Ingredients
Scale
- 6 large eggs
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (you can choose mild or spicy sausage depending on your taste preference)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese variety)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon dried minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon dried minced onion
- 1 refrigerated crescent roll dough sheet
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to let the oven fully heat up before you begin baking to ensure an even cook and a golden-brown top for your casserole. This step is crucial to achieving that crispy, flavorful finish that everyone loves.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage into small crumbles as it cooks. This ensures that the sausage is evenly cooked and adds to the texture of the casserole. Continue cooking until the sausage is no longer pink and has a nice, browned color. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease from the sausage and set it aside to cool for a few minutes. This will help prevent the casserole from becoming greasy and will allow the sausage to hold its flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Prepare the Crescent Roll Crust: While the sausage cools, take the crescent roll dough sheet and unroll it onto the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Press the dough evenly across the bottom of the dish, making sure it covers the entire surface. The dough will form a buttery, flaky crust that will rise and crisp up as it bakes, adding both texture and flavor to the casserole.
- Assemble the Casserole: Now it’s time to layer the ingredients. Start by sprinkling the cooked sausage evenly over the crescent roll dough. Make sure the sausage is spread out in an even layer to ensure every bite has some of that savory flavor. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage. The cheese will melt as it bakes, creating a rich, gooey layer that binds the casserole together.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, black pepper, sea salt, garlic powder, and minced onion. This egg mixture is the key to the casserole’s creamy, custardy texture. Make sure everything is well combined before pouring it evenly over the sausage and cheese layers. The egg mixture will seep down through the layers of sausage and cheese, creating a uniform texture and ensuring that every bite is flavorful.
- Bake the Casserole: Once the casserole is fully assembled, place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The casserole is ready when it is golden brown on top and the eggs are fully set. The edges should be slightly crispy, while the center remains soft and custardy. If you’re unsure if it’s done, you can gently insert a knife or toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
- Garnish and Serve: After removing the casserole from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before cutting it into 12 squares. This will allow the casserole to set and make it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. The parsley not only looks beautiful but also adds a slight herbal flavor that balances out the richness of the dish.
Notes
- Sausage: If you prefer a leaner option, you can swap the regular breakfast sausage for turkey sausage. For a spicier kick, you can use hot sausage or even chorizo. Ground beef or bacon also works well in this dish, so feel free to get creative.
- Cheese: While cheddar is the traditional choice for this casserole, you can substitute it with other types of cheese depending on your taste. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack are all great alternatives that will give the casserole a different flavor profile. You could also use a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: To make this casserole dairy-free, you can substitute the whole milk with a plant-based milk, such as almond, coconut, or oat milk. You can also use dairy-free cheese and margarine or butter substitutes for the crescent roll dough.
- Vegetarian Version: To make the casserole vegetarian, you can swap the sausage for sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also add some diced potatoes or even tofu for added protein.
- Gluten-Free Version: If you’re looking to make the casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free crescent roll dough or substitute with gluten-free bread or a gluten-free biscuit crust. Be sure to check that all your other ingredients, including the sausage, are gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American