From the Southern Soul Community
“I prepared it on Christmas Eve and baked it on Christmas morning.”
— Liz, reader review
Liz shared that her family enjoyed seconds and thirds. I love hearing that this recipe made Christmas morning a little easier!
Tomorrow Morning Just Got Easier
I’ve made this breakfast casserole for years, and it still earns its place on the table. The crescent rolls make a tender, buttery base, and the sausage, eggs, and cheese turn it into a satisfying meal without much fuss. I love that I can get the prep done before everyone gathers.
It’s just as welcome at a relaxed weekend breakfast as it is on Christmas morning.
Donya’s Tips & Things To Know
- Drain the sausage well. Excess grease can make the crescent roll crust soggy.
- Seal the dough seams. Press the crescent rolls together to make an even base for the filling.
- Check the center. The eggs should be fully set, not loose or wet. For an egg casserole, 160°F in the center is a useful food-safety check.
- Give it a few minutes. A short rest before cutting helps the slices hold together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, salt, and pepper bring out the savory flavor of the sausage and eggs.
- Breakfast sausage: Gives the casserole its hearty, savory flavor. Cook and drain it before assembling.
- Crescent rolls: Make an easy, buttery crust without having to prepare dough from scratch.
- Eggs: Bake into a tender filling that holds the layers together.
- Cheddar cheese: Adds a rich, melty layer that goes so well with breakfast sausage.
- Milk: Blends with the eggs for a softer, tender texture.
A Little Twist On Breakfast
One of the things I love about this casserole is how easy it is to change things up. Once you’ve got the sausage, eggs, and crescent roll crust, there are plenty of ways to make it your own.
- Add some veggies: Sautéed bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach are delicious additions. Cook off any excess moisture before adding them.
- Switch up the cheese: Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or smoked Gouda for a different flavor.
- Make it spicy: Use hot breakfast sausage, pepper jack cheese, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Try a different sausage: Turkey or chicken breakfast sausage works, too. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before assembling.
Donya’s Tip: Don’t overload the casserole with extras. A little goes a long way, and you want those eggs to set properly and the crescent roll crust to bake through.
How To Make Egg & Sausage Breakfast Casserole
The steps are simple, and the recipe card below has all the measurements and baking details.
- Cook the sausage. Brown the breakfast sausage in a skillet and drain off the excess grease.
- Make the crust. Press the crescent roll dough into the prepared baking dish, pinching the seams together.
- Add the filling. Layer the sausage and cheese over the crust, then pour the seasoned egg mixture over the top.
- Bake and serve. Bake until the eggs are set in the center, and the top is golden. Let the casserole rest briefly before slicing.
Can You Make This Breakfast Casserole Ahead?
Prep ahead: Cook and drain the sausage in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble. You can also measure the seasonings and shred the cheese ahead of time.
Assemble the night before: Readers have had success making the whole casserole ahead for Christmas morning. Cover it and refrigerate promptly, then bake until the eggs are fully set. Just know the crescent roll crust may be softer than when assembled right before baking.
Freeze after baking: Cool the casserole promptly, wrap individual portions well, and freeze for up to 2 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat until hot throughout.
More Breakfast Recipes To Try
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 1 tube crescent rolls
- 12 eggs – whisked
- 1 cup cheddar cheese – shredded
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400 degrees.
- Crumble sausage in a medium skillet and cook until done. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels.
- Lightly coat a 9 X 13 pan with cooking spray. Unroll crescent rolls and pinch together seams to make one large pastry.
- Sprinkle sausage over crescent rolls. Top with shredded cheese.
- Whisk eggs in a medium size bowl. Add milk, garlic power, salt and pepper and mix until blended.
- Pour eggs over sausage and cheese. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until edges are brown and eggs are set.
- Remove from oven, cut into squares and serve.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Refrigerate leftovers promptly in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. Warm individual slices in the microwave or reheat covered in the oven until hot throughout. The crescent roll crust may be softer after storing, but the casserole makes an easy breakfast the next day.
What To Serve With Breakfast Casserole
This casserole is hearty enough to be the main event, so I keep the rest of breakfast simple. A bowl of Fresh Fruit Salad adds something light and colorful. For a bigger brunch, set out Cheese Grits Casserole, too. If you’re planning another breakfast for overnight guests, try my Ham & Cheese Croissant Breakfast Casserole or Pimento Cheese Sausage Quiche.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Breakfast Casserole
Absolutely! Diced bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms can be sautéed with the sausage for added flavor and nutrition.
Pepper Jack, Swiss, Gouda, or Monterey Jack are all delicious alternatives that bring unique flavors to the dish.
Not with crescent rolls. To make it gluten-free, substitute a gluten-free bread or dough for the base.
Let me know if you make this recipe! Rate it below, leave a comment, or snap a picture. Just tag me on Instagram at #asouthernsoul
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This is on top of my list for my breakfast recipes to try. It sounds delicious and, as you said, warm and comforting. I like the idea of prepping the night before baking.
If I am using a glass casserole dish, should I allow it to come to room temperature before putting into the preheated oven? I have heard stories of cold glass casserole dishes cracking and shattering in the oven due to thermal shock.
Thank you for sharing all the wonderful recipes that you post.
Thank you so much — I’m really glad this recipe caught your eye! You’re absolutely right to be cautious about using a glass casserole dish straight from the fridge to a hot oven. That can definitely cause thermal shock, which could crack or shatter the dish (and that’s no way to start a cozy breakfast).
I recommend taking the dish out of the fridge and letting it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before baking. That gives it time to warm up gently and reduces the risk of cracking.
I hope you love the recipe when you try it — especially with the make-ahead prep. It’s one of those dishes that makes your kitchen smell amazing and your morning a little easier.
~Donya
Love it!!! Great prep for breakfast for the week.
Thank you so much, Dara!
~Donya
I love this recipe. Can we cut in half and make in a smaller dish like 8×8? Any ideas?
Sure. Or you can make the whole casserole then freeze half.
~Donya
Hi Donya!
I made this for Christmas Morning Brunch & everyone loved it!! I did saute onions, & green, red, orange peppers whatever I had on hand & the flavor was great! I did have to let it cook longer than the 18-20 minutes for the eggs to set. I don’t know if it was because of the onions & peppers or my oven etc but it turned out great thanks so much & Happy New Year!! 😀❤️
Thanks so much and happy new year to you.
~Donya
You’re welcome!! It was so good my son is already asking for it again before he goes back to college!! 😀
AMAZING RECIPE!!!
Good afternoon Donya,
This recipe was my family’s Christmas Morning Brunch..Thanks to YOU and it was DELICIOUS!!! I prepared it on Christmas Eve and baked it on Christmas morning..I followed the recipe and the only addition that I made was sauté onions which I incorporated with the sausage. It was absolutely PERFECT, everyone had seconds and thirds. Thank you for a wonderful recipe which will be a favorite from now on!!
Thank you so much for your kind words and the great rating!
Have a wonderful new year,
~Donya
Just wondering if anyone added potatoes to the mix?
Hey Davena.
I’ve not added potatoes but that’s a great idea. Let me know if you make the casserole with them.
Thank you for the great rating!
Have a wonderful day,
~Donya
I made this for breakfast and it is delicious. I added red and green bell peppers and onion and it sent this to a whole new level. This recipe is a definite keeper…
You didn’t include the milk in your directions??
Thanks! Recipe update.
Have a great day.
~Donya