Name: Italian Crescent Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 package (8 oz) Pillsbury refrigerated crescent dinner rolls; 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed; 1 onion, finely diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Italian Crescent Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and comforting bake that brings together savory Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and gooey cheese—all nestled within a golden crescent roll crust. It’s the perfect all-in-one dish for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines flaky crescent rolls with savory Italian flavors.
Quick prep with minimal cleanup—great for weeknight dinners.
Kid-friendly, comforting, and satisfying.
Versatile—easily adjusted with different meats, veggies, or cheeses.
Makes excellent leftovers for lunch or next-day meals.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pillsbury refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
onion, finely diced
red bell pepper, diced
shredded mozzarella cheese
grated Parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning
garlic powder
salt and black pepper
olive oil

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and red bell pepper and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
Add Italian sausage to the skillet, cooking until browned and crumbly, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Stir in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
Unroll crescent dough and press it into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared baking dish to create a crust.
Spread the sausage mixture evenly over the crescent dough.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the crescent crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Different Meats: Swap sausage for ground beef, turkey, or plant-based meat alternatives.
Vegetable Additions: Add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for more nutrients.
Spicy Version: Use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes.
Cheese Variations: Use provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses for different flavor profiles.
Mini Versions: Use muffin tins to create personal-sized crescent casseroles.

Storage/reheating

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked casserole slices for up to 2 months. Wrap individually and reheat as needed.
Reheating in Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes.
Reheating in Microwave: Microwave slices on a plate in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use crescent dough sheets instead of rolls?

Yes—crescent dough sheets work well and eliminate the need to press seams together.

2. Do I have to cook the sausage first?

Yes—cooking the sausage ensures it’s fully cooked and allows the fat to be drained before baking.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

4. What can I serve with this casserole?

A green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread are excellent sides.

5. Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes—use plant-based sausage or increase vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.

6. How do I know when it’s done baking?

The crescent dough should be golden brown and cheese fully melted and bubbling.

7. Is this recipe spicy?

Not inherently. Choose mild or spicy sausage depending on your preference.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes—use two 9×13 pans or one large baking sheet for a crowd.

9. Can I add marinara sauce?

Yes—spoon a thin layer over the sausage mixture before adding cheese if you want a saucier result.

10. What type of cheese melts best for this dish?

Mozzarella and Parmesan melt beautifully and offer great flavor, but fontina and provolone are excellent alternatives.

Conclusion

Italian Crescent Casserole is the ideal combination of simplicity, flavor, and comfort. With flaky pastry, hearty sausage, melty cheese, and a touch of Italian seasoning, it’s a dish the whole family will enjoy. Perfect for a weeknight meal or casual entertaining, this recipe brings a little bit of Italy to your dinner table.

Italian Crescent Casserole

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Author: Mia
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

A flavorful and cheesy baked dish featuring Italian sausage, sautéed veggies, and flaky crescent rolls—perfect for cozy family weeknight dinners.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and bell pepper until soft, about 4–5 minutes.
Add Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking it into crumbs, until no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Stir in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
Unroll crescent dough and press into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared baking dish to form a crust.
Spoon the sausage mixture evenly over the dough.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crescent crust is golden and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let cool slightly, slice, and serve warm.