If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing breakfast that feels like a warm hug, look no further than Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole. This irresistible comfort food is the stuff of busy mornings, family brunches, and weekend gatherings—a gooey, savory bake that blends the creaminess of cheese, the hearty flavor of sausage, and the tangy lift of crescent rolls into a simple, unforgettable dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole is that it uses staples you probably already have, but each ingredient adds a special flair—think fluffy pastry, creamy cheese, and that satisfying, spiced sausage bite.
- Breakfast sausage: Go for your favorite variety—classic, hot, or mild; it’s the savoriness at the heart of the casserole.
- Cream cheese (softened): It creates that rich, melt-in-your-mouth filling, so be sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: These sheets bake up golden and buttery, making the perfect top and bottom crust.
- Garlic powder: Just a hint brings depth to every bite—don’t skip it!
- Onion powder: Gives subtle sweetness and enhances the sausage flavor beautifully.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild kick and balances the creaminess.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Sprinkle this on top for an extra cheesy, golden finish that makes the casserole even more indulgent.
How to Make Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F and grab a trusty 9×13-inch baking dish. Give it a light greasing so your casserole comes out clean (and nothing sticks). Then, unroll one can of crescent roll dough and gently press it into the bottom of the dish, pinching the seams together to form a flawless, pastry foundation.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Set a large skillet over medium heat and add the sausage. Break it up with a spatula as it sizzles—once it’s no longer pink and starts browning at the edges, you know you’re on the right track. Spoon off any excess grease for a less oily finished dish.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
Add the softened cream cheese to the cooked sausage in the skillet. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together, letting the cream cheese melt and mingle with the spices and sausage. You’re looking for a smooth, creamy, well-blended mixture.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Take your sausage cream cheese mixture and spread it evenly over the crescent dough in your baking dish. If you’re feeling cheesy, now’s the time to sprinkle on the shredded cheddar. Top everything with the second can of crescent dough, pressing the edges slightly to seal in all that goodness.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Slide the whole thing into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is a beautiful golden brown. Let your Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole cool for about 5 minutes before slicing—this helps it set perfectly for slicing, and nobody minds a minute of extra anticipation!
How to Serve Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole
Garnishes
This casserole shines with a little finishing touch. A sprinkle of chopped fresh chives or green onions over the top adds freshness and color, while a dash of extra black pepper gives it a visually appealing, pepper-flecked finish.
Side Dishes
The richness of Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole pairs beautifully with lighter sides. A simple fruit salad, crisp mixed greens, or roasted tomatoes all make for delightful complements without overpowering the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your casserole into generous squares for brunch platters, or slice them into triangles for grab-and-go breakfast snacks. If you’re entertaining, serve small bites on appetizer plates with toothpicks—it’s perfect for a breakfast buffet or potluck party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover casserole slices in a tightly sealed container and store in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and satisfying for up to 3 days—making breakfast a breeze even on the busiest mornings.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole! Allow it to cool completely, then wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for best flavor and texture.
Reheating
To enjoy again, simply reheat a slice in the microwave for 30–60 seconds, or warm a few pieces in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes—just until heated through and the crescent dough crisps up a bit.
FAQs
Can I make Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole the night before?
Absolutely! Assemble the entire casserole but don’t bake it. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh in the morning.
What’s the best way to get the crescent dough to seal?
Pinch the seams of the dough together tightly and gently press the top layer around the edges. If you have gaps, just use your fingers to smooth out and connect the dough for a seamless topping.
Can I use other types of sausage?
Definitely! Swap in turkey, chicken, or even spicy chorizo for different flavor profiles—you can keep things classic or switch it up based on your cravings.
Is this casserole good for potlucks or feeding a crowd?
Yes, it’s one of the best potluck or brunch items around! It travels well, reheats beautifully, and you can double the recipe if you’re serving a big group.
How do I add more vegetables?
You can sauté diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms with the sausage before adding the cream cheese for a veggie boost. Just be sure to cook off any excess moisture to keep the casserole from getting soggy.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole is a comfort food hero that’s as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. Every bite is creamy, savory bliss—so why not treat yourself and those you love? Give this recipe a try and watch it become a cherished part of your breakfast (and brunch!) tradition.
Print
Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting and flavorful Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole that combines savory breakfast sausage, creamy cheese, and flaky crescent roll dough for a satisfying meal any time of day.
Ingredients
Breakfast Sausage:
1 pound breakfast sausage,
Cream Cheese Mixture:
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese (softened), 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper,
Crescent Roll Layers:
2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough,
Optional Topping:
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet, cook and crumble the sausage until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Mix Cream Cheese: Add cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir until combined.
- Layer Ingredients: Press one can of crescent dough into the dish. Spread sausage mixture, top with cheddar, then layer the second crescent dough can.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden. Cool, slice, and serve.
Notes
- This casserole is great for preparing ahead and refrigerating overnight.
- For a spicier kick, use hot sausage or add jalapeños.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
