If you love a breakfast dish that combines creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors in one warm, satisfying bite, you are going to adore this Rotel Sausage Cream Cheese Breakfast Casserole Recipe. It brings together simple ingredients like sausage, cream cheese, and those perfectly tangy Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, all layered over a buttery crescent roll crust. This dish is a fiesta of flavors and textures that’s ideal for a cozy weekend brunch or when you want to impress without stress. From the gooey cream cheese to the subtle spice in every forkful, it’s a breakfast casserole that feels like a warm hug first thing in the morning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is crucial because each one plays a special role in creating the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and appearance. From the richness of cream cheese melting into savory sausage to the crisp, golden crescent roll base, these ingredients make this casserole a standout.
- Refrigerated crescent rolls (8 ounces): This buttery dough forms a flaky, golden crust that holds all the delicious layers.
- Sausage (1 pound): Choose a flavorful breakfast sausage that crisps nicely for a greedy burst of meaty goodness.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Adds a silky, creamy texture that blends perfectly with the sausage.
- Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (10 ounces, drained): Gives the casserole a vibrant, zesty kick and beautiful color.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): A melty, sharp addition that enriches every bite.
- Large eggs (6): The essential binder that sets the casserole with a fluffy, custardy consistency.
- Milk (½ cup): Lightens the eggs and adds to the creamy texture throughout.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Boosts savory depth with subtle sweetness.
- Garlic powder (¼ teaspoon): Offers warmth and enhances all the other flavors naturally.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Balances and rounds out the entire dish perfectly.
How to Make Rotel Sausage Cream Cheese Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF to get it ready for baking. Then, lightly spray a 9x13x2-inch baking pan with cooking spray to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick and comes out flawless.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Mix with Cream Cheese
Cook the sausage over medium-high heat in a skillet until it’s no longer pink, and then drain the excess grease for a cleaner flavor and texture. Once it’s off the heat, stir in the softened cream cheese right away so it melts into the savory sausage, creating a beautifully creamy and rich mixture.
Step 3: Form the Crescent Roll Crust
Unroll the crescent dough and press it evenly into the bottom and up the sides of your prepared baking pan. Be sure to press the seams together to seal the crust — this helps prevent leaks and ensures the base holds up well with all those juicy toppings.
Step 4: Layer the Sausage Mixture, Rotel, and Cheese
Spread your creamy sausage mixture evenly over the crescent crust. Next, sprinkle the drained Rotel tomatoes and green chilies across the top, adding that signature zesty pop. Finish this layer with a generous helping of shredded cheddar cheese to bring gooeyness and sharp flavor into every bite.
Step 5: Combine and Pour the Egg Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until everything is well blended and smooth. Pour this custard-like mixture evenly over the other layers in your pan, allowing it to seep into all the nooks and crannies, setting everything together as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake Until Set and Golden
Bake your casserole for 40 to 50 minutes until the center is perfectly set and the top is golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when the edges pull slightly away from the pan, and it jiggles just a little in the middle. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
How to Serve Rotel Sausage Cream Cheese Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A fresh sprinkle of chopped green onions or a handful of cilantro adds a lovely bright note and fresh color contrast. You can also toss on some sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream for a silky, cooling touch that balances the savory heat perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with a side of fresh fruit salad to introduce a juicy, refreshing sweetness that compliments the richness. Crisp hash browns or buttery toasted English muffins also make excellent companions for a complete, hearty breakfast spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style straight from the pan for a cozy, communal feel. Or for a fancier brunch, slice into neat squares and arrange on a platter with small bowls of salsa, guacamole, or hot sauce, so everyone can customize their own bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftovers tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. The casserole keeps well for up to 3 days and tastes surprisingly fresh when reheated.
Freezing
If you’d like to save some for later, this casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it securely in freezer-safe foil or an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual portions or the whole dish into a preheated 350ºF oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave slices on medium power, though the oven method gives a nicer texture to the crust and cheese.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in the Rotel Sausage Cream Cheese Breakfast Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap breakfast sausage for spicy chorizo, turkey sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage substitute. Just make sure it’s cooked well before adding the cream cheese.
Is there a substitute for the crescent roll crust?
Yes, if you prefer, you could use refrigerated biscuit dough or even a simple cornbread base. Each will slightly change the texture but still taste delicious.
How spicy is this casserole with Rotel tomatoes and green chilies?
The Rotel adds a mild kick that’s flavorful but not overwhelming. If you want more heat, you can add diced jalapeños or use a hotter version of Rotel.
Can I make the casserole vegan or dairy-free?
To make a vegan or dairy-free version, substitute sausage with plant-based sausage, use vegan cream cheese, and dairy-free cheese and milk alternatives. The flavor will be slightly different but still tasty.
What can I serve with this casserole for a brunch gathering?
This casserole goes great with fresh fruit, muffins, and a variety of coffee or fresh juice. A light green salad can also create a nice balance for a larger brunch menu.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Rotel Sausage Cream Cheese Breakfast Casserole Recipe — it’s a warm, comforting dish that brings together big flavors and cozy textures effortlessly. Whether you’re feeding your family on a lazy weekend or looking to wow your guests, this casserole is the kind of dish that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Give it a try and watch it become your new breakfast favorite!
Print
Rotel Sausage Cream Cheese Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 to 50 minutes
- Total Time: 55 to 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Rotel Sausage Cream Cheese Breakfast Casserole is a savory and creamy morning dish perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch. Featuring a buttery crescent roll crust filled with flavorful cooked sausage, tangy cream cheese, zesty Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, melted cheddar cheese, and a fluffy egg custard, it bakes into a satisfying and comforting casserole that serves eight.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 (8-oz) can refrigerated crescent rolls
Sausage Mixture
- 1 lb sausage
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Egg Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF and lightly spray a 9x13x2-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage until it is no longer pink, then drain any excess grease. Remove from heat and stir in the softened cream cheese until fully combined and creamy.
- Prepare Crust: Unroll the crescent rolls and press them into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared baking pan, making sure to press the seams together to seal the dough into a solid crust.
- Assemble Casserole: Evenly sprinkle the sausage and cream cheese mixture over the crescent roll crust. Then layer the drained Rotel tomatoes and green chilies on top, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Mix Egg Custard: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well blended. Pour this mixture evenly over the sausage and cheese layers in the pan.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the center is fully set and the edges are golden brown. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the excess grease from the sausage to prevent the casserole from becoming too greasy.
- Press the crescent rolls seams together well to create a solid crust that holds the filling.
- Feel free to swap mild or hot sausage depending on your spice preference.
- Let the casserole rest a few minutes after baking to make slicing easier and prevent it from falling apart.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for a quick breakfast on the go.
