This is the ultimate easy, comforting, and crowd-pleasing dish. Here is a classic recipe for a 3-Ingredient Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole, along with tips and serving suggestions.
3-Ingredient Sausage Cream Cheese Casserole
This recipe is incredibly simple but delivers on rich, savory flavor. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a hearty breakfast.
Ingredients
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1 lb (16 oz) ground breakfast sausage (mild or hot)
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1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
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1 (8 oz) tube refrigerated crescent roll dough
Optional Add-ins & Seasonings:
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon onion powder
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Pinch of black pepper
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Chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8 inch or similar-sized baking dish.
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Brown the Sausage: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
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Combine Sausage & Cream Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Add the entire block of softened cream cheese to the warm sausage in the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is completely melted and smoothly combined with the sausage into a creamy mixture. (If using, add garlic powder, onion powder, or black pepper now).
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Assemble the Casserole:
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Bottom Layer: Unroll the crescent dough sheet. If it’s perforated, press the seams together to form one solid sheet. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish to form a crust.
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Filling: Spread the creamy sausage and cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent dough layer.
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Top (Optional): If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
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Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crescent dough crust is golden brown and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
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Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before cutting it into squares. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips for the Best Results:
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Softened Cream Cheese is Key: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before starting. This ensures it will melt smoothly and mix easily with the sausage without any lumps.
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Drain the Grease: Don’t skip draining the sausage after browning. Too much grease will make the casserole oily.
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Press the Dough Seams: Taking a minute to press the crescent roll perforations together creates a much better base that won’t fall apart when serving.
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Add Some Veggies: Feel free to stir in some finely chopped spinach, bell peppers, or onions into the sausage mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
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Make it Your Own: This is a fantastic base recipe. You can easily use ground beef, turkey sausage, or even a spicy chorizo. You can also top it with a different cheese like pepper jack or mozzarella.
Serving Suggestions:
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For Breakfast/Brunch: Serve with a side of fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or a refreshing fruit smoothie.
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For Dinner: Pair with a simple green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli to balance the richness.
Enjoy your incredibly easy and delicious meal