Stage 1: Cook the Sausage Filling
- Brown the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Stir occasionally, and cook until the sausage is fully browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Once the sausage is browned, add the finely chopped onions and bell pepper (if using). Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables have softened and become fragrant.
- Add Eggs and Milk: In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet with the sausage and vegetables. Stir to combine and cook until the eggs are scrambled and fully cooked, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Allow the cheese to melt into the sausage mixture, making the filling creamy and flavorful. Taste the filling and add salt and pepper as needed.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the sausage mixture to cool slightly while you prepare the crescent rolls. This will make it easier to handle when filling the dough.
Stage 2: Prepare the Crescent Rolls
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s fully heated before baking.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with non-stick spray.
- Unroll the Crescent Dough: Open the cans of crescent roll dough and unroll the dough onto a clean surface. Separate the dough into individual triangles along the perforations.
- Fill the Crescent Rolls: Spoon a generous portion of the sausage mixture onto the wide end of each triangle of dough. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the rolls to burst open during baking.
- Roll the Crescents: Starting from the wide end, roll the dough up tightly around the filling, pinching the edges to seal the rolls. Place each filled crescent roll onto the prepared baking sheet.
Stage 3: Bake the Breakfast Sausage Crescent Rolls
- Brush with Butter: Before baking, lightly brush the tops of the crescent rolls with melted butter. This will give them a golden, crispy finish.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the dough is fully cooked.
Stage 4: Add the Finishing Touches
- Garnish: Once the rolls are out of the oven, brush them with a bit more melted butter for extra flavor and shine. Garnish with finely chopped parsley, if desired, for a fresh pop of color.
Stage 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Presentation: Arrange the breakfast sausage crescent rolls on a serving platter and serve immediately while they’re warm and fresh from the oven. These rolls are perfect on their own or served alongside fresh fruit, a light salad, or even some hot coffee or juice.
- Storage: Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Additional Tips and Variations:
- Cheese Variations: Swap the cheddar cheese for other types like mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a combination of your favorites for a different twist on the flavor profile.
- Spicy Option: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture or use a spicy breakfast sausage.
- Add Vegetables: Try adding extra vegetables to the filling, like spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes, to boost the nutritional value and add flavor.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can make these rolls ahead of time and refrigerate the assembled rolls, uncooked, for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes them a great option for a stress-free breakfast or brunch.
Conclusion
These Breakfast Sausage Crescent Rolls are a simple yet satisfying dish that combines savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese all wrapped in a crispy, buttery crescent dough. Whether you’re preparing them for a weekend brunch or a weekday breakfast, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a crowd-pleasing breakfast that will leave everyone coming back for more. Enjoy these delicious rolls as a comforting start to your day!