Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole (Easy Sausage Egg Casserole)

This crescent roll breakfast casserole is such a fun way to upgrade a classic sausage and egg breakfast. You get layers of flaky crescent roll dough, savory breakfast sausage, fluffy baked eggs, and plenty of melty cheese all baked together in one pan. It is rich, cozy, and super satisfying, the exact kind of breakfast casserole everyone goes back for seconds of. Just like my Hash Brown Egg Casserole, it is also very low lift; you mix everything together, pour it into a casserole dish, and let the oven do the rest. That makes it perfect for holidays, hosting overnight guests, or any weekend morning when you want a special breakfast that still feels easy.

Why I Love This Breakfast Casserole with Crescent Rolls

I have always loved sausage crescent rolls, and my aunt makes them every year around the holidays. The last time I was at her house, we had a big platter of them out, and I had the idea to turn that same flavor into a full breakfast casserole. Since I have created a bunch of breakfast casserole recipes already, I went back through my favorites and built an egg base that would work with breakfast sausage and crescent roll dough. After a few tweaks, this crescent roll breakfast casserole was the clear winner.

It has everything I love about a good breakfast bake. The crescent roll dough bakes up light and flaky, the breakfast sausage gets browned and seasoned, the eggs bake up fluffy, and the cheese melts into all the nooks and crannies. Every bite tastes like a sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich, but with that buttery crescent roll flavor and texture that makes it feel extra indulgent. If you love that combo, you will definitely want to try my breakfast hand pies next.

I especially love making this for the holidays and Sunday brunch. I have served it on Christmas morning for the past few years, and it is always one of the most popular dishes on the table with both kids and adults. You can get it in the oven while everyone is waking up, and by the time coffee is poured, you have a hot, cheesy sausage crescent roll breakfast casserole ready to slice and serve.

Just like a lot of my other breakfast casseroles, this crescent roll breakfast bake is very simple to put together. You cook the sausage, whisk the egg mixture, layer everything with the crescent dough, and bake until golden. That is really all there is to it, which is why it works so well when you are feeding a crowd. It is hearty, comforting, and filling on its own, and if you want something sweet on the side, a French toast casserole or simple fruit salad is the perfect pairing.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 lb. Breakfast sausage- I love the flavor of breakfast sausage, but you can also use pork sausage, Italian sausage, or turkey sausage.
• 8 oz. Can refrigerated crescent roll dough- for the delicious base layer of this casserole.
• 6 Eggs- six large ones.
• ¾ cup Milk- I like to use whole milk for a richer flavor.
• Salt and pepper- to taste.
• 1 ½ cups Shredded cheddar cheese- mozzarella cheese or monterey jack cheese work too.

Oh, and you can use almost all of these ingredients to make my biscuits and gravy casserole, overnight egg casserole, and Christmas breakfast casserole recipe as well. So, if you're looking for two more easy breakfast casserole recipes, you'll want to check those out! Or, for something a little different, you can use the crescent rolls to make this crescent roll taco bake.

How To Make Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Cook The Sausage

First, you'll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (180°C) and grease a 7x9 inch baking dish - or one that can fit the crescent rolls - with some cooking spray or butter.

Next, you'll want to take out a large non-stick skillet and put it over medium heat. Then, you can add the breakfast sausage to it and cook for a few minutes until the sausage is browned on all sides. Make sure you crumble the sausage with a wooden spoon or spatula during the cooking process so it can cook evenly. Once the sausage has browned, you can drain any excess grease from the pan and set the sausage aside.

Step 2: Mix the Egg Batter

Now, in a large bowl, you'll want to beat the eggs with the milk of your choice, salt, and pepper. The mixture should be well combined and look like you're making scrambled eggs.

Step 3: Build The Casserole

Ok, now it's time to build this breakfast casserole with crescent rolls! You'll want to start by unrolling the refrigerated crescent rolls so that they're flat. Then, add the unrolled crescent rolls to the prepared casserole dish, gently press them into the bottom of it, and pinch the seams together. The crescent roll dough will come up on the side a little, but that is fine. Just press it lightly against the baking dish wall to ensure it stays in place.

Next, add the cooked sausage over the dough and pour the egg mixture on top. Then, to finish it off, top it evenly with the shredded cheese.

Step 4: Bake The Casserole

Now that the casserole is ready to go, you can just pop it in the oven and bake it for 40 minutes. If you don't want the cheese to get too browned and crisp, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the first 20 minutes of baking.

Once it's baked, cool the breakfast sausage casserole on a wire rack for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Finally, serve it with hot sauce, ketchup, this McDonald's breakfast sauce, or anything you want, and enjoy! 

Expert Tips to Make The Best Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole

• Cook and drain the sausage well: Make sure you fully brown the breakfast sausage and drain off any excess grease before adding it to the casserole. This keeps the crescent roll layer from getting greasy and helps the casserole set up instead of feeling heavy.
• Press the crescent dough into an even layer: Unroll the crescent rolls and press the seams together so you have one solid sheet of dough. Gently press it into the bottom of the greased baking dish and slightly up the sides. This helps it bake into a nice, even base and keeps the egg mixture from leaking underneath in random spots.
• Do not drown the dough in egg mixture: You want enough egg mixture to soak into the sausage and cheese and bind everything together, but not so much that the crescent layer turns soggy. If your pan is on the smaller side and the egg mixture comes almost to the top, leave a little out or use a slightly larger dish so the casserole can puff and set properly.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt: Pre shredded cheese works in a pinch, but shredding a block of cheddar or Monterey Jack yourself melts smoother and gives you a creamier, more even cheesy layer. It also helps the sausage and eggs stick together when you slice the casserole.
• Season the eggs generously: Eggs, cheese, and crescent dough all need seasoning to really pop. Make sure your egg mixture is well seasoned before you pour it over the casserole. Onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and even a pinch of paprika or dried herbs all work well with sausage.
• Let it rest before slicing: Once the crescent roll breakfast casserole comes out of the oven, let it sit for about 10 minutes. This rest time helps the eggs finish setting and makes it much easier to cut clean squares that hold together when you serve them.
• Add veggies if you like: If you want to sneak in some vegetables, you can mix in sautéed bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach with the sausage. Just cook off any excess moisture first so it does not water down the egg mixture or make the crescent layer soggy.
• Watch the top near the end of baking: If the top is browning faster than you would like but the center is not set yet, lay a piece of foil loosely over the casserole for the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking. This keeps the cheese and crescent dough from getting too dark while the eggs finish cooking in the center.

Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole FAQS

Can I make this crescent roll breakfast casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it ahead, which makes it perfect for holidays and hosting. You have two options. You can fully bake the casserole, let it cool, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight, then reheat it at 350°F until warmed through. Or you can assemble it unbaked, cover the dish, and refrigerate it overnight. The next morning, let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it is going into the oven cold.

Do I need to pre bake the crescent roll dough? 

Usually you do not have to pre bake the dough, the crescent layer bakes through as the casserole cooks. If you prefer a slightly crisper base, you can par bake the crescent dough for about 5 to 7 minutes before adding the sausage, cheese, and eggs. Just be careful not to fully bake it or it can get too brown by the time the eggs are set.

Can I use crescent roll sheets instead of regular crescent rolls?

Yes, crescent roll sheets work perfectly and are even easier because you do not have to press the seams together. Just unroll the sheet, press it into the bottom of the dish, and proceed with the recipe. The texture and flavor will be the same.

Can I use bacon or ham instead of sausage?

Absolutely. You can swap the breakfast sausage for cooked crumbled bacon, chopped ham, or even a mix. Just make sure whatever meat you use is fully cooked and not overly greasy before you add it to the casserole. If you use something milder like ham, you may want to bump up the seasoning in the egg mixture a bit.

Can I make this crescent roll breakfast casserole without meat?

Yes, you can completely leave out the meat and still have a delicious breakfast casserole. In that case, you may want to add extra cheese or more veggies like sautéed peppers, onions, or spinach for flavor and texture. The eggs, cheese, and crescent rolls still make it hearty and satisfying.

How do I store leftovers?

Let leftover crescent roll breakfast casserole cool to room temperature, then cut it into squares and transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crescent layer will soften slightly, but it will still taste great.

What is the best way to reheat this casserole?

For the best texture, reheat leftovers in the oven. Place the pieces in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm at 325°F to 350°F until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for a quick breakfast, just know the crescent roll layer will be softer and less crisp than when it is oven baked.

Can I freeze crescent roll breakfast casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. You can freeze the whole baked casserole or individual portions. Let it cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place in a freezer safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven until hot. Adding a small sprinkle of fresh cheese on top before reheating can help refresh the melty top layer.

What size pan should I use?

A standard 9-by-13-inch baking dish works best for this crescent roll breakfast casserole. If you use a smaller dish, the casserole will be thicker and may take a bit longer to bake through, so always check the center with a knife or toothpick to make sure the eggs are fully set before serving.

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• Overnight breakfast casserole with bread
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