– 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
– 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for heat
Creating the Italian Crescent Casserole is simple! Just follow these clear steps:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat, if necessary.
3. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Stir in the chopped spinach, cooking until wilted. Add the softened cream cheese and mix until well combined. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Unroll the crescent roll dough. Press it into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, making sure to cover the bottom and sides.
6. Evenly spread the sausage mixture over the crescent roll layer.
7. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sausage mixture.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the crescent dough is golden brown and flaky.
9. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing into squares.
10. Serve warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
With these simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious Italian meal that warms the soul!