Description
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
- 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.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- Add Sauce and Meat Mixture: Spread marinara sauce evenly over the crescent roll crust. Distribute the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture evenly on top.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Italian casserole, crescent roll casserole, Italian sausage recipe, easy Italian dinner, cheesy casserole, quick weeknight meal
