Description
This Italian Crescent Roll Sandwich Bake is a hearty and savory dish combining Italian sausage, pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese layered between flaky crescent roll dough. Perfect for a comforting dinner, it offers rich flavors of Italian seasoning with a golden, cheesy crust baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Crescent Roll Dough
- 2 cans (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers (green and red)
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
Cheese and Sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Other
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking later.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage by breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped bell peppers and onion to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become tender and fragrant.
- Add Remaining Filling Ingredients: Stir in the sliced pepperoni, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to combine flavors and heat through.
- Cool Filling: Remove the skillet from heat and allow the sausage and vegetable mixture to cool slightly while preparing the dough.
- Prepare Bottom Dough Layer: Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and lay flat in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Stretch it gently to cover the base and sides evenly.
- Layer Filling and Cheese: Spread half of the sausage mixture evenly over the dough, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top.
- Add Top Dough Layer: Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and place over the filling layer. Press seams firmly to seal the layers.
- Top with Remaining Filling and Cheese: Spoon the remaining sausage mixture over the top dough layer, followed by the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the beaten egg over the top dough surface to ensure a shiny, golden crust once baked.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and cheese bubbles.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the bake cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving warm.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add hot Italian sausage.
- Ensure dough seams are well sealed to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Use a non-stick spray or butter to grease the baking dish for easy removal.
- Letting the filling cool briefly before layering prevents the dough from becoming soggy.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
