Sometimes, the best dishes are the simplest ones, where a few ingredients come together to create something truly comforting and delicious. Enter the 3-Ingredient Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole—a dish that’s easy to make, rich in flavor, and versatile enough to serve for breakfast, brunch, or even a casual dinner. With just three basic ingredients, this casserole is a testament to the beauty of straightforward, home-cooked meals that warm the soul.
Imagine biting into a flaky, buttery crust that gives way to a savory filling of seasoned sausage and creamy cheese. It’s the kind of dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction—perfect for those days when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create this deliciously simple casserole:
- 2 cans of crescent roll dough (8 ounces each): These provide the flaky, buttery layers that sandwich the savory filling.
- 20 ounces of pork sausage crumbles: The star of the filling, bringing hearty, savory goodness to the dish.
- 8 ounces of cream cheese: Adds a smooth, rich creaminess that binds everything together.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole
Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to make this easy, comforting casserole:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Heat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s ready to go when your casserole is assembled and ready to bake.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Brown the sausage: In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks, ensuring it’s fully browned and no longer pink. This step is crucial for building flavor in your casserole.
Drain the grease: If there’s any excess grease in the skillet after cooking the sausage, drain it off. You want the sausage to be flavorful, not greasy.
Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese
Mix in the cream cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese directly into the skillet with the cooked sausage. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and well incorporated, creating a creamy, savory mixture. Once combined, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Bottom Crust
Unroll the first can of crescent dough: On a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish, unroll one can of crescent roll dough. Gently press it into the bottom of the dish, making sure to cover the entire surface. If the dough has seams, pinch them together to form a solid layer.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Add the filling: Evenly spread the sausage and cream cheese mixture over the layer of crescent dough. Make sure the filling reaches the edges so that every bite is full of flavor.
Top with more dough: Unroll the second can of crescent dough and place it over the sausage mixture, creating a top crust. Again, pinch together any seams to create a uniform layer.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the crescent dough has puffed up and turned a beautiful golden brown. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be irresistible!
Let it rest: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This will make it easier to slice and serve.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Slice and serve: Cut the casserole into squares and serve warm. Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Variations & Tips: Make It Your Own
While this casserole is delicious as-is, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking:
Add Some Heat
Spice it up: If you like a bit of spice, consider adding some red pepper flakes to the sausage while it cooks, or choose a spicy variety of sausage for an extra kick.
Cheese Lovers
More cheese, please: If you’re a fan of cheesy goodness, sprinkle a cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the sausage mixture before adding the top layer of dough. It’ll add an extra layer of melty, cheesy delight.
Vegetarian Option
Go meat-free: For a vegetarian version, swap out the sausage for a plant-based alternative or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers. The cream cheese will still add that luscious creaminess.
Breakfast Boost
Add eggs: For a breakfast twist, scramble a few eggs and mix them into the sausage and cream cheese mixture before assembling the casserole. It’s a great way to make the dish even heartier.
Healthier Twist
Lighten it up: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and turkey sausage to lighten the dish without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Suggestions: Perfect Pairings for Your Casserole
This 3-Ingredient Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate the meal:
Fresh Salad
Light and crisp: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the casserole, adding a fresh, crisp element to your meal.
Fruit Salad
Sweet and refreshing: If you’re serving the casserole for breakfast or brunch, a fruit salad with berries, melon, and citrus can complement the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness.
Roasted Vegetables
Hearty and nutritious: For dinner, serve the casserole alongside roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes. The roasted veggies add a nice contrast in texture and flavor.
Soup
Warm and comforting: Pair the casserole with a cup of tomato or butternut squash soup for a cozy, comforting dinner that’s perfect for cooler days.
Final Thoughts
The 3-Ingredient Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole is the epitome of comfort food made easy. With its flaky crust, savory filling, and creamy texture, it’s a dish that will quickly become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, it’s guaranteed to satisfy and delight.
So, grab those ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as simple to make as it is delicious to eat. Happy cooking!
3 Ingredient Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cans 8 oz each crescent roll dough
- 20 oz pork sausage crumbles
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the Cream Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese to the skillet with the sausage. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is melted and well combined with the sausage. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Bottom Crust: Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the greased baking dish, pinching any seams together to form a solid layer.
- Assemble the Casserole: Evenly spread the sausage and cream cheese mixture over the crescent dough. Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and lay it over the sausage mixture, pinching seams together to create a uniform top crust.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crescent dough is puffed and golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm.