Crowd-Pleasing Breakfast Casserole

This breakfast sausage casserole transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish that works beautifully for weekend brunches or holiday mornings. The buttery crescent roll base creates the perfect foundation for savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese.

I first made this casserole when hosting an impromptu family gathering after my sister announced her engagement. Now it has become our traditional holiday morning breakfast, with everyone lingering around the table long after the plates are clean.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated crescent roll dough sheet: Forms a buttery crust that puffs beautifully during baking
• Breakfast sausage: Provides hearty protein and savory flavor; select high-quality pork sausage for best results
• Large eggs: Create the perfect custardy texture; look for local farm eggs when possible
• Whole milk: Adds richness to the egg mixture; 2% works in a pinch but avoid skim
• Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully throughout the casserole; sharp varieties add more distinct flavor
• Black pepper, sea salt, dried minced garlic, and onion: Create the perfect seasoning blend without overwhelming
• Optional fresh parsley: Brightens the finished dish with color and flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Sausage:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F to ensure it reaches proper temperature while you assemble. Brown the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain the excess oil using a colander or paper towels and allow the meat to cool slightly for 5 minutes so it won't cook the eggs prematurely.

Create the Base:

Unroll the crescent roll dough sheet carefully, keeping it in one piece. Gently press the dough into the bottom of a greased 9×13 casserole dish, ensuring it covers the entire bottom with no tears or holes. If using perforated crescent rolls, press the seams together firmly.

Layer the Fillings:

Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the dough base, creating a uniform layer. Next, distribute the cheese over the sausage, making sure to reach all corners for consistent flavor in every bite.

Prepare the Egg Mixture:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, black pepper, sea salt, dried minced garlic, and dried minced onion until well combined and slightly frothy. The mixture should have a uniform pale yellow color with seasonings evenly distributed.

Assemble and Bake:

Pour the egg mixture slowly over the layers of sausage and cheese, allowing it to seep down through the layers. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden brown. The casserole should have a slight jiggle but not appear wet or runny.

Serve with Style:

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven; this helps it set for cleaner slicing. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, cut into 12 even squares, and serve immediately.

My absolute favorite part of this recipe is how the crescent roll dough puffs up slightly around the edges while staying perfectly tender in the center. My grandmother always said a breakfast casserole is only as good as its crust, and this one never disappoints. Last Christmas, my usually picky nephew requested seconds and then asked if he could take the leftovers home!

Make-Ahead Magic

This casserole shines as a make-ahead option. Prepare everything up to the baking step, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove from the refrigerator while the oven preheats, then bake as directed, adding about 5 extra minutes to the cooking time to account for the chilled ingredients. The flavors actually develop beautifully overnight, making this possibly even better when prepared in advance.

Customization Corner

The basic recipe serves as an excellent template for endless variations. Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach between the sausage and cheese layers for extra nutrition and color. Swap the breakfast sausage for crispy bacon or diced ham. Try different cheese blends like pepper jack for heat or Swiss for nuttiness. For a southwestern twist, add a drained can of green chiles and replace the cheddar with Monterey Jack.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own, this casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides. Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad for a sweet contrast to the savory casserole. A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette creates a complete brunch experience. For special occasions, offer small glasses of mimosas or a coffee bar with flavored creamers and whipped cream. During fall and winter months, a side of roasted breakfast potatoes with rosemary complements the casserole wonderfully.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute with turkey sausage, vegetarian sausage, or even chorizo to match your preferences.

→ What cheese works best for this dish?

Cheddar cheese is classic, but you can experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for variety.

→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply bake it fresh.

→ How can I make this gluten-free?

Replace the crescent roll dough with a gluten-free alternative or omit the crust entirely for a low-carb option.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

→ Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Yes, diced onions, bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms make great additions and add extra flavor and nutrients.