Italian Crescent Casserole: An Easy, Cheesy Weeknight Favorite

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If you’re looking for a simple dinner that delivers big comfort and bold flavor with minimal effort, Italian crescent casserole is the recipe you need. This easy baked dish layers buttery crescent roll dough with savory Italian sausage, rich marinara sauce, and plenty of melted cheese for a meal that tastes like classic Italian comfort food—with a shortcut twist.

Perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or potluck dinners, this casserole comes together quickly using refrigerated dough and pantry staples. The crescent rolls bake into a tender, golden crust that soaks up the flavors of the sauce and sausage, while the cheese melts into irresistible bubbly layers.

It’s hearty, family-friendly, and guaranteed to earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation.

Why Crescent Rolls Make the Perfect Casserole Base

Crescent roll dough is one of the best shortcuts in the kitchen. It bakes up flaky yet soft, creating a crust that’s both sturdy and comforting without requiring any prep time.

This recipe works because:

  • Crescent dough forms a tender, buttery base
  • Italian sausage adds bold, savory flavor
  • Marinara sauce keeps everything juicy
  • Cheese ties all the layers together

The result is a casserole that feels homemade without the hassle.

Ideal for Busy Nights & Casual Entertaining

Italian crescent casserole is perfect when you need something filling and dependable:

  • Quick weeknight dinners
  • Family movie nights
  • Potlucks and game days
  • Feeding a crowd with minimal prep
  • Make-ahead meal planning

It’s comfort food that doesn’t ask much from you.

Ingredients

  • 1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent roll dough
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot)
  • 1½ cups marinara sauce
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Brown Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
  3. Stir garlic and Italian seasoning into sausage and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Unroll crescent dough and press into the bottom of the baking dish, sealing seams.
  5. Spread marinara sauce evenly over the dough.
  6. Top with cooked sausage mixture.
  7. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
  8. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
  9. Rest 5 minutes, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve.

Italian Crescent Casserole

A comforting baked casserole made with crescent roll dough, Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and melted cheese.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can crescent roll dough 8 oz
  • 1 lb Italian sausage
  • 1.5 cups marinara sauce
  • 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Baking dish
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Brown sausage and season with garlic and Italian seasoning.
  2. Press crescent dough into baking dish.
  3. Layer sauce, sausage, and cheese over dough.
  4. Bake until golden and bubbly.

Notes

Let rest before slicing for clean pieces.

Tips for the Best Italian Crescent Casserole

Seal the Dough Well:
Press seams together so the crust bakes evenly.

Drain the Sausage:
This prevents a greasy casserole.

Use Quality Sauce:
A good marinara makes a big difference.

Let It Rest Before Cutting:
This helps the layers hold together.

Easy Variations

Pepperoni Pizza Style:
Add sliced pepperoni on top of the sauce.

Veggie Italian Casserole:
Use sautéed mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers instead of sausage.

Extra Cheesy:
Add provolone or fontina for richer flavor.

Spicy Version:
Use hot Italian sausage and red pepper flakes.

What to Serve with Italian Crescent Casserole

  • Simple green salad
  • Garlic bread or breadsticks
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Caesar salad

This casserole pairs well with light, fresh sides to balance the richness.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers up to 4 days
  • Reheat: Oven at 350°F or microwave until warmed through
  • Freezer: Freeze baked casserole up to 2 months

Why This Recipe Is Always a Hit

Italian crescent casserole is everything comfort food should be: warm, cheesy, flavorful, and easy. It uses simple ingredients, requires minimal prep, and delivers maximum satisfaction. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or hungry adults, this dish disappears fast.

Once you make it, it’s bound to become a family favorite.

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