This Cheesy Sausage & Crescent Roll Breakfast Bake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for a hearty breakfast, brunch, or even a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. It features perfectly seasoned ground sausage and a generous amount of melty cheddar cheese, all encased within soft, flaky crescent roll dough, baked together until golden brown and bubbling. This dish is designed for comfort and ease, offering a delightful combination of savory flavors and satisfying textures in every bite. The exterior of the crescent rolls bakes up light and airy with a beautiful golden crust, while the interior remains wonderfully tender, providing the perfect counterpoint to the rich, seasoned sausage and the creamy, gooey cheese.
What makes this bake truly special is its clever assembly, which looks impressive but is incredibly simple to execute. The use of store-bought crescent roll dough significantly cuts down on preparation time, making it an ideal choice for busy mornings or when you need a delicious meal on the table without much fuss. The sausage filling is savory and well-spiced, and the melted cheese adds an irresistible layer of richness and a satisfying stretch. This dish is incredibly versatile; while perfect for breakfast or brunch, it also serves as a fantastic appetizer for gatherings or a simple, comforting dinner when paired with a side salad. It’s a forgiving recipe, allowing for personal touches like adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, some sautéed onions or bell peppers for extra flavor, or even different types of cheese to suit your preference. The aroma that fills your kitchen as this bake warms and browns is utterly inviting, a promise of the delicious and comforting meal to come. It’s a dish that guarantees smiles and full bellies, making it a reliable favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Sausage & Cheese Filling:
- 1 lb ground breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 green bell pepper, finely diced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for extra meltiness)
For the Crescent Roll Base:
- 2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough (such as Pillsbury Crescent Rolls)
For the Egg Wash (optional, for golden crust):
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk or water
Instructions:
- Prepare the Sausage Filling: In a large skillet, brown the ground breakfast sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. If using, add the finely chopped yellow onion and green bell pepper during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking the sausage, stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften and the sausage is fully cooked through.
- Once the sausage is cooked, drain off any excess grease. Return the sausage and vegetables (if used) to the skillet. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring, to allow the spices to become fragrant. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare Baking Dish and Crescent Rolls: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Unroll one can of crescent roll dough. Do not separate the individual triangles. Carefully place the entire sheet of crescent dough into the prepared baking dish, pressing it gently to cover the bottom and extend slightly up the sides. You may need to pinch together any seams to form a solid base.
- Layer Cheese and Sausage: Sprinkle about 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the crescent roll dough in the baking dish. This layer of cheese will help create a barrier and prevent the dough from getting soggy.
- Evenly spread the cooked sausage mixture over the layer of cheese.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage mixture.
- Add Top Layer of Crescent Rolls: Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough. Again, do not separate the individual triangles. Carefully place this entire sheet of crescent dough over the sausage and cheese filling, gently pressing it down to cover the filling. Pinch together any seams to seal the top.
- Prepare Egg Wash (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk or water. Lightly brush the top of the crescent roll dough with this egg wash. This will help create a beautiful golden-brown and shiny crust.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the crescent roll dough is puffed up, golden brown on top, and cooked through, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the baking dish from the oven. Let the Cheesy Sausage & Crescent Roll Breakfast Bake rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to cut clean portions.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve warm. This bake is hearty enough on its own, but it also pairs well with fresh fruit, a side salad, or your favorite breakfast potatoes. Enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make breakfast bake!