Breakfast

Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole

This Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole is a delightful and easy breakfast dish, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a make-ahead meal. Flaky crescent rolls are stuffed with cream cheese, then baked in a savory mixture of eggs, ham, shredded cheese, and jalapeño. The result is a creamy, cheesy, and hearty casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • 2 (8 oz) cans crescent rolls
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (e.g., Colby Jack and Cheddar)
  • 6-8 oz thick-cut ham, cubed (½ cm pieces)
  • 1-2 whole jalapeños, deseeded and finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons freeze-dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • Butter for greasing the pan

Directions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter.
  2. Prepare Crescent Rolls: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it along the perforated lines. Spread a dollop of cream cheese on each triangle, then roll each one up.
  3. Arrange Rolls: Place the rolled crescent rolls in the casserole dish, forming two columns with about ½-inch space between each roll.
  4. Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Stir in shredded cheese, ham, jalapeños, parsley, pepper, and salt.
  5. Assemble Casserole: Pour the egg mixture over the crescent rolls, ensuring even distribution. Use your hands or a fork to spread the chunky ingredients evenly throughout, including to the edges.
  6. Bake: Place the casserole on the middle oven rack and bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the entire casserole is puffy and golden brown. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover it with foil.
  7. Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

  • Calories: 217 kcal
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fat: 13 g
    • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Sodium: 390 mg
  • Sugar: 3 g

This Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole is a delicious and versatile dish, perfect for holidays, brunches, or weekday meal prep. Enjoy its creamy, savory flavors with every bite!

The Appeal of a Breakfast Casserole

Breakfast casseroles are beloved for their convenience and versatility. They allow you to combine classic breakfast staples—eggs, cheese, and meats—into a single dish that can be prepared ahead of time and baked fresh when needed.

This Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole takes the concept a step further by incorporating crescent rolls, which add a delightful texture and buttery flavor to the dish. The crescent rolls absorb some of the egg mixture while baking, becoming soft and custardy on the inside, yet remaining crisp and flaky on the outside. This textural contrast elevates the dish, making it more than just your average breakfast casserole.

Key Components and Their Roles

  • Crescent Rolls: These act as the foundation of the dish, providing a flaky, buttery base that soaks up the egg mixture while maintaining a light, airy texture. The rolls also contribute to the casserole’s visual appeal, forming golden, puffed layers.
  • Cream Cheese: A dollop of cream cheese inside each crescent roll adds a creamy, tangy richness that complements the savory ingredients. It also creates pockets of soft, gooey texture throughout the casserole.
  • Egg Mixture: The eggs, combined with milk, create a custard-like base that binds the other ingredients together. They provide structure to the dish while keeping it moist and fluffy.
  • Ham: Thick-cut, cubed ham brings a salty, smoky flavor that enhances the casserole’s overall savory profile. It also adds a satisfying meaty texture.
  • Cheese: A blend of shredded cheeses such as Colby Jack and Cheddar ensures every bite is gooey and flavorful. The cheese also contributes to the casserole’s golden, bubbly top.
  • Jalapeños: Deseeded and finely chopped, the jalapeños add a subtle kick of heat that balances the richness of the other ingredients. They also provide a fresh, peppery flavor.
  • Herbs and Seasonings: Freeze-dried parsley, black pepper, and sea salt add depth and complexity, ensuring the flavors are well-rounded.

Why It’s Perfect for Any Occasion

This Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of occasions:

  • Holiday Breakfasts: Its festive appearance and hearty flavors make it a standout dish for Christmas or Easter mornings.
  • Weekend Brunches: The casserole’s combination of protein, carbs, and cheese makes it a crowd-pleasing centerpiece for brunch gatherings.
  • Meal Prep: As a make-ahead dish, it’s perfect for busy weekdays. Simply bake it, portion it into individual servings, and store it in the fridge or freezer for quick reheating.

With its universal appeal and ease of preparation, this casserole is a reliable choice no matter the occasion.

Tips for Perfecting the Casserole

  1. Grease the Pan Thoroughly: Butter the casserole dish generously to prevent sticking and ensure the crescent rolls come out cleanly.
  2. Evenly Spread Ingredients: Distribute the ham, cheese, and jalapeños evenly in the egg mixture before pouring it over the crescent rolls. This ensures every slice has a balanced mix of flavors.
  3. Don’t Overfill the Rolls: Use just enough cream cheese to avoid leakage during baking while still ensuring a creamy center.
  4. Monitor Baking Time: Check the casserole around the 30-minute mark. If the top browns too quickly, cover it with foil to prevent burning.
  5. Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to cool for 5–10 minutes after baking. This makes slicing easier and allows the flavors to settle.

Customizing the Recipe

This casserole can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences:

  • Vegetarian Option: Replace the ham with sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
  • Spicier Version: Leave the jalapeño seeds intact or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
  • Different Meats: Swap the ham for cooked sausage, crumbled bacon, or turkey for variety.
  • Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses, such as Swiss, Gruyère, or pepper jack, to change the flavor profile.
  • Herbaceous Touch: Add fresh herbs like chives, thyme, or basil for an aromatic boost.

These customizations make it easy to tailor the dish to your family’s preferences or the ingredients you have on hand.

Pairing Suggestions

To create a well-rounded breakfast or brunch spread, pair this Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole with complementary dishes:

  • Fresh Fruit: A fruit salad or fresh berries provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
  • Green Salad: A light, leafy green salad with a citrus vinaigrette balances the savory flavors of the dish.
  • Beverages: Pair with coffee, orange juice, or a mimosa for a complete brunch experience.

These pairings enhance the meal while keeping it balanced and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole stands out for its ease of preparation, bold flavors, and versatility. Its combination of flaky crescent rolls, creamy filling, and savory toppings creates a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding to make.

The casserole’s ability to be prepped in advance and baked fresh when needed adds to its convenience, making it an excellent choice for both busy mornings and leisurely brunches. Its universal appeal ensures it will be a hit with kids, adults, and guests alike.

Conclusion

The Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole is a delicious, comforting dish that combines the best elements of breakfast into one easy-to-make recipe. With its flaky crescent rolls, creamy cream cheese filling, savory ham, and a touch of spice from the jalapeños, this casserole delivers on both flavor and texture. Its versatility makes it suitable for any occasion, from holiday celebrations to everyday breakfasts.

Quick to prepare, customizable, and sure to please a crowd, this casserole is a recipe you’ll return to time and again. Serve it warm, watch the smiles around your table, and enjoy the satisfaction of sharing a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

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