Cheesy Crescent Pizza Casserole
This Cheesy Crescent Pizza Casserole is a delightful twist on traditional pizza, combining the savory flavors of ground sausage, vibrant green peppers, and gooey cheese wrapped in flaky crescent dough. Perfect for lunch or a snack, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also serves as a crowd-pleaser for gatherings and family meals. With its warm, cheesy goodness and a touch of Italian flair, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Share it with friends and family for a cozy meal that is both satisfying and fun!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground sausage
1 1/4 lbs (brown and drain)
refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
2 (8 ounce) packages (unroll and seal)
pizza sauce
1 (7 ounce) can (ready to use)
mozzarella cheese, grated
1 cup (grated)
cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup (grated)
green pepper, diced
1/2 cup (diced)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a skillet, brown 1 1/4 lbs of ground sausage along with 1/2 cup of diced green pepper over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
3
Unroll one package of refrigerated crescent rolls and lay it in the bottom of a 9-inch baking dish, sealing the perforations to create a flat base.
4
Spread the cooked sausage and green pepper mixture evenly over the crescent roll base.
5
Pour 1 can of pizza sauce over the meat mixture, spreading it out evenly.
6
Sprinkle 1 cup each of grated mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the pizza sauce.
7
Unroll the second package of crescent rolls and place it over the cheese layer, sealing the perforations again to cover everything.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
9
Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Crescent Pizza Casserole?
It is a savory dish combining ground sausage, green peppers, and cheese layered between flaky crescent dough.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 lbs of ground sausage.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can use mild, hot, or sweet Italian sausage depending on your preference.
How many packages of crescent rolls are required?
You will need two 8-ounce packages of refrigerated crescent dinner rolls.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
How long does the casserole take to bake?
The bake time is approximately 30 minutes until golden brown.
What cheeses are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of grated mozzarella and 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese.
Do I need to cook the sausage before baking?
Yes, you should brown the sausage and green peppers in a skillet and drain the grease before assembling.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely, you can add onions, mushrooms, or olives along with the green peppers.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 9-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prepare the crescent roll base?
Unroll one package and lay it in the bottom of the dish, sealing the perforations to create a solid base.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the layers and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to bake.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months; wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
What is the best way to reheat it?
Reheat individual slices in the microwave or place the dish back in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Is this dish suitable for lunch?
Yes, it is categorized as a Lunch/Snack dish and is very satisfying.
What size pizza sauce can is needed?
You will need one 7-ounce can of pizza sauce.
What can I serve with this pizza casserole?
It pairs well with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread.
Can I make a vegetarian version?
Yes, simply omit the sausage and add more vegetables or a plant-based meat substitute.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, children usually love the combination of pizza flavors and the soft crescent dough.
What if I do not have a 9-inch dish?
You can use a similar sized square pan or a slightly larger rectangular pan, though the thickness may vary.
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?
Yes, puff pastry can be used, but it will result in a much flakier and more buttery texture.
How do I know when the casserole is finished?
It is done when the top crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Should I grease the baking dish?
While crescent rolls have a high fat content, lightly greasing the dish ensures nothing sticks.
Can I add pepperoni?
Yes, adding a layer of pepperoni on top of the cheese would be a delicious addition.
Is the casserole spicy?
It depends on the sausage used; using mild sausage results in a savory, non-spicy meal.
Can I add extra Italian seasoning?
Yes, sprinkling Italian herbs over the meat or sauce adds more authentic pizza flavor.
Can I use extra cheese?
Certainly, you can increase the mozzarella or cheddar if you prefer a cheesier dish.
Why should I let it cool before slicing?
Letting it cool for a few minutes allows the cheese and sauce to set, making it easier to cut clean slices.