How to Make Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Casserole

If you’re searching for a hearty and delicious breakfast or brunch dish, look no further! Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Casserole combines the savory flavors of breakfast sausage with the creamy goodness of cream cheese, all wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also perfect for feeding a crowd, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings, holiday brunches, or meal prep for busy mornings.

Why You’ll Love This Casserole

Quick and Easy Preparation

With just a few simple steps and minimal prep time, this casserole can be ready to serve in under an hour. It’s an ideal recipe for both novice and experienced cooks.

Versatile Ingredients

This recipe allows for customization with different sausage types, cheeses, and even the addition of vegetables. You can adapt it to suit your family’s tastes and dietary preferences.

Perfect for Any Meal

While it’s a fantastic breakfast option, this casserole also works well for brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner. Pair it with a side salad or some fruit for a balanced meal.

Ingredients Overview

To create this mouthwatering casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 pound ground breakfast sausage (pork or turkey): This serves as the base of the casserole, providing rich flavor and protein.
8 ounces of cream cheese: Adds a creamy texture and flavor that balances the dish.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the sausage and enhancing the overall flavor.

2 rolls of crescent dough: These create a flaky crust that wraps around the filling, making the dish hearty and satisfying.

Optional Ingredients

Feel free to get creative! Here are some optional ingredients you can consider adding:

Garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning: To enhance the flavor profile.

Chopped vegetables: Bell peppers, spinach, or onions can add nutrition and color.
Cheese: Shredded cheddar or mozzarella can be mixed into the filling for extra cheesiness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s go through the preparation of this delicious casserole step by step:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your casserole will cook evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

Brown the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble and brown the sausage until it’s thoroughly cooked. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remember to season with salt and pepper to taste.
Drain excess fat: Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.

Step 3: Add Cream Cheese

Mix in cream cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and well combined with the sausage mixture. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Prepare the baking pan: Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Layer the crescent dough: Unroll one can of the crescent dough and place it at the bottom of the pan, stretching it as necessary to cover the entire base.
Add the sausage mixture: Spoon the sausage and cream cheese mixture evenly over the layer of crescent dough.
Top with remaining crescent dough: Unroll the second can of crescent dough and place it over the sausage mixture, ensuring it covers the filling completely.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the crescent roll dough is lightly browned and cooked through.
Cool and serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Helpful Tips for the Perfect Casserole

Softening Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing it with the sausage. This makes it easier to combine and ensures a smooth filling.
Customizing Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning based on your taste. Experimenting with different spices can elevate the dish’s flavor.
Preventing Sogginess: To avoid a soggy bottom layer, make sure the sausage is fully cooked and drained of excess fat before adding it to the cream cheese.

How to Store and Reheat

If you have leftovers (though they may not last long), here’s how to store and reheat them:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Freezing: You can also freeze the assembled dish before baking. To do this, cover the baking pan tightly with foil and freeze. When ready to bake, remove the foil and bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content for one serving (based on 12 servings):

Calories: 80
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 140mg
Sodium: 28mg
Carbohydrates: 120g
Sugar: 16g
Protein: 10g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to use either pork or turkey breakfast sausage based on your preference for flavor and fat content.

Do I need to season the sausage while cooking it?

Yes, seasoning the sausage with salt and pepper while browning it is recommended to enhance the dish’s flavor.

Can I use reduced-fat or fat-free cream cheese?

While you can use reduced-fat or fat-free cream cheese, it may affect the texture and creaminess of the filling. Full-fat cream cheese provides the richest flavor and creamiest consistency.

Can I add other ingredients to the filling, like vegetables or spices?

Absolutely! Customize the filling to your taste preferences by adding diced onions, bell peppers, or your favorite spices and herbs.

How do I prevent the crescent dough from becoming soggy?

To prevent sogginess, fully cook the sausage and drain any excess fat before mixing it with the cream cheese. Avoid overcrowding the baking pan, as this can trap steam and lead to sogginess.

Can I make this dish ahead of time and reheat it later?

Yes, you can assemble the crescents ahead of time and refrigerate the baking pan tightly covered with foil until you’re ready to bake. Allow a few extra minutes of baking time if baking from cold.

Serving Suggestions

These delightful crescents are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with:

Fresh Fruit: A side of mixed berries or sliced oranges adds a refreshing touch.
Scrambled Eggs: Serve with fluffy scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast.
Green Salad: A light salad can balance the richness of the casserole.

Conclusion

The Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Casserole is a fantastic, easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any meal. With its creamy filling and flaky crescent dough, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that you can easily customize to suit your tastes. Enjoy this delicious dish and happy cooking!