Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Crescent rolls: These are pre-made dough sheets that bake into light, flaky rolls. They form the base of the casserole.

Breakfast sausage: This is a seasoned ground meat, usually pork, that adds a savory flavor to the dish.

Eggs: Beaten eggs provide structure and richness to the casserole.

Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar adds a creamy, tangy flavor and helps bind the ingredients together.

Milk: This is mixed with the eggs to create a custard-like consistency.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the flavor profile.

To ensure the crescent rolls bake evenly and don't become soggy, pre-bake them for about 5 minutes before adding the sausage and egg mixture. This will give them a head start and help create a firmer base for your casserole.

• crescent rolls - Substitute with puff pastry: Puff pastry provides a similar flaky texture and can be used as a base for the casserole.

• crescent rolls - Substitute with pizza dough: Pizza dough offers a more bread-like consistency but can still serve as a suitable base.

• breakfast sausage - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can be seasoned to mimic the flavors of breakfast sausage.

• breakfast sausage - Substitute with vegetarian sausage: Vegetarian sausage provides a plant-based alternative while maintaining a similar texture and flavor.

• eggs - Substitute with egg substitute: Egg substitutes like liquid egg replacers can be used for a lower cholesterol option.

• eggs - Substitute with tofu: Crumbled tofu can be seasoned and used as a vegan alternative to eggs.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella: Mozzarella offers a milder flavor and melts well, making it a good substitute.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with vegan cheese: Vegan cheese provides a dairy-free alternative while still offering a cheesy flavor.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that can be used to maintain the casserole's creamy texture.

• milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk is another dairy-free alternative that adds a slight sweetness and creaminess.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory depth of flavor while reducing the need for additional salt.

• salt - Substitute with herb seasoning: Herb seasoning blends can enhance the flavor without adding extra sodium.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor profile but with a slightly different appearance.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit more heat and spice, offering a different but complementary flavor.

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the crescent rolls soggy.

• For short-term storage, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

• For longer storage, cut the casserole into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This method prevents freezer burn and makes it easy to reheat single servings.

• Label the freezer-safe bag or container with the date to keep track of its freshness. The casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months.

• When ready to eat, thaw the casserole portions in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor.

• Reheat the thawed casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave for a quicker option, heating on high for 1-2 minutes per portion.

• If reheating from frozen, cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the top to crisp up.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps maintain the flaky texture of the crescent rolls and ensures the eggs are evenly reheated.

• Microwave Method: Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. If it's not warm enough, continue heating in 30-second intervals until hot. This method is quick but may make the crescent rolls a bit softer.

• Stovetop Method: If you prefer a slightly crispy bottom, reheat the casserole in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat for about 5-7 minutes, occasionally checking to ensure it doesn't burn. This method can help revive some of the original crispiness of the crescent rolls.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Place the leftover casserole in the air fryer basket, ensuring it's not overcrowded. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it heats evenly. This method can help maintain a crispy texture on the crescent rolls.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole on a toaster oven tray and cover it with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This method is great for reheating smaller portions while keeping the crescent rolls crispy.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at the specified temperature until it is cooked through and golden brown.

• Baking dish: The vessel in which the crescent roll breakfast casserole is assembled and baked.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the beaten eggs, milk, salt, and pepper before pouring over the sausage.

• Whisk: Utilized to beat the eggs and mix them with the milk, salt, and pepper.

• Spatula: Helpful for spreading the cooked sausage evenly over the crescent rolls.

• Cheese grater: If not using pre-shredded cheese, this tool is used to shred the cheddar cheese.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the milk and shredded cheddar cheese accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt and black pepper precisely.

• Knife: Useful for cutting and crumbling the cooked sausage if it hasn't been pre-crumbled.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface for cutting and crumbling the cooked sausage.

• Cooling rack: Allows the casserole to cool slightly after baking before serving.

Pre-cook the sausage: Cook and crumble the breakfast sausage the night before and store it in the fridge.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded cheddar cheese instead of shredding it yourself.

Mix eggs in advance: Beat the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper the night before and store the mixture in the fridge.

Line the baking dish: Use parchment paper to line the baking dish for easier cleanup.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating the oven while you assemble the casserole to save time.