Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It’s the meal that sets the tone for everything that follows. A hearty and delicious breakfast can give you the energy you need to kickstart your day. One of the easiest and tastiest ways to prepare a morning meal is with a breakfast casserole. Today, we will dive into a mouthwatering recipe for a Breakfast Casserole that combines crescent rolls, breakfast sausage, eggs, and cheddar cheese. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also perfect for family gatherings or brunch with friends.
Why Make This Recipe
Making a Breakfast Casserole is a great choice for several reasons. First, it is simple to make and saves time. You only need a few ingredients, and it all comes together quickly. Second, it is very filling. The combination of sausage, eggs, and cheese provides a good source of protein that keeps you satisfied until lunch. Third, it is highly versatile. You can easily change up the ingredients based on what you have on hand or what your family prefers. Whether you enjoy spicy sausage, chopped veggies, or different types of cheese, this casserole allows you to get creative. Lastly, it is perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time, and it reheats well. With so many great reasons to make it, you’ll find this Breakfast Casserole to be a go-to meal in your recipe collection.
How to Make Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
To make this delicious Breakfast Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 can of crescent rolls
- 1 pound of mild breakfast sausage
- 6 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This is an important step as it ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and thoroughly.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This will help prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish, making it easier to serve later.
Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, add the sausage. Cook the sausage, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. You want it fully browned and no longer pink. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to keep your casserole from becoming too greasy.
Assemble Your Casserole: Take the prepared baking dish and spread the crescent rolls evenly across the bottom. This acts as a nice, soft base for your casserole. Next, sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the rolled dough.
Add Eggs and Cheese: Pour the beaten eggs over the sausage, making sure to cover everything evenly. After that, top the mixture with shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure to spread it out so that every bite will be cheesy!
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown and the eggs fully set.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to cut into squares. Then, simply slice and serve warm!
How to Serve Breakfast Casserole
Serving your Breakfast Casserole is as easy as cutting it into squares. You can serve it directly from the baking dish. This makes it a perfect dish for brunch parties or family gatherings. For a complete breakfast, consider serving it with fresh fruits or a light salad. You can also add sides like crispy bacon, hash browns, or toast. If desired, offer toppings like salsa, hot sauce, or avocado slices for an extra kick. This flexibility makes the Breakfast Casserole a hit at any table.
How to Store Breakfast Casserole
Storing leftover Breakfast Casserole is very simple. Allow it to cool completely before covering it. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Store it in airtight containers to maintain its freshness. If you want to store it for a longer time, consider freezing it. Cut the casserole into squares and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can stay in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Breakfast Casserole
Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to swap out the mild sausage for spicy sausage or turkey sausage for a healthier option. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to boost the nutrition and flavor.
Use Fresh Herbs: Enhancing your casserole with fresh herbs like chives or parsley can elevate the flavors. Sprinkle them on top just before serving for a fresh taste.
Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar cheese is delicious, you can try other cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses for different flavors.
Make It Ahead of Time: To save time in the morning, prepare the casserole the night before. Simply assemble it, cover it, and place it in the refrigerator. In the morning, pop it in the oven straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Variation
You can make several delicious variations of this Breakfast Casserole. For instance, if you want a southwestern twist, add black beans, corn, and diced jalapeños. For a veggie version, skip the sausage and add different fresh or sautéed vegetables like tomatoes, zucchini, or broccoli. You can also experiment with different types of bread at the bottom, such as breadcrumbs or cubed bread instead of crescent rolls.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat in this casserole?
Yes! You can use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even omit the meat altogether for a vegetarian option. Cooked bacon or ham would also work well.
2. How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The casserole is done when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. If the knife still has egg on it, let it bake for a few more minutes.
3. Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the Breakfast Casserole. It’s best to cut it into servings, wrap them individually, and store in an airtight container. When ready to eat, just thaw in the fridge and reheat.
In conclusion, this Breakfast Casserole is a delightful and easy dish that is perfect for any breakfast or brunch occasion. Its versatility and great taste will surely win over your family and friends. Make it today, and enjoy a hearty start to your day!
Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Spray a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the sausage. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink, then drain any excess grease.
- Spread the crescent rolls evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the crescent rolls.
- Pour the beaten eggs over the sausage, covering it evenly.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the eggs are fully set.
- Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.