Italian Crescent Casserole

This Italian Crescent Casserole is a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of Italian cuisine with the convenience of crescent roll dough. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing family meal, or even a potluck gathering. Layers of ground sausage, Italian seasoning, tomato sauce, and melted cheese are wrapped in golden, flaky crescent roll dough. The result is a warm, cheesy, and flavorful casserole that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

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Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)

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Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Spoon or spatula for mixing
• Knife and cutting board
• Can opener

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Method

Step 1: Prepare the Sausage Filling

1. Cook the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the Italian sausage. Use a spoon or spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Brown the sausage for about 5-7 minutes or until fully cooked and no longer pink. Once cooked, drain any excess grease from the pan.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Tomato Sauce and Seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
3. Roll Out the Dough: Unroll one of the cans of crescent roll dough and lay it out in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Press the seams together to form one even layer that covers the entire bottom of the dish.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer the Sausage Filling: Spoon the cooked sausage mixture over the layer of crescent roll dough, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
2. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the sausage mixture. This will create a gooey, cheesy layer once baked.
3. Top with Crescent Rolls: Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and place it over the cheese, pressing the seams together to cover the entire casserole. If desired, you can cut the dough into strips and weave it in a lattice pattern for a more decorative top.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top crescent roll dough is golden brown and fully cooked through.
2. Check for Doneness: After the casserole is golden and bubbly, remove it from the oven. Allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to cut.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: If desired, sprinkle the casserole with fresh chopped basil for an extra burst of color and flavor.
2. Serve: Cut the casserole into squares and serve hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or even a side of roasted vegetables.

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Notes and Tips

• Ground Sausage Substitutes: If you prefer not to use sausage, you can substitute with ground beef, ground turkey, or even chicken sausage. You can also make it vegetarian by using plant-based sausage or crushed tofu sautéed with spices.
• Add Vegetables: To make this casserole even heartier, you can add some sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sausage mixture. This will add extra texture and flavor.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. In addition to mozzarella and Parmesan, you can add ricotta cheese, cheddar, or even provolone for a different twist.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare this casserole ahead of time by assembling it up to the point of baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven for the same baking time.
• Freezing: This casserole also freezes well. After baking and allowing it to cool, wrap individual portions or the entire casserole in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through.

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Conclusion

This Italian Crescent Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the flavors of Italy in a convenient and easy-to-make casserole. With a flaky crescent roll crust, savory sausage, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food that the whole family will love. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, a casual gathering, or even as a make-ahead dish, this casserole is sure to be a hit! Enjoy!