Italian Crescent Casserole – Page 2

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
Roll Out the Dough: Unroll one of the cans of crescent roll dough and lay it out in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Press the seams together to form one even layer that covers the entire bottom of the dish.

Layer the Sausage Filling: Spoon the cooked sausage mixture over the layer of crescent roll dough, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the sausage mixture. This will create a gooey, cheesy layer once baked.
Top with Crescent Rolls: Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and place it over the cheese, pressing the seams together to cover the entire casserole. If desired, you can cut the dough into strips and weave it in a lattice pattern for a more decorative top.

Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top crescent roll dough is golden brown and fully cooked through.
Check for Doneness: After the casserole is golden and bubbly, remove it from the oven. Allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to cut.

Garnish: If desired, sprinkle the casserole with fresh chopped basil for an extra burst of color and flavor.
Serve: Cut the casserole into squares and serve hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or even a side of roasted vegetables.

Ground Sausage Substitutes: If you prefer not to use sausage, you can substitute with ground beef, ground turkey, or even chicken sausage. You can also make it vegetarian by using plant-based sausage or crushed tofu sautéed with spices.
Add Vegetables: To make this casserole even heartier, you can add some sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sausage mixture. This will add extra texture and flavor.
Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. In addition to mozzarella and Parmesan, you can add ricotta cheese, cheddar, or even provolone for a different twist.
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare this casserole ahead of time by assembling it up to the point of baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven for the same baking time.
Freezing: This casserole also freezes well. After baking and allowing it to cool, wrap individual portions or the entire casserole in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through.

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