Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole — Only 3 Ingredients
Meet your new go-to breakfast and brunch winner: a rich, cheesy, and effortlessly savory casserole made from just three pantry staples.
This 3-ingredient casserole pairs savory sausage with creamy, tangy cream cheese and flaky crescent roll dough for a golden, pull-apart bake that’s comfort food in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients — what you need and why it matters
| Ingredient | Quantity | Role in the dish |
|---|---|---|
| Sausage crumbles | 2 (9.6 oz each) packages (≈19.2 oz total) | Provides the dish’s primary savory, spiced flavor and meaty texture. Use pre-cooked breakfast sausage crumbles for speed and even distribution throughout the casserole. |
| Cream cheese | 8 oz (1 block) | Creates a luxuriously creamy binder that mellows the sausage’s salt and spice and keeps the filling silky and sliceable. |
| Crescent roll dough | 2 (8 oz each) packages (16 oz total) | Transforms into a flaky, golden crust on top and bottom — an easy, buttery vessel that browns beautifully and seals in the filling. |
Optional add-ins (not required, but tasty): shredded cheddar, sliced green onions, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a beaten egg brushed on top for extra shine.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat & prep the pan: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper so slices lift out cleanly.
- Heat the sausage & cream cheese: Place the two packages of sausage crumbles and the 8 oz cream cheese in a medium pot or a deep skillet over low heat. Stir frequently until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and homogenous — about 4–7 minutes. Keep the heat low to prevent sticking; you want a spreadable filling, not a dry crumble.
- Create the base layer: Unroll one package of crescent roll dough and gently press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, pinching seams together to form an even crust. Make sure the dough covers the corners and reaches the edges.
- Spread the filling: Spoon and spread the warm sausage–cream cheese mixture evenly over the bottom crust. Work quickly so the top dough won’t become soggy from an overly hot filling.
- Seal with the top crust: Unroll the second crescent roll package and place it over the sausage layer. Pinch the seams and press the edges together to seal. Trim or tuck any excess dough for a tidy edge.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 14–16 minutes, or until the top is a deep golden brown and the dough is cooked through. If you added cheese on top, watch carefully — cheese can brown faster.
- Rest & slice: Remove from oven and let the casserole cool for 5–8 minutes (this helps it set). Slice into squares and serve warm.
Why people love this recipe — and pro tips for perfect results
- Why it works: The trio of savory sausage, tangy cream cheese, and flaky crescent dough hits texture and flavor highs with zero fuss. It’s comfort food that feels indulgent but takes almost no time.
- Use pre-cooked sausage for speed: Buying pre-cooked crumbles saves cleanup and ensures even browning and distribution.
- Low heat for melting: Melt the cream cheese over low heat and stir constantly — high heat can separate the dairy and make the filling grainy.
- Seal the edges: Pinching the top and bottom dough helps keep the filling in place and creates a neat sliceable bar.
- Don’t overbake: Pull at the lower end of the bake time — crescent dough can quickly go from golden to too-brown.
- Make-ahead option: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if starting from chilled.
- Swaps & dietary notes: Prefer not to eat pork sausage? Use turkey sausage, cooked ground chicken, or a plant-based sausage crumble. For lower fat, choose reduced-fat cream cheese or a cottage-cheese-and-yogurt blend (pulse smooth in a blender first).
- Bonus flavor: Stir 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar into the filling before topping with the second dough for a cheesier interior.
Serving suggestions — turn this casserole into a full meal
- Serve with a simple green salad and a light vinaigrette for balance.
- Pair with fresh fruit or a fruit salad to add brightness and cut the richness.
- Offer hot sauce, ketchup, or whole-grain mustard on the side for guests who like a kick.
- For brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a pot of coffee and orange juice.
In short — why this recipe wins
This Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole is the perfect example of big flavor with minimal effort. With three accessible ingredients, a short prep, and a golden, flaky finish, it’s ideal for busy mornings, relaxed brunches, or any time you want a comforting, sliceable casserole that always pleases a crowd.
Try it once and keep the ingredients on hand — it’s that reliable. Want to customize? Swap the sausage, fold in cheese, or make it a make-ahead centerpiece for guests. Either way: effortless, cheesy satisfaction every time.
