With the comforting flavors of breakfast favorites, this casserole will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

The beauty of Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole lies in its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences, whether you prefer bacon over sausage, add extra veggies, or even make it vegetarian. The ease of preparation—simply layering the ingredients and baking them in one dish—also makes it a go-to recipe for anyone looking for a low-maintenance but impressive breakfast.

Whether you’re serving it for a weekend breakfast, Christmas morning, or a weekend brunch with friends, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with flavors that everyone loves. And best of all, you can make it ahead of time, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the occasion rather than being stuck in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole

• Easy to Prepare: The recipe is simple and requires minimal effort. With just a few ingredients, you can make a flavorful and satisfying casserole that’s ready to bake in no time.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding a large group or just a few people, this casserole can easily be scaled up or down. It’s a dish that everyone can enjoy, and it’s bound to be the star of any breakfast or brunch spread.
• Versatile: You can customize this casserole with a wide range of ingredients. Use your favorite meat (like sausage or bacon), vegetables (such as spinach, peppers, or mushrooms), and cheese (like cheddar or Monterey Jack) to create a dish that fits your tastes.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This casserole is great for preparing in advance. Simply assemble it the night before and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, just pop it in the oven, and in less than an hour, you’ll have a delicious, home-cooked breakfast ready to serve.
• Comforting and Filling: The combination of buttery crescent rolls, eggs, cheese, and meat creates a comforting, filling meal that will keep everyone full and satisfied until lunchtime.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 8-10 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the portion size and specific ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 25-30g
• Carbohydrates: 20-25g
• Protein: 15-20g
• Fiber: 1-2g
• Sugar: 2-3g

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent rolls
• 1 lb breakfast sausage (or bacon, or ham, if preferred)
• 8 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (whole milk or half-and-half for a richer flavor)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
• ½ cup diced onion (optional)
• 1 cup diced bell pepper (optional)
• ½ cup fresh spinach (optional)
• 1 cup cooked bacon bits (optional)

For the Topping:

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
• Fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole will cook evenly and thoroughly once it’s placed in the oven. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter to prevent the casserole from sticking.

2. Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat. Break it up with a spatula into small crumbles as it cooks. Continue cooking for 8-10 minutes, until the sausage is browned and fully cooked. If using bacon or ham, cook the bacon until crispy, then chop it into small pieces. Drain any excess fat, and set the sausage (or bacon/ham) aside.

3. Prepare the Crescent Rolls

Open the can of crescent rolls and unroll the dough. Lay the individual crescent roll pieces flat in the greased baking dish, pressing them together to form one even layer. The dough will act as the base for your casserole. Don’t worry if the dough isn’t perfectly smooth—just ensure it covers the bottom of the dish. If you have extra dough that doesn’t quite fit, you can tear it into pieces and patch up any gaps.

4. Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Beat the mixture well until it’s smooth and fully combined. This egg mixture will create a creamy, fluffy base for your casserole. If you prefer a more flavorful casserole, feel free to add additional seasonings, such as onion powder, dried herbs, or hot sauce.

5. Assemble the Casserole

Once the crescent rolls are in place, layer the cooked sausage (or bacon/ham) evenly on top of the dough. If you’re using vegetables, such as onions, bell peppers, or spinach, add them on top of the sausage, spreading them out evenly. Pour the egg mixture over the layers, ensuring that the bread and other ingredients are fully covered with the liquid.

6. Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt into the egg mixture as the casserole bakes, adding a rich, creamy texture to every bite. You can also sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish if desired.

7. Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the casserole with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. The casserole is done when the eggs have set and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. This makes it easier to slice. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley or chives, for added freshness and color. Cut the casserole into squares and serve warm.

Tips for Perfect Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole

• Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients. If possible, opt for high-quality sausage or bacon, and fresh vegetables like bell peppers and spinach.
• Customize the Meat: You can easily swap the sausage for other breakfast meats, such as ham, bacon, or turkey sausage. You can even make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding extra vegetables or plant-based protein.
• Don’t Skip the Cheese: Cheese is essential to the flavor and texture of this casserole. While cheddar is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a sharp cheese like Gruyère for a unique twist.
• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables to the casserole. Mushrooms, zucchini, or diced tomatoes are all great additions. Just make sure to sauté any veggies with excess moisture before adding them to the casserole to avoid a soggy dish.
• Use Day-Old Bread for Extra Flavor: If you prefer a sturdier base, you can use day-old bread in place of the crescent rolls. This will create a more traditional breakfast casserole with a thicker texture.
• Make It Ahead of Time: For an easy breakfast the next day, assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the egg mixture and ensures the casserole is extra flavorful. Just pop it in the oven the next morning for a quick, delicious breakfast.
• Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so be sure to check the casserole toward the end of the baking time. The eggs should be fully set, and a knife inserted into the center of the casserole should come out clean.

Variations of Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole

• Vegetarian Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole: Skip the sausage and load up the casserole with vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, onions, and peppers. You can also add tofu or plant-based sausage for extra protein.
• Ham and Cheese Crescent Roll Casserole: Swap the sausage for cooked ham, and use Swiss cheese or a mixture of cheddar and Swiss for a deliciously savory casserole.
• Bacon Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole: If you’re a fan of bacon, you can substitute the sausage with cooked bacon bits for a crispy, flavorful addition. You could even mix bacon and sausage for a meat lover’s version.
• Southwest Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole: Add diced green chilies, black beans, and cilantro for a Southwest twist. You can also sprinkle some pepper jack cheese on top for extra spice.
• Sweet Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole: For a sweeter breakfast option, replace the savory fillings with cinnamon sugar and add fresh fruit like apples or berries. Drizzle with maple syrup before serving for a sweet breakfast treat.

Storage and Shelf Life

Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. The casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F for 30-45 minutes, or until fully heated.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole

While this casserole is hearty and filling on its own, you can enhance your meal with a few side dishes:

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits like oranges, apples, and berries provides a great balance to the richness of the casserole.
• Hash Browns: Serve with crispy hash browns for an additional comforting side dish.
• Mimosas or Fresh Juice: Pair your casserole with a festive drink like mimosas or freshly squeezed orange juice for a complete brunch experience.
• Yogurt Parfait: A simple yogurt parfait made with Greek yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit adds a healthy, light element to the meal.
• Pancakes or Waffles: If you’re serving a larger group, consider adding a stack of pancakes or waffles to your spread for a more substantial brunch.

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Conclusion

Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole is a fantastic choice for any breakfast or brunch occasion. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. Whether you’re making it for a holiday breakfast, a family brunch, or just a weekend treat, this casserole brings all the comforting flavors of breakfast into one delicious dish. With the buttery crescent rolls, eggs, cheese, and sausage, you’ll have a dish that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s versatile enough to suit a variety of tastes and dietary needs, making it the perfect go-to recipe for any occasion. Enjoy!