Let me tell you about my love for the Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole—it's a dish that's got roots in good old European cooking and has made its way into our kitchens like a trusty friend. Simple to whip up and packed with flavors, this casserole takes that classic mix of sausage, cream cheese, and crescent rolls and turns it into something truly satisfying. What I appreciate most is how adaptable it is; you can tailor it to fit your tastes or whatever you have in your pantry! If you're juggling a busy schedule, this dish is a lifesaver. Let's dive in and get cooking!
Ingredients
To create a delicious Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole, you'll need a selection of savory ingredients that blend seamlessly to produce a mouthwatering dish. The base of the casserole features refrigerated crescent roll dough, which provides a light and flaky crust that holds all the filling together. Typically, two cans of this dough are sufficient for both the bottom and top layers of the casserole. The heart of the filling is made from one pound of sausage – options like breakfast sausage or Italian sausage work well, depending on your preferred flavor profile. This protein component is cooked and crumbled, then combined with 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, creating a creamy and rich mixture.
To enhance the casserole's taste and texture, shredded cheeses are added: about one cup of cheddar and half a cup of mozzarella. These cheeses melt beautifully into the filling, creating a gooey, cheesy delight that complements the savory sausage. Eggs, typically six to eight, are beaten and poured over the sausage and cream cheese mixture, serving as a binding agent that holds the ingredients together and provides a fluffy consistency once baked. All these elements together come together for a satisfying, hearty breakfast or brunch dish that's easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd. This dish, much like the BLT Pasta Salad, offers a creative twist on classic flavors.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sausage (breakfast or Italian) | 1 pound |
| Cream cheese | 8 ounces |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Eggs | 6 to 8 |
| Crescent roll dough | 2 cans |
Recipe
This Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole is a hearty and delicious dish that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick dinner. It's a simple recipe that delivers a rich and savory flavor profile, combining the creaminess of cheese with the spicy kick of sausage.
The flaky crescent roll dough adds a delightful contrast in texture, making this casserole a crowd-pleaser.
To begin, you'll want to gather your ingredients: a pound of sausage, an 8-ounce package of cream cheese, and a tube of crescent roll dough. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it with cooking spray or butter.
Cooking the sausage is your first task; place it in a skillet over medium heat and stir until it's browned and crumbly. Once cooked, drain any excess grease and combine the sausage with the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl.
For the cooking instructions, unroll the crescent roll dough and gently press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, confirming it covers the entire surface. If you're making individual servings, separate the dough into triangles.
Next, spread the sausage and cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough layer. If you're creating a layered casserole, consider adding another layer of crescent roll dough on top.
Transfer the dish to your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes if using the single large bake method, or adjust the time to 12-15 minutes for individual crescent servings. You'll know it's ready when the dough turns a beautiful golden brown.
A few extra tips: if you're short on time, you can prepare the sausage and cream cheese mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld together even more.
Don't hesitate to get creative with additional ingredients—chopped onions or bell peppers can add an extra layer of flavor.
Finally, confirm that the dough is spread evenly to avoid any spots that may bake unevenly. Enjoy this delicious, comforting casserole hot out of the oven or store leftovers in the fridge for up to two days.
Cooking Tips
You'll often find that small adjustments can make a big difference when cooking your Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole. First, let's talk heat: preheat your oven to 350°F or 375°F—you know your recipe best. A preheated oven guarantees the top crescent roll dough becomes that perfect shade of golden brown. Before baking, I always cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it's nicely browned and crumbly. Then, drain the excess grease for a lighter dish.
Now, the cream cheese. Let it soften to room temperature so it blends smoothly with the sausage mixture. This simple step assures a more uniform filling. When assembling in your 9×13-inch baking dish, don't forget the nonstick cooking spray, securing easy serving and less sticking.
| Ingredients | Preparation Tips |
|---|---|
| Sausage | Brown over medium-high heat |
| Cream Cheese | Soften to room temperature |
| Crescent Roll Dough | Bake until golden brown |
Adding a dash of garlic powder can elevate the flavors, creating an irresistible aroma. Finally, bake for 20-35 minutes, letting your filling heat through. These pointers will surely make a scrumptious casserole every time
History
When I think about the history of sausage cream cheese casserole, I picture the comforting breakfast spreads of American family gatherings. This dish is a staple at holidays and family reunions, where its warm, fulfilling nature resembles a hug in food form.
It's part of the fabric of traditional American breakfasts, offering a delightful mix of flavors and textures that resonate with our desire for comfort food.
The fascination with sausage and cream cheese mixtures actually draws some influence from European cuisine, especially German and Italian dishes. Yet, it wasn't until the pre-packaged crescent rolls hit the market in the mid-20th century that the concept of a crescent roll breakfast casserole truly blossomed.
Imagine the ease of those buttery layers simplifying prep time—a modern twist on a beloved classic!
American households quickly embraced this dish due to its simple preparation and adaptability. Across the U.S., various regions began adding unique touches, creating a tapestry of variations that showcased local ingredients and innovative twists.
As a result, the sausage cream cheese casserole became a treasured centerpiece at many family gatherings, relying on its rich, creamy goodness to bring people together joyfully.
Conclusion
And there you have it—the Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole, a truly comforting dish that's as uncomplicated to whip up as it is delightful to devour. If there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's that sometimes the best meals are the ones that don't require a fancy cookbook. It's all about throwing together some good ingredients and letting them mingle in a warm oven. Whether you enjoy it straight from the oven or find yourself pleasantly surprised by the leftover flavors the next day, this casserole has a knack for satisfying those hunger pangs. So, why not give it a shot? It might just end up being the recipe you return to time and again when you need something hearty. Happy cooking!