I remember those mornings, wanting something warm and savory to kickstart the day, but staring blankly at the fridge. Cereal felt… uninspired, and a full breakfast felt like a marathon before the day even began. That’s precisely why these Breakfast Sausage Crescent Rolls became such a game-changer in my kitchen. They’re that perfect sweet spot between a hearty breakfast and something you can actually whip up without a culinary degree or an hour to spare.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
There’s a reason these breakfast sausage crescent rolls vanish faster than you can say “good morning.” First off, they nail that irresistible combination of flaky, buttery crescent roll dough with a savory, perfectly seasoned sausage filling. It’s comfort food wrapped in comfort food!
This dish truly shines for its incredible ease. Seriously, if you can open a can of crescent rolls and scramble some sausage, you’re basically a gourmet chef in the making with this recipe. It’s perfect for those bustling weekday mornings when you want something more substantial than toast but don’t have endless time. Even better, they’re a massive hit for weekend brunches, potlucks, or when you have guests. Guests always comment on how impressive they look, but little do they know the secret is just six simple steps! It’s also incredibly budget-friendly, using readily available ingredients you probably already have or can easily grab at any grocery store.
> “I always thought making something like this would be complicated, but these breakfast sausage crescent rolls are ridiculously easy and SO delicious. My family devours them every time!” – A Happy Home Cook
Preparing Breakfast Sausage Crescent Rolls
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward approach. You’ll begin by cooking up your breakfast sausage until it’s nicely browned and crumbled. While that cools slightly, you’ll unroll your crescent dough, arranging it into triangles. A scoop of the sausage goes onto the wide end of each triangle, then you simply roll them up, tucking in the ends to create those classic crescent shapes. A quick brush with an egg wash gives them that beautiful golden sheen, and into the oven they go until puffed and perfect.
What You’ll Need
To whip up these delightful breakfast treats, gather these items:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (e.g., Jimmy Dean, spicy or regular)
- 2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Optional: 1 tbsp milk or water (to thin egg wash)
Directions to Follow
Here’s how to bring these delicious crescent rolls to life:
- Preheat Oven & Prep Sausage: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease thoroughly. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Unroll Crescent Dough: While the sausage cools, open your cans of refrigerated crescent roll dough. Unroll the dough onto a clean surface or a lightly floured cutting board. Separate the dough into 8 triangles per can, for a total of 16 triangles.
- Fill the Dough: Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the cooked sausage onto the wide end of each crescent roll triangle. Don’t overfill, or they’ll be hard to roll!
- Roll Them Up: Starting from the wide end, carefully roll each crescent triangle up towards the pointed end, forming the classic crescent shape. Gently tuck or crimp the edges to seal in the sausage.
- Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk the beaten egg with 1 tablespoon of milk or water (if using). Place the rolled crescent rolls onto an ungreased baking sheet. Brush the tops of each roll generously with the egg wash. This will give them a lovely golden-brown finish.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and puffed up. Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Breakfast Sausage Crescent Rolls
These crescent rolls are fantastic straight out of the oven! Their flaky, buttery crust and savory sausage interior make them a complete breakfast treat on their own. However, if you want to elevate the experience, consider serving them alongside a simple fruit salad for a bit of freshness, or a dollop of your favorite hot sauce or spicy ketchup for an extra kick. They also pair wonderfully with a side of scrambled eggs or a simple green salad for a lighter lunch option. For brunch, present them on a nice platter, perhaps with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Should you miraculously have any of these left, they store quite well! Allow the baked breakfast sausage crescent rolls to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, you have a few options:
- Oven: The best method for retaining flakiness. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the crescent rolls on a baking sheet and heat for 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Quick, but the dough might become a bit softer. Heat for 30-60 seconds, or until warm.
I don’t recommend freezing these as the texture of the crescent dough can become a bit soggy upon thawing and reheating.
Pro Chef Tips
- Drain Grease Thoroughly: After cooking the sausage, really make sure to drain off all the excess grease. This prevents the crescent rolls from becoming greasy and ensures a better texture. You can even blot the sausage with a paper towel.
- Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to pack in as much sausage as possible, but overfilling will make it difficult to roll the dough and can cause the filling to spill out during baking. Stick to the suggested 1-2 tablespoons.
- Cool the Sausage (Slightly): Placing very hot sausage directly onto the cold crescent dough can make the dough tough to work with and potentially overcook it too quickly. Let the sausage cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Experiment with Seasoning: If your breakfast sausage isn’t heavily seasoned, feel free to add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of black pepper to the cooked sausage for an extra layer of flavor.
Creative Twists
Want to put your own spin on these delightful breakfast bites? Here are a few ideas:
- Cheesy Goodness: Before rolling, sprinkle a tablespoon of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a sharp provolone over the sausage for gooey, cheesy crescent rolls.
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, use spicy breakfast sausage or mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce with the cooked sausage before filling.
- Veggie Boost: Sauté some finely diced bell peppers, onions, or even a handful of chopped spinach with your sausage for added flavor and nutrients. Just make sure to cook out any excess moisture from the veggies.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: Instead of or in addition to the egg wash, sprinkle “Everything Bagel” seasoning on top of the rolls before baking for an extra savory crunch.
- Sweet & Savory: Drizzle a tiny bit of maple syrup over the sausage before rolling for a classic sweet and savory breakfast combination.
FAQ
Can I use homemade crescent roll dough?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade crescent roll recipe, feel free to use it. Just ensure the dough is rolled out into triangles of a similar size to the canned variety.
How can I make these ahead of time for a party?
You can prepare the sausage mixture the day before and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply unroll the crescent dough, fill, roll, egg wash, and bake. This significantly cuts down on morning prep time. You could also assemble them completely, brush with egg wash, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
While breakfast sausage gives the classic flavor, you could experiment with Italian sausage (mild or hot, casing removed and crumbled) or even a plant-based sausage alternative for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to cook and crumble it thoroughly before filling.
Classic Breakfast Sausage Crescent Rolls
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Large Skillet
- Spoon
- Plate
- Paper Towels
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 package (8 count) Pillsbury Refrigerated Crescent Rolls, Original
- 1 lb breakfast sausage pork, turkey, or plant-based
Optional Add-ins
- shredded cheddar cheese
- dried chives
- hot sauce
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart until fully cooked and no pink remains.
- Drain excess grease, then transfer cooked sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to cool.
Assembly and Baking
- Unroll crescent roll dough and separate into 8 triangles.
- Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of sausage onto the wider end of each triangle, adding cheese if desired.
- Roll each crescent triangle from the wide end towards the pointed end.
- Arrange rolled crescent rolls on the baking sheet, leaving space between them.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Serving
- Remove from oven and let cool for a minute or two before serving.