This easy crescent roll breakfast casserole is packed with peppers, onions, taco seasoning, and cheese, and uses store-bought refrigerated crescent roll dough to keep things quick and simple. Ready from start to finish in 45 minutes!
Breakfast casseroles are a lifesaver for busy mornings, and this version of the crescent roll is one of my favorites. It’s packed with Tex-Mex flavors — think peppers, onions, taco seasoning, and lots of cheese — making it hearty, delicious, and easy to throw together. Here’s what makes it great:
- No confusion: Cook the sausage and vegetables, mix the eggs and put in the oven. Done.
- Customizable: Replace the sausage with bacon or ham, or go vegetarian with extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms.
- Suitable for preparing meals: Large freezer-friendly portions and great for sharing at potlucks.
It’s simple, tasty and perfect for simplifying your morning.
Necessary ingredients
This is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why. For the full recipe, scroll to the end of the post.
- Crescent rolls: Your favorite brand of refrigerated crescent rolls makes the perfect crust for this breakfast casserole. They are ready to use and have a slightly sweet flavor and a soft texture, perfect for supporting the casserole filling.
- Vegetables: I used a mix of poblanos, jalapeños and white onion to give the casserole a Mexican flavor profile. You can add other favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level by substituting bell peppers or serrano peppers to suit your preference.
- Breakfast sausage: A must for this casserole. I kept things gentle by using regular or mild-flavored breakfast sausages, but you can also use hot or even sage. Pork, beef, or your favorite crumbled sausage works for your favorite plant-based breakfast.
- Egg: You will need 6 large eggs.
- Milk: It adds a little creaminess to the egg mixture. I used low-fat milk, but you can also use whole milk to obtain a creamier consistency.
- Taco seasoning: This seasoning blend keeps things convenient and simple. You can use your favorite store-bought confection or my homemade taco seasoning recipe.
- Grated cheese: This is layered throughout the casserole to give cheese in every bite. I used shredded Mexican cheese, but you can use Monterey Jack, cheddar, mozzarella, or whatever combination you have.
- Seasonings: I like to garnish mine with cilantro, red onion, and a drizzle of sour cream.
How to Make a Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole
- Cook the poblano, jalapeño and onion in a skillet for 5 to 7 minutes until soft and tender, then add the breakfast sausage and cook for another 10 minutes until fully cooked.
- Unroll the crescent rolls and press them into the bottom of a large 9×13-inch baking dish. Pinch the seams together to seal and create a layer of dough. Precook it for 5 minutes at 375ºF.
- Whisk together the eggs, milk, shredded cheese and taco seasoning. Add the sausage mixture on top of the pre-cooked dough, then top with the beaten egg mixture and top with more cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the center of the casserole is set and golden.
Tips and variations for the recipe
- Keep eggs soft. Be sure to beat the egg mixture until light and fluffy for fluffy eggs.
- Go ahead. You can easily prepare this casserole in advance. Simply assemble the casserole the night before, cover it with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge overnight, then cook as directed when you’re ready to serve.
- Swap proteins. You can use chopped ham or crispy bacon in place of breakfast sausage or spicy sausage for an even spicier twist.
- Add the vegetables. You can use almost any veggies you have on hand, such as mushrooms, peppers, black olives or spinach.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make a breakfast casserole with the crescent roll the night before and bake it in the morning?
Absolutely! Simply assemble the casserole as directed, then cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight. Cook as directed in the morning for a quick and delicious breakfast.
How do I keep crescent rolls from getting soggy in the casserole dish?
Pre-baking the crescent dough crust is key to preventing sogginess. The crescent roll dough absorbs some of the egg mixture, so it’s important to pre-bake for about 5 minutes to help the crust hold its shape and support the filling.
Can I replace the crescent rolls with other types of dough or bread?
Yes, you can use crusty bread or frozen hash browns instead of crescent rolls. If using crusty bread, be sure to dice them and spread them in an even layer. Sourdough is a great option; the crunchier and stalier it is, the more it will resist the filling.
Storage and heating
To conserve, Transfer crescent-shaped casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. You can also freeze it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
To heat, heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until steaming, or air fry at 180°C for 5-6 minutes.
Other breakfast favorites
If you have tried this Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole Recipe or any other recipe on Isabel Eats, don’t forget evaluate it and let me know how it went in the comments below! I love hearing about your experience making it.
Crescent roll breakfast casserole
This easy Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole is made with peppers, onions, taco seasoning, cheese, and refrigerated crescent roll dough!
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375ºF. Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or grease with oil. Set aside.
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the poblano, jalapeño and onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and tender.
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Add the breakfast sausage and cook for an additional 10 minutes until the sausage is fully cooked, making sure to break up the sausage with the spatula during the cooking process. Drain off any excess fat and set aside.
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Unroll the crescent rolls and press them into the bottom of the pan. Pinch the seams together to seal and create a layer of dough. Precook for 5 minutes.
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While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, milk, ½ cup shredded cheese, and taco seasoning in a large bowl.
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Add the crumbled cooked sausage on top of the pre-cooked crescent roll dough. Then add the beaten egg mixture and top with the remaining ½ cup shredded cheese.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the center of the casserole is set and golden.
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Garnish with chopped cilantro. Cut into slices and serve with a dollop of sour cream.
Notes
- Customize this recipe. Add any extra veggies like mushrooms or peppers. Swap the protein for crispy bacon or ham, or leave it out for a vegetarian option.
- Go ahead. You can easily prepare this casserole in advance. Simply assemble the casserole the night before, cover it with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge overnight, then cook as directed when you’re ready to serve.
- Storage: Transfer crescent-shaped casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Heating: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until steaming or air fry at 180°C for 5-6 minutes.
Nutritional information
Serve: 1/8th of the recipe, Calories: 398kcal (20%), Carbohydrates: 18G (6%), Protein: 17G (34%), Fat: 29G (45%), Saturated fat: 10G (50%), Polyunsaturated fats: 1G, Monounsaturated fats: 3G, Trans fats: 0G, Cholesterol: 221mg (74%), Sodium: 629mg (26%), Potassium: 185mg (5%), Fiber: 1G (4%), Sugar: 5G (6%), Vitamin A: 1150UI (23%), Vitamin C: 56.9mg (69%), Soccer: 70mg (7%), Iron: 1.8mg (10%)
This post was originally published in November 2018 and has been updated with new photos and more helpful tips.
Photography by Ashley McLaughlin.