Sausage Brunch Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
This recipe yields 12 servings. Please note that ingredient amounts will adjust automatically, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Keep in mind that not all recipes scale perfectly.
- Cooking spray
- 1 pounds ground pork sausage
- 1 (8 ounce) package refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425F (220C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 2: In a large, deep skillet, heat over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork sausage and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside.
Step 3: Lay the crescent roll dough flat on the bottom of the prepared baking dish, making sure the rolls are evenly distributed and touching each other.
Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, mozzarella cheese, beaten eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to combine.
Step 5: Pour the sausage and egg mixture evenly over the crescent rolls in the baking dish.
Step 6: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the rolls are fully cooked through.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 389
- Total Fat: 32g (41% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 12g (59% Daily Value)
- Cholesterol: 114mg (38% Daily Value)
- Sodium: 671mg (29% Daily Value)
- Total Carbohydrates: 9g (3% Daily Value)
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 15g (30% Daily Value)
- Vitamin C: 1mg (1% Daily Value)
- Calcium: 184mg (14% Daily Value)
- Iron: 1mg (7% Daily Value)
- Potassium: 177mg (4% Daily Value)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs.
This Sausage Brunch Casserole combines the comforting flavors of ground sausage, crescent rolls, eggs, and mozzarella cheese, creating the perfect hearty meal for breakfast or brunch. Its a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by a crowd or made in advance to save time during busy mornings.
History of the Sausage Brunch Casserole
The concept of a breakfast casserole is not new, with similar dishes appearing in various forms across cultures. However, the Sausage Brunch Casserole as we know it, with its signature combination of crescent rolls and sausage, has become particularly popular in American households. This dish likely evolved from the traditional quiche, with a simpler and heartier twist, making it more accessible for family cooking. The use of crescent roll dough instead of a pastry crust was a game-changer for ease of preparation, turning it into a quick and satisfying meal perfect for brunch gatherings.
Regional Variations and Unique Twists
While this casserole is widely enjoyed across the United States, its especially common in Southern and Midwest regions, where breakfast casseroles are a staple in family kitchens. In some variations, ingredients such as bell peppers, onions, or even hash browns replace crescent rolls for a different texture or flavor profile. Some people also prefer to use turkey sausage or add a variety of cheeses, from sharp cheddar to Mexican blends, for extra richness.
How It Differs From Similar Dishes
The Sausage Brunch Casserole stands out due to the use of crescent rolls as the base, giving it a unique texture compared to traditional breakfast casseroles made with potatoes or bread cubes. The flaky, buttery dough contrasts nicely with the savory sausage and creamy eggs. In contrast to a more egg-heavy quiche, this casserole leans more on hearty ingredients like sausage and cheese, making it more filling. Additionally, the casserole often has a quicker cooking time due to the pre-baked crescent rolls.
Where It's Typically Served
This dish is perfect for gatherings, such as family brunches, holiday breakfasts, or even a casual Sunday meal. It is often served at potlucks or as a make-ahead dish for busy mornings. Given its popularity as a brunch dish, it pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, pancakes, or a side of hash browns. Some even add a drizzle of homemade sausage gravy on top to elevate the flavors.
Interesting Facts About the Sausage Brunch Casserole
- The use of crescent rolls in casseroles became popular in the 1980s, thanks to their convenience and versatility in savory dishes.
- Despite its name, the Sausage Brunch Casserole can also be enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting late-night snack.
- Some creative variations of this dish include adding jalapeos or chorizo for a spicy kick or using different meats like bacon or ham in place of sausage.
- The casserole can be assembled the night before and refrigerated overnight, making it even more convenient for busy mornings.
FAQ about Sausage Brunch Casserole Recipe
Comments
Donald Lopez
10/13/2024 12:38:32 PM
Outstanding! I prepared it the night before by baking the crescent dough at 425°F for 10 minutes, then poured the sausage and egg mixture over it and refrigerated. The next morning, I baked it at 425°F for 30 minutes and it turned out just right. I served it with homemade sausage gravy. So delicious! Even the kids couldn't get enough.
Mary Roberts
12/21/2022 08:41:44 AM
As many other reviewers have noted, I decided to partially bake the roll dough for 5 minutes at 350 degrees and then I doubled the amount of eggs and milk to enhance its richness. Although I had to extend the baking time, the final result was absolutely delightful!
Lisa Hall
08/03/2022 05:44:19 PM
I decided to take the advice of par-baking the dough and also added mustard powder to the eggs. The result? My family absolutely loved it! Just a heads up, it did take a bit longer to bake, but the end result was definitely worth the extra time!
Joseph Moore
11/18/2022 05:19:43 AM
I recommend using regular crescent rolls instead of the butter-flavored ones for this breakfast casserole. The butter flavor can be too rich. I also tried adding shredded cheddar on top, but it ended up being too much. Other than that, it was a fantastic breakfast dish!
Anthony Garcia
11/30/2023 03:03:45 PM
This dish was absolutely delicious! My teenage son added maple syrup to his portion and he absolutely loved it. He thought it was gourmet-level food! I'm curious if using maple sausage would have the same effect. Either way, we will definitely be making this again. It's a perfect meal option for either breakfast or dinner, especially after a tiring day.