Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole Recipe
If you’re searching for that perfect breakfast bake that’s irresistibly creamy, savory, a little bit indulgent, and wildly easy to throw together, look no further than this Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole. Imagine layers of golden crescent dough hugging a rich, cheesy, sausage filling—just waiting to be sliced and devoured. Ideal for lazy weekends, special holiday mornings, or meal prepping for a crowd, this casserole is about to become the most-requested dish at your table. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just dipping your toes into the casserole world, you’ll love how this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this lineup earns its keep, contributing to the perfect bite—whether it’s adding richness, a flaky texture, a little zip of flavor, or the all-important cheesy pull. Here’s what you’ll need to make your Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole truly shine.
- 1 pound breakfast sausage: Choose classic pork for richness or turkey for a lighter touch—this is the savory anchor of your casserole.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: The secret to that ultra-creamy, melt-in-your-mouth filling.
- 1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent roll dough: These create buttery layers above and below the filling, easy to use and always delicious.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the filling with subtle, aromatic savory notes that elevate every bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Lends depth to the sausage mixture; don’t skip it!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Brings every flavor into balance—season as you like it.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional): For cheese lovers, this adds a gooey, golden topping and a touch more sharpness.
How to Make Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a standard 9×13-inch baking dish—this simple trick ensures nothing sticks and that final slice comes out as perfect as the first. While that oven gets nice and hot, you can let your crescent dough and cream cheese come to room temperature, which makes them much more manageable for the next steps.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble in your breakfast sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. Let it sizzle until there’s no pink left and it’s beautifully browned, which should take about 6-8 minutes. This stage is where that incredible savory aroma starts to fill your kitchen—truly the best sign breakfast is on the way. Don’t forget to drain off any excess grease once it’s done, so your Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole isn’t weighed down.
Step 3: Combine Sausage and Cream Cheese Mixture
Turn the heat to low and, while the pan’s still warm, stir in the softened cream cheese, followed by the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is silky and evenly combined—you’ll see the filling come together into a luscious, spreadable concoction that’s already irresistible. Be sure to taste and adjust seasoning as needed here!
Step 4: Layer the Crescent Dough
Now for the irresistible layers: unroll the crescent roll dough and gently press half of it into the bottom of your prepared dish, stretching and pinching the seams together to make one smooth layer. It doesn’t need to look perfect—just be sure it covers edge to edge, ready to support that creamy filling.
Step 5: Add Filling and Cheese
Spoon the sausage and cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough base, taking care to reach all the corners. If you opted for cheddar cheese, sprinkle it over the filling in an even layer now—this will melt into gooey perfection under the top crust.
Step 6: Add the Top Layer and Bake
Unroll the rest of the crescent dough and lay it gently over the top, again pinching the seams and edges so the filling stays neatly tucked inside. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is deeply golden brown and your kitchen smells divine. Let the casserole cool for about 5-10 minutes before cutting in—this helps it slice up cleanly and makes serving a breeze.
How to Serve Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole

Garnishes
For an extra flourish, add a scattering of fresh chopped parsley, thinly sliced scallions, or even a few dashes of hot sauce right before serving. These little touches add color and a hint of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich filling.
Side Dishes
This Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole is super satisfying on its own, but a crisp fruit salad, roasted breakfast potatoes, or a simple green salad on the side can round out your meal and offer fresh flavors that balance the creamy, savory main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd for brunch, cut the casserole into smaller squares and serve as finger food on a platter—these make amazing party bites! For a sit-down breakfast, pair it with poached eggs or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a brunch that feels like a treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole can be covered and stored right in the baking dish or transferred to an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated for up to three or four days—the flavors meld and somehow get even better on day two!
Freezing
If you want to prep far ahead, this casserole freezes like a dream. Let it cool completely, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and stash them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm up slices in the microwave for a quick breakfast, or for best texture, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through. The crescent layers stay flaky, and the filling stays luscious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Breakfast
Absolutely! You can swap in spicy sausage for extra kick, go with turkey sausage for a lighter option, or even try chicken sausage. Just make sure whatever you choose is fully cooked and drained before mixing with the cream cheese.
Is it possible to make Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can completely assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and keep it unbaked in the fridge. In the morning, just pop it straight into the oven—expect to add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What’s the best way to keep the bottom crescent layer from getting soggy?
Be sure to drain the sausage well so excess grease doesn’t soak into the dough. Also, try not to overload with cheese, and preheat your oven fully—the bottom layer should bake up nice and golden every time.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, finely diced bell peppers, or spinach make delicious additions to the sausage mixture. Just be sure to cook off any extra moisture before mixing them in so your filling stays creamy, not watery.
Is Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole gluten-free?
As written, the recipe uses crescent dough, which contains gluten. However, you can look for gluten-free crescent dough at specialty stores or swap for a gluten-free biscuit dough to make it celiac-friendly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole enough—it’s an absolute game-changer for easy breakfasts, brunches, or whenever you need something that wows with every bite. Give it a try and see why so many people return to this recipe time and again for a creamy, meaty, comfort-filled meal that never disappoints. Your next breakfast spread is about to get a whole lot more exciting!
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Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delicious morning treat with this Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole. A savory blend of breakfast sausage, creamy cheese, and flaky crescent dough baked to perfection, making it a satisfying breakfast option for the whole family.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
Crescent Dough:
- 1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent roll dough
Seasonings:
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Topping:
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Sausage: Brown and fully cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat, then drain excess grease.
- Mix Ingredients: Combine cooked sausage with cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- Layer and Bake: Press half of the crescent dough into the dish, add sausage mixture, top with optional cheddar, cover with remaining dough, and bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, then slice and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra kick, use spicy sausage or jalapeños.
- Make ahead and reheat slices for quick breakfasts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 810 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg