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Italian Crescent Roll Casserole

Italian Crescent Roll Casserole

Italian Crescent Roll Casserole is a quick and easy comfort dish combining flaky crescent roll dough with savory Italian sausage, tangy marinara sauce, and melty cheeses. Perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd, this warm and cheesy casserole offers classic Italian flavors with minimal ingredients and versatility for dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Crescent Roll Base

  • 1 package (8 oz) crescent roll dough

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
  • 1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)

Sauce and Cheese

  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or blend of oregano and basil)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sausage and Vegetables: Brown Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart until fully cooked and browned. If desired, add diced onions and bell peppers; sauté until softened and fragrant. Drain excess grease and let cool slightly.
  2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  3. Layer the Crescent Roll Dough: Unroll crescent dough and gently separate into triangles. Press triangles into the bottom of the baking dish with slight overlap to form a complete crust base.
  4. Add Sauce and Meat Mixture: Spread marinara sauce evenly over the crescent roll crust. Distribute the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture evenly on top.
  5. Top with Cheese and Herbs: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the sausage layer. Finish with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like basil or parsley for aroma and color.
  6. Bake and Serve: Bake for 20-25 minutes until crescent roll dough is golden brown and cheese is bubbling. Let casserole cool 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature crescent dough to prevent tearing when pressing.
  • Apply marinara sauce in a light, even layer to avoid soggy crust.
  • Brown sausage thoroughly for safety and enhanced flavor.
  • Allow casserole to rest after baking to help slices hold shape.
  • Mix mozzarella and Parmesan for balanced melt and sharpness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian casserole, crescent roll casserole, Italian sausage recipe, easy Italian dinner, cheesy casserole, quick weeknight meal