Sausage and Cheese Crescent Squares
A savory baked casserole featuring seasoned pork sausage and melted cream cheese sandwiched between buttery crescent roll layers, topped with sharp cheddar. The filling stays moist while the dough bakes golden and crispy on top and bottom. Ideal for casual family dinners, potlucks, or easy weeknight meals. This version uses simple pantry staples assembled in one dish without complex techniques, making it accessible for home cooks of any skill level.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (375°F).
- 2
Unroll first can of crescent dough and divide into two long rectangles. Place in ungreased 13x9-inch baking dish, pressing to cover bottom and extend 1/2 inch up sides.
- 3
Cook sausage in skillet over medium heat until no longer pink, stirring frequently. Remove and discard excess drippings.
- 4
Add cream cheese to same skillet over low heat and stir until melted. Mix in cooked sausage until evenly coated.
- 5
Spoon sausage mixture evenly over dough in baking dish.
- 6
Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over filling.
- 7
Unroll second can of crescent dough and press perforations together to form single 13x9-inch rectangle. Place over cheese layer, covering entire surface.
- 8
Bake until top is golden brown, 21 to 26 minutes.
- 9
Cool 15 minutes. Cut into squares and serve.
Tips
Press crescent perforations together firmly on the top layer to prevent edges from separating or puffing unevenly during baking.
Let casserole cool the full 15 minutes before cutting; this allows filling to set and squares stay intact when removed.
Good to Know
Cover with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat covered at 325°F (163°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Assemble completely but do not bake. Cover and refrigerate up to 12 hours. Add 2-3 minutes to bake time if baking from cold.
Cut into 2-inch squares. Serve warm as an appetizer or main dish. Pairs well with a simple green salad or vegetable side.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip pressing perforations on top dough layer to avoid gaps where filling leaks out during baking.
Do not skip cooling period to avoid squares falling apart when cutting.
Substitutions
Vegan Options
General Alternatives
mild spice level
FAQ
Can I use mild sausage instead of hot?
Yes. Mild sausage works well and produces a less spicy result. The flavor profile remains rich from cheese and cream cheese. Cooking time stays the same.
What if I don't have a 13x9-inch dish?
Use a comparable-sized dish. If smaller, square casserole, bake time may be shorter by 2-3 minutes. If larger, bake time may extend by 2-3 minutes. Watch until top is golden.
How long can I keep baked squares in the fridge?
Covered, up to 3 days. Reheat covered at 325°F (163°C) for 10-15 minutes. Freezing is not recommended due to crescent roll texture degradation after thawing.