Breakfast

Easy Pigs in a Blanket Breakfast Casserole Recipe

This breakfast casserole is basically the ultimate weekend morning hack that makes you look like a breakfast hero without breaking a sweat.

Picture this: flaky crescent roll dough wrapped around savory link sausages, all nestled in a rich, creamy egg custard that’s been perfectly seasoned and topped with melted cheese.

The genius of this recipe lies in its simplicity – you’re taking two beloved comfort foods and combining them into one show-stopping dish that feeds a crowd.

Every bite delivers the perfect balance of buttery pastry, seasoned sausage, and that creamy egg mixture that holds everything together like a warm, delicious hug.

This is the kind of recipe that transforms a regular morning into something special, whether you’re hosting overnight guests or just want to treat your family to something extraordinary.

Best of all, you can prep this the night before and just pop it in the oven when you wake up, making it the ultimate make-ahead breakfast solution that actually tastes better than anything you’d get at a restaurant.

Ingredients

For the Casserole Base

2 tubes refrigerated crescent roll dough
16 link sausages (fully cooked through)
2 cups shredded cheese (Colby Jack recommended)

For the Egg Mixture

5 large eggs
1½ cups milk (1% or whole milk)
½ teaspoon seasoning salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Preparation

1 Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving later.
2 Unroll both tubes of refrigerated crescent roll dough and carefully separate into individual triangles along the perforated lines. Work gently to avoid tearing the delicate dough.

Assembly

3 Place one cooked link sausage on the wide end of each crescent triangle and roll up tightly, starting from the wide end and rolling toward the point. The dough should completely encase each sausage.
4 Arrange the wrapped sausages in your prepared baking dish in 2 neat rows of 8 crescents each. This ensures even cooking and an attractive presentation.
5 Sprinkle the 2 cups of shredded cheese evenly over the arranged crescent-wrapped sausages, making sure to cover all surfaces for maximum cheesy goodness.

Egg Mixture

6 In a large mixing bowl, combine the 5 eggs, 1½ cups milk, ½ teaspoon seasoning salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Use a whisk to blend thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and well-incorporated.
7 Pour the egg mixture evenly over the crescent and cheese arrangement, ensuring it reaches all corners of the dish and settles between the wrapped sausages.

Baking

8 Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the egg mixture is completely set in the center and the top is golden brown. The casserole should not jiggle when gently shaken, and an instant-read thermometer should read 160°F (71°C) in the center.
9 Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Essential Tools (for best results):

9×13 inch baking dish – Glass or ceramic works best for even heat distribution and easy monitoring of browning
Large mixing bowl – Provides ample space for whisking the egg mixture without splashing
Wire whisk – Creates the smoothest egg mixture and incorporates air for a lighter texture
Instant-read thermometer – Ensures the egg mixture reaches the safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C)

Helpful Upgrades:

Kitchen scale – For precise measurements if you’re doubling or halving the recipe
Silicone spatula – Perfect for scraping every bit of egg mixture from the bowl
Bench scraper – Makes transferring and arranging the crescent rolls much easier

Nice-to-Have Options:

Parchment paper – Line the baking dish for even easier cleanup and removal
Aluminum foil – Cover during baking if the top browns too quickly
Storage containers – Glass containers with tight-fitting lids keep leftovers fresh longer

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Adaptation:

Replace crescent roll dough with gluten-free puff pastry or gluten-free biscuit dough
Ensure your sausages are certified gluten-free, as some contain wheat fillers
Add 1 tablespoon cornstarch to the egg mixture for extra binding power
Expect a slightly denser texture but equally delicious results

Dairy-Free Modifications:

Substitute unsweetened almond milk or oat milk for regular milk in equal amounts
Use dairy-free cheese shreds (nutritional yeast works too for a cheesy flavor)
Choose coconut oil spray instead of butter-based cooking sprays

Vegetarian Version:

Replace link sausages with vegetarian breakfast sausages or seasoned plant-based links
Add sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for extra flavor and texture
Include fresh herbs like thyme or sage to enhance the savory profile

Flavor Variations:

Mexican-inspired: Add diced jalapeños, cumin, and Mexican cheese blend
Italian twist: Use Italian sausage and mozzarella cheese with dried oregano
Loaded breakfast: Include crumbled bacon, diced ham, and green onions

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights:
This hearty breakfast casserole provides approximately 195 calories per serving when divided into 8 portions. Each serving delivers a balanced combination of protein from eggs and sausage, carbohydrates from the crescent dough, and calcium from the cheese and milk. The dish provides about 12 grams of protein per serving, making it a satisfying breakfast option that helps maintain energy levels throughout the morning.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients:
The eggs in this recipe are nutritional powerhouses, providing high-quality complete protein, vitamin D, choline for brain health, and lutein for eye health. The milk contributes calcium for bone health, vitamin B12, and riboflavin. Even the cheese adds valuable protein and calcium, while the fresh parsley provides vitamin K, vitamin C, and antioxidants. The cooking method preserves most of these nutrients while creating a digestible, satisfying meal.

Dietary Considerations:
This recipe contains gluten (from crescent dough), dairy (milk and cheese), and eggs, making it unsuitable for those with these specific allergies. However, it’s naturally nut-free and can easily accommodate various dietary needs with simple substitutions. The portion size of one-eighth of the casserole provides a substantial breakfast serving that pairs well with fresh fruit or a small salad for added fiber and vitamins.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Common Substitutions:

Crescent roll dough → Puff pastry sheets (cut into triangles) or biscuit dough (flattened and wrapped)
Link sausages → Breakfast sausage patties (halved), turkey sausages, or chicken sausages
Colby Jack cheese → Cheddar, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles
Whole milk → Half-and-half for richer texture, or 2% milk for lighter option

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

Pre-cooked link sausages → Bulk breakfast sausage (cook and crumble first)
Name-brand crescent dough → Store-brand refrigerated dough (works identically)
Shredded cheese → Block cheese that you grate yourself (often more economical)

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

Fresh parsley → Dried parsley (use 1 tablespoon) or dried chives
Seasoning salt → Regular salt plus garlic powder and onion powder
Milk → Heavy cream diluted with water, or evaporated milk thinned with water

Pro Tips for Substitutions:

When using turkey or chicken sausages, add extra black pepper and herbs for more flavor
Homemade biscuit dough works beautifully but requires 15 minutes additional prep time

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Carb Reduction Strategies:

Replace crescent roll dough with low-carb tortillas cut into strips and wrapped around sausages
Use cauliflower-based dough or almond flour biscuit dough for significant carb reduction
Substitute unsweetened almond milk for regular milk to reduce natural sugars

Portion & Ingredient Modifications:

Cut into 12 smaller servings instead of 8 to reduce carbs per portion from approximately 15g to 10g
Add extra eggs (up to 7 total) to increase protein content and create more satisfying portions
Include chopped vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added fiber and nutrients

Blood Sugar Management Tips:

Pair with avocado slices or Greek yogurt for healthy fats that slow glucose absorption
Serve with fresh berries instead of higher-sugar fruits
Consider turkey sausage or chicken sausage for lower sodium and often fewer additives

Total Carb Reduction: These modifications can reduce carbs by approximately 40-50% while maintaining the satisfying, comfort-food appeal of the original recipe.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings:
This rich, savory casserole pairs beautifully with freshly brewed coffee or black tea to cut through the richness. For special occasions, mimosas or bloody marys complement the breakfast theme perfectly. Fresh orange juice provides a bright, acidic contrast to the creamy egg mixture, while cranberry juice adds a tart element that balances the savory sausage and cheese flavors.

Side Dish Recommendations:
Serve alongside fresh fruit salad with seasonal berries and citrus to add natural sweetness and vitamin C. Hash browns or breakfast potatoes create a complete diner-style breakfast experience. Sautéed spinach or steamed asparagus adds color and nutrients while providing a fresh contrast to the rich casserole. Sliced tomatoes with a sprinkle of salt and pepper offer a simple, refreshing accompaniment.

Complete Meal Ideas:
For holiday brunches, start with fresh pastries or muffins, serve this casserole as the main course, and finish with seasonal fruit and yogurt parfaits. For weekend family meals, pair with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage patties for meat lovers, plus fresh berries and whipped cream for a special touch.

Occasion Suggestions:
This casserole shines at overnight guest breakfasts, holiday morning celebrations, potluck brunches, and meal prep sessions for busy weeks. It’s equally appropriate for casual family weekends and special occasion breakfasts when you want something impressive but manageable.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Techniques:
Let the crescent dough come to room temperature for 10 minutes before unrolling to prevent tearing. When wrapping sausages, start from the wide end and roll tightly, tucking the pointed end underneath to prevent unwrapping during baking. Pre-cook any raw sausages completely before wrapping to ensure food safety and even cooking throughout.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Don’t overmix the egg mixture – gentle whisking prevents tough, rubbery eggs. Avoid overcrowding the baking dish, which leads to uneven cooking. Never skip the resting period after baking, as this allows the egg mixture to fully set and makes serving much easier.

Storage and Reheating:
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in airtight containers. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 45-60 seconds or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. The casserole can be assembled the night before and refrigerated, then baked fresh in the morning – just add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

Make-Ahead Strategy:
Prepare completely and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed. For meal prep, divide into individual portions and freeze separately for quick weekday breakfasts.

This Easy Pigs in a Blanket Breakfast Casserole transforms simple ingredients into something truly special that brings people together around the breakfast table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want to make your regular morning routine feel more celebratory, this recipe delivers comfort, convenience, and incredible flavor in every single bite.