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Delicious Breakfast Casserole Recipe: A Hearty, Flavor-Packed Start to Your Day
There’s no better way to kick off your morning than with a hearty and delicious Breakfast Casserole that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, preparing a family breakfast, or just want to meal prep for the week, this casserole is the perfect solution. With a savory blend of sausage, cheese, and eggs, all nestled on a flaky layer of crescent roll dough, this dish is sure to become a breakfast favorite.
This recipe is not only easy to make, but it’s also high in protein, satisfying, and customizable to suit various dietary preferences. Plus, it’s perfect for those busy mornings when you need to fuel up quickly without compromising on flavor.
Why This Breakfast Casserole is a Must-Try
- Quick and Easy to Make: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this casserole in the oven and cooking while you take care of other morning tasks.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding a small family or hosting a brunch gathering, this casserole is sure to impress. The combination of savory sausage, cheese, and eggs appeals to a wide range of tastes.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables, swap out the sausage for turkey sausage or a vegetarian option, and choose the cheese that suits your taste. This casserole can easily be adjusted to fit different dietary preferences.
- Great for Meal Prep: This casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare it the night before, bake it in the morning, or store leftovers for a quick breakfast all week.
Breakfast Casserole Recipe (Serves 8)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (you can use pork, turkey, or a plant-based sausage for a leaner or vegetarian option)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of your choice)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 can crescent roll dough (use low-fat or gluten-free dough if preferred)
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream (or substitute with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little bit of olive oil to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough
Open the can of crescent roll dough and unroll the dough. Gently press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, making sure to cover the entire base. Pinch any seams together to form a solid layer of dough.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat. Break it up into small crumbles with a spatula as it cooks. Continue cooking until the sausage is fully browned and cooked through. Once done, drain any excess grease from the sausage, and then spread the cooked sausage evenly over the crescent roll dough in the baking dish.
Step 4: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy whipping cream, salt, and pepper until smooth. You can adjust the seasoning to your preference, adding more salt or pepper if needed. Pour this egg mixture over the sausage and dough in the baking dish.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the egg mixture. Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheese blends, or use a reduced-fat cheese to make the casserole lighter.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown and bubbly. You can check the center by inserting a knife—if it comes out clean, the casserole is done.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before slicing into 8 even pieces. Serve hot, and enjoy your delicious and hearty breakfast.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 640 kcal
- Total Fat: 47g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Cholesterol: 252mg
- Sodium: 989mg
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 26g
Weight Watchers Points Breakdown
For those following the Weight Watchers program, this Breakfast Casserole is approximately 10 SmartPoints per serving on the Blue, Green, and Purple Plans. The points may vary depending on the exact ingredients used, particularly the sausage and cheese. Here’s how you can adjust the recipe to suit your goals:
Why This Breakfast Casserole is a Great Choice for You
- High in Protein
This casserole offers a substantial amount of protein (26g per serving) from the eggs, sausage, and cheese. Protein helps keep you full longer, making this dish a great way to start your day, especially if you’re trying to control hunger throughout the morning. - Customizable for Dietary Preferences
This casserole can easily be adjusted for various dietary needs. Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle, prefer turkey sausage, or need a gluten-free version, this recipe is adaptable to your preferences. You can swap ingredients like using a dairy-free cream substitute, or add spinach or bell peppers for extra veggies. - Perfect for Meal Prep
The casserole keeps well for up to 4 days in the fridge and can be reheated in the microwave. This makes it an excellent choice for meal prepping your breakfasts in advance. You can even double the recipe and freeze half for later! - Satisfying Yet Balanced
The combination of cheese, sausage, and eggs creates a satisfying dish that keeps you energized and full. The addition of crescent roll dough provides a flaky texture, which adds a comforting element to the casserole without it being overly heavy.
Customizing Your Breakfast Casserole
This recipe is extremely versatile and can be tailored to suit your preferences and dietary needs:
- Vegetable Add-ins: Want to sneak more veggies into your breakfast? Add spinach, bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the casserole for an added nutrient boost. Simply sauté them with the sausage or mix them directly into the egg mixture.
- Lower-Carb Option: If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, swap out the crescent roll dough for a low-carb tortilla or cauliflower rice as the base. You can also use almond flour for a low-carb crust.
- Make it Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño or sprinkle some hot sauce into the egg mixture for a kick of heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the sausage with vegetarian sausage or simply load up on vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a meatless version of this casserole.
Tips for the Best Breakfast Casserole
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your eggs and cream to come to room temperature before mixing them. This helps them combine better and results in a creamier texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Sausage: While browning the sausage, avoid overcooking it. It should be cooked through, but not dry or crispy. Overcooking can cause the sausage to lose its flavor.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to sit for 5 minutes after baking. This gives it time to set, making it easier to cut into perfect squares.
- Freeze for Later: This casserole is freezer-friendly! After baking, let it cool, slice