When it comes to the ultimate breakfast comfort food, there’s something about a warm, hearty casserole that just feels like home. This Breakfast Sausage Casserole is the kind of dish that makes you want to get out of bed on a lazy weekend morning—and it comes together in no time! Whether you’re preparing for a crowd or just looking to make your morning a little easier, this dish is perfect.

I don’t know about you, but I love starting the day with something a little indulgent. I mean, who can resist layers of flaky crescent rolls, savory sausage, melty cheese, and perfectly cooked eggs? Plus, it has that “one-pan wonder” quality that makes cleaning up a breeze (because let’s be real, no one wants to spend their Saturday morning washing dishes!). This casserole is like a giant breakfast burrito—minus the wrap—and it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make over and over again.

Whether it’s for a family breakfast, a special occasion like Christmas morning, or even meal prep for busy workdays, this casserole can do it all. And the best part? You probably already have most of the ingredients sitting in your pantry! Let’s walk through how to get this breakfast on the table without any stress.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). The oven should be fully heated before you pop the casserole in, so go ahead and do this now. While the oven is warming up, grab your 9×13-inch casserole dish and give it a good spray with some cooking spray (or butter if you prefer). This will ensure your casserole doesn’t stick, and the edges get all golden and crispy. If you’re feeling fancy, you could even line it with parchment paper, but the spray or butter should do just fine.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

Now it’s time to make the sausage layer, and this is where the magic starts to happen. Grab a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add your 1 pound of breakfast sausage to the pan, and use a spatula to break it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Make sure to stir it around a bit to ensure it cooks evenly. After about 7-10 minutes, the sausage should be fully browned and no longer pink.

At this point, you want to drain any excess grease. I like to tilt the pan and use a spoon to remove most of the fat. If you have a lot of grease, feel free to pour it off into a separate bowl (or down the sink, if you’re brave), but leave just a tiny bit in the pan to keep that rich flavor.

Once the sausage is all cooked up, set it aside to cool for about 5 minutes. It’s essential to let the sausage cool down a little before layering it into the casserole, so it doesn’t cook the eggs when you pour them on top later.

Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Roll Base

Here comes the fun part—unrolling the crescent roll dough sheet! This is what makes this casserole such a breeze to put together. You don’t have to deal with making dough from scratch or worrying about rolling it out just right. All you have to do is open the package, and you’ll find one large sheet of dough waiting to be pressed into your casserole dish.

Take the dough and unroll it over the 9×13-inch casserole dish, gently pressing it into the bottom. Make sure the dough covers the entire base of the dish and slightly up the sides. You want to create a nice crust for the casserole to sit on, so it stays together as you slice it up. If the dough stretches or tears in places, just pinch it back together—it doesn’t have to be perfect. The beauty of this dish is that it’s supposed to be comforting, not fussy.

Now that the dough is in place, you’re ready to build the layers. That savory sausage is going to get nestled right into that dough, and it’s going to be delicious.

Assembling the Breakfast Sausage Casserole and Helpful Tips

Now that we’ve prepped the base and cooked the sausage, it’s time to put everything together. This is where the magic happens—when all those layers of flavor come together to create something truly irresistible. Trust me, once you get a slice of this casserole, you’ll want to make it again and again. Let’s continue with the next steps!

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole Layers

Let’s start building the casserole. First, take the cooked sausage and spread it evenly over the prepared crescent roll dough in your casserole dish. Be sure to distribute it as evenly as possible, so every bite of the casserole has a bit of that savory sausage goodness.

Next, we’ll add the shredded cheddar cheese. This is where the cheesy, melty factor really shines! Grab 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle it evenly over the sausage. You can use more cheese if you’re a big fan of that gooey, cheesy top (and honestly, who isn’t?), but 2 cups should be just about perfect.

If you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to swap out the cheddar for another cheese—maybe a sharp gouda, or even a pepper jack if you want a little heat in your casserole. I’ve tried this with mozzarella before, too, and it gives a great stretch, though cheddar is by far my favorite for that classic breakfast casserole taste.

Step 5: Mix the Egg Mixture

Now it’s time to bring in the creamy egg mixture that will tie everything together. In a large mixing bowl, add the following ingredients:

6 large eggs
1 cup of whole milk (you can use half-and-half for an extra rich casserole, but milk works just fine)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp sea salt
½ tsp dried minced garlic
½ tsp dried minced onion

Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and well combined. You want the eggs and milk to be fully incorporated, with no streaks of egg white or milk left behind. The garlic and onion add a lovely savory note, so don’t skip them! They’ll give the casserole that wonderful depth of flavor.

Step 6: Pour and Bake

Once your egg mixture is ready, it’s time to pour it over the sausage and cheese layers in your casserole dish. Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the entire dish, making sure to cover the sausage and cheese. It should spread naturally, but you can use a spatula to gently nudge it around if needed.

Now, it’s time to send your casserole into the oven. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30–35 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown and slightly crispy. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick or knife inserted into the center comes out clean, with no runny egg mixture left behind.

As the casserole bakes, your kitchen will fill with the most amazing smells. The combination of sausage, cheese, and eggs baking together creates an aroma that’s almost as comforting as the dish itself. You might have to fight the urge to take a bite before it’s done, but I promise, the wait is worth it.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once your casserole has finished baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This is just enough time for it to set properly and make slicing easier.

Now for the finishing touch: fresh parsley! Garnish the casserole with a little sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness. It’s an optional step, but it definitely adds a nice contrast to the richness of the casserole.

Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the casserole into 12 squares—perfect for serving up to a crowd or keeping it all for yourself (no judgment here!). Serve it warm, and enjoy the deliciousness you’ve created.

FAQ Section and Conclusion

At this point, you’ve successfully baked up a gorgeous Breakfast Sausage Casserole that’s sure to be the star of any brunch table. But before you dive in, I wanted to share a few common questions I’ve received about this recipe, as well as a quick wrap-up to send you on your way. Let’s take a look!

FAQ Section

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! One of the best things about this Breakfast Sausage Casserole is that it can be prepped the night before. After assembling the casserole (but before baking), simply cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, you can pop it straight into the oven and bake it as usual. If you do this, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.

Can I use turkey sausage instead of regular breakfast sausage?

Yes! If you’re looking for a leaner alternative, turkey sausage works wonderfully in this casserole. Just cook it the same way you would regular breakfast sausage, breaking it up into crumbles as it browns. It may have a slightly different flavor, but it’s a great swap for a healthier version of this dish.

What if I don’t have crescent roll dough?

If you don’t have crescent roll dough on hand, you can use another type of dough, like puff pastry or even biscuit dough (just be sure to roll it out thinly to cover the bottom of the dish). Alternatively, you could skip the dough entirely and use hash browns as a base for a more traditional casserole-style dish. The possibilities are endless!

Can I freeze the leftover casserole?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers of this casserole! Just be sure to let it cool completely before slicing and wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.

Can I add veggies to the casserole?

Definitely! You can easily add veggies to this casserole for extra flavor and nutrition. Consider adding sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach. Just cook the veggies first to soften them up and remove any excess moisture before layering them into the casserole with the sausage and cheese.

How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick or knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The eggs should be fully set—not runny—so make sure to check the middle of the casserole. If you’re unsure, it’s better to bake it a little longer than underbake it. Trust me, overcooked eggs are way better than a runny mess!

Conclusion

There you have it—your very own Breakfast Sausage Casserole that’s bound to impress. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion, a busy weekday morning, or just because you deserve something delicious, this casserole is sure to hit the spot every time. The combination of flaky crescent rolls, savory sausage, melty cheese, and perfectly cooked eggs is nothing short of irresistible.

What’s even better is how flexible this recipe is. You can adjust the ingredients to fit your preferences, add in some extra veggies, or switch up the cheese. It’s one of those recipes that invites you to get creative in the kitchen—and I’m all about that!

Now, it’s time to gather your loved ones (or just a fork for yourself) and dive into this comforting, filling breakfast casserole. Don’t forget to garnish with some fresh parsley, slice it up, and watch it disappear before your eyes.