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.