Ah, Breakfast Casserole – the ultimate morning comfort food that brings everyone to the table! This dish is a delicious blend of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and gooey cheese, all nestled on a buttery crescent roll base. It’s a warm hug in a casserole dish, perfect for easing into any day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You’ll have it all prepped and ready to go in no time, perfect for busy mornings!
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its combination of flavors and textures, it’s bound to satisfy both kids and adults alike.
- Versatile: Easy to customize with whatever ingredients you have on hand.
- Best Make-Ahead: Prep it the night before and just pop it in the oven in the morning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Breakfast Casserole lies in its simplicity. Just a few key ingredients come together to create a delightful morning feast. Each ingredient adds its own special touch – from flaky crescent rolls to savory sausage and creamy cheese.
- 1 can crescent rolls: These provide a buttery, flaky base that’s simply irresistible.
- 1 pound mild breakfast sausage: Adds a savory, meaty flavor that pairs perfectly with eggs.
- 6 eggs, beaten: The backbone of the casserole, making it rich and satisfying.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: For that melty, cheesy top that ties everything together.
Variations
This Breakfast Casserole is as flexible as it is tasty. Feel free to adapt it to your taste or what you have available in the pantry. Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing!
- Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give the casserole a fiery twist.
- Veggie Delight: Toss in some chopped bell peppers, onions, or spinach for a healthier version.
- Cheese Substitute: Swap out cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for different flavors.
- Meat Lover’s: Include bacon or ham along with the sausage for extra meatiness.
How to Make Breakfast Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. While it’s warming up, cook your breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat until it’s nicely browned. Drain any excess grease to avoid a heavy casserole.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
Spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Spread the crescent rolls evenly across the bottom, ensuring they cover every nook and cranny. Then, layer the cooked sausage over the crescent roll base. Next, pour the beaten eggs over the sausage, letting them seep in around the sausage. Finally, top generously with shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 3: Baking
Place your dish in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and beginning to turn golden brown, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing—it’ll help everything set perfectly!
Pro Tips for Making Breakfast Casserole
- Egg Consistency: For extra fluffy eggs, beat them with a splash of milk before pouring over the sausage.
- Golden Top: If you like your cheese extra golden, pop the casserole under the broiler for a minute after baking.
- Season to Taste: Don’t forget to season the eggs lightly with salt and pepper for an added flavor boost.
- Streamline Prep: Cook the sausage the night before to save time on busy mornings.
How to Serve Breakfast Casserole
Garnishes
Enhance your Breakfast Casserole with a splash of color and flavor by garnishing it with freshly chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions. Their freshness perfectly complements the warm, meaty base.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh fruit salad or a vibrant green smoothie to balance out the richness. For a brunch affair, consider adding some buttery croissants or crispy hash browns.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Breakfast Casserole in elegant individual ramekins for a special touch, or cut it into perfect squares and stack them enticingly on a large platter. Either way, it’s bound to impress guests and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be a lifesaver during hectic weeks. Store your Breakfast Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to allow it to cool completely before sealing to preserve its freshness.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this casserole, it’s best to bake it first, then let it cool completely. Wrap it securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it can be frozen for up to two months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. If you’re pressed for time, the microwave works too—just make sure to cover the casserole to retain moisture.
FAQs
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Can I make Breakfast Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake in the morning.
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Is there a vegetarian option for this casserole?
Yes, simply swap the sausage for your favorite vegetables, like spinach and mushrooms, and add an extra layer of cheese for balance.
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Can I use different cheese besides cheddar?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Swiss or mozzarella for a milder flavor, or pepper jack for a spicier kick.
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What’s the best way to check if it’s fully cooked?
The casserole is ready when the edges are golden and the center is set. A quick insert of a knife should come out clean, and the top should be nicely browned.
Final Thoughts
This Breakfast Casserole is a surefire way to brighten up your morning or weekend brunch spread. With its simple ingredients and mouth-watering flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, and enjoy this delightful dish!
Print
Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty breakfast casserole combines flaky crescent rolls, savory sausage, scrambled eggs, and melted cheddar cheese to create a satisfying morning dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week.
Ingredients
Pastry and Dairy
- 1 can crescent rolls
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Meat
- 1 pound mild breakfast sausage
Eggs and Seasonings
- 6 eggs, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease to prevent sogginess.
- Layer Crescents: Spread the crescent rolls evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a base layer.
- Add Sausage: Evenly distribute the cooked sausage over the crescent roll layer.
- Pour Eggs: Pour the beaten eggs over the sausage layer, allowing the eggs to seep through.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake at 350 degrees F for about 30 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden brown on top.
Notes
- You can prepare this casserole the night before and refrigerate, then bake in the morning for a quick breakfast.
- Feel free to add vegetables like peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
- Use gluten-free crescent rolls if needed to make it gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the microwave for a quick breakfast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
