Flaky Egg Sausage Crescents

This savory breakfast crescent roll recipe has revolutionized our morning routine, combining flaky pastry with protein-packed fillings for a portable breakfast that satisfies the whole family. When mornings get hectic, these handheld breakfast bundles deliver homemade flavor without the fuss.

I created these during a particularly chaotic school week when I needed something my children could grab quickly. Now they request these crescents regularly, even helping to assemble them on Sunday evenings for the week ahead.

Ingredients

• Large eggs provide protein and creamy texture use fresh eggs for best results
• Salt and pepper essential for seasoning the eggs freshly ground black pepper makes a difference
• Refrigerated crescent roll dough creates the flaky golden exterior look for brands without hydrogenated oils
• Fully cooked breakfast sausage links add savory flavor and protein choose quality sausage with minimal fillers
• American cheese slices melt perfectly and bind the filling together select real cheese rather than processed cheese product
• Reserved beaten egg creates that beautiful golden brown exterior when brushed on top

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F ensuring even cooking temperature. Set aside 2 tablespoons of beaten egg in a separate small bowl for later use as an egg wash. Season the remaining eggs generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Cook the eggs

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat until warm. Pour in the seasoned eggs and gently scramble using a silicone spatula, pulling the cooked edges toward the center. Cook until just barely set but still slightly glossy about 2 minutes. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking since they will continue cooking in the oven.

Prepare the dough

Unroll the crescent dough on a clean work surface, being careful not to stretch it too thin. Separate along the perforated lines into 8 triangles. If the dough feels sticky, lightly dust your surface with flour to prevent sticking.

Add fillings

Position each triangle with the wide end toward you. Place half a slice of American cheese on the wide end, followed by approximately 1 tablespoon of scrambled eggs. Lay a sausage link across the wide end. Ensure fillings are centered and not overflowing to allow for proper sealing.

Roll the crescents

Starting at the wide end of each triangle, carefully roll the dough around the filling toward the pointed end. Place each filled crescent on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Arrange with the point tucked underneath to prevent unrolling.

Bake to golden perfection

Using a pastry brush, gently coat the top of each crescent with the reserved beaten egg mixture. This creates a beautiful golden crust and helps seal the edges. Sprinkle with additional black pepper if desired. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes until the crescents are puffed up and deep golden brown.

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The breakfast sausage is truly the star ingredient here. I discovered that slightly cooling the sausage links before rolling creates the perfect temperature balance allowing the crescent dough to bake properly without the filling becoming too hot and bursting through the sides. My daughter once proclaimed these were better than drive-thru breakfast sandwiches which remains my favorite cooking compliment to date.

Make Ahead Instructions

These breakfast crescents are perfect for weekly meal prep. Prepare them completely through baking, allow to cool completely, then wrap individually in parchment paper and place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the wrapped crescents in a freezer bag for up to one month. Reheat refrigerated crescents in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds. For frozen crescents, reheat in a 300°F oven for 15 minutes or until heated through.

Customization Ideas

The basic recipe creates a fantastic foundation but feel free to personalize these breakfast crescents to suit your taste preferences. Replace the sausage links with crispy bacon, ham, or vegetarian sausage. Swap American cheese for cheddar, pepper jack, or Swiss for different flavor profiles. Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to incorporate more nutrients. For a spicy version, include chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes in the egg mixture.

Serving Suggestions

These versatile breakfast crescents pair beautifully with many accompaniments. Serve alongside fresh fruit for a complete breakfast. Offer with a side of salsa, hot sauce, or maple syrup for dipping. Include in a breakfast buffet alongside hash browns and yogurt parfaits for weekend entertaining. For a special brunch, pair with mimosas or a Bloody Mary bar for the adults. The portable nature makes them perfect for picnics, road trips, or breakfast on busy school mornings.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these breakfast crescents ahead of time?

Yes! These crescents are perfect for meal prep. You can assemble them completely, bake, and then refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. To reheat, warm them in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through.

→ What can I substitute for the breakfast sausage?

You can easily substitute bacon, ham, cooked turkey sausage, or plant-based sausage alternatives. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat entirely and add extra cheese or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and spinach.

→ Why do my crescents burst open during baking?

Overfilling is the most common reason for bursting. Make sure to use just a small spoonful of eggs and one sausage link per crescent. Also, ensure you're sealing the edges properly and placing them seam-side down on the baking sheet.

→ Can I use different cheese varieties?

Absolutely! While American cheese melts beautifully, you can substitute cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, or any other melting cheese you prefer. Shredded cheese works just as well as sliced cheese for this recipe.

→ How do I prevent the crescents from becoming soggy?

Let your scrambled eggs cool slightly before assembling to prevent excess moisture. Also, make sure not to undercook the crescents - they should be golden brown and completely baked through, which takes about 15-18 minutes at 350°F.

→ Can I add vegetables to these breakfast crescents?

Yes! Finely diced bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or onions make excellent additions. Just make sure to sauté them first to remove excess moisture, and let them cool before adding to your crescents.