Pancake Sausage Casserole Recipe
If you’ve been on the lookout for the ultimate sweet-meets-savory breakfast, let me introduce you to Pancake Sausage Casserole. This dish is a glorious blend of classic fluffy pancakes, hearty breakfast sausage, and oozy cheddar cheese (if you like!), all baked together, then drizzled with maple syrup. It takes everything you love about a decadent weekend brunch and bundles it into one easy, crowd-pleasing casserole. Whether you’re feeding family, hosting brunch with friends, or meal-prepping for the week, Pancake Sausage Casserole delivers comfort and flavor in spades—plus, it’s downright fun to serve!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully straightforward, relying on staple ingredients you probably already have on hand. Each component plays a role in building the layered textures and flavors that make Pancake Sausage Casserole a true breakfast star.
- Breakfast Sausage: Go with pork, turkey, or chicken—each brings a different depth of savory flavor and a satisfying protein boost.
- Pancake Mix: The shortcut to fluffy, golden layers that hold everything together beautifully.
- Milk: Helps create a luscious, pourable batter—dairy or your favorite plant-based option both work!
- Large Eggs: Bind the casserole and give it that rich, custardy edge.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a splash brings out the sweet notes, making every bite taste special.
- Ground Cinnamon (optional): Adds a gentle warmth, especially lovely in the cooler months.
- Maple Syrup: Baked in for subtle sweetness, and of course, more for drizzling at the table.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional): For an extra savory touch and melty goodness—totally optional but highly recommended!
- Melted Butter: Ensures the top gets golden and delivers that classic pancake flavor.
- Cooking Spray: Makes removing and serving the casserole a breeze (and saves your baking dish from a sticky situation).
How to Make Pancake Sausage Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This guarantees your Pancake Sausage Casserole will come out easily, looking picture-perfect every time!
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Place your favorite breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Crumble and cook until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked through. Make sure to drain off any excess grease; you want flavor, not oiliness, in your casserole.
Step 3: Make the Pancake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if you’re using it), and that quarter cup of maple syrup. Whisk until you’ve got a smooth, lump-free batter. If you want the lightest texture, let the batter stand for 5–10 minutes before assembly.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Gently fold the cooked sausage (and cheese if you’re using it) into the batter. Pour the whole mixture into your prepared baking dish and drizzle melted butter evenly across the top. The scent at this stage will already have your kitchen smelling like the best breakfast café in town!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden brown. The sides will puff up a bit and the top will develop beautiful, toasty spots. Remove from the oven and let cool for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This makes cutting and serving much easier—and you won’t burn your tongue in anticipation!
How to Serve Pancake Sausage Casserole
Garnishes
Keep it classic with a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup, or add a pat of butter to each slice right as it hits the plate. For a pop of color and freshness, sprinkle on a handful of chopped chives or a dusting of powdered sugar. A few fresh berries on the side really make Pancake Sausage Casserole shine for brunch spreads.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole stands tall on its own, but it also plays well with others. Serve it alongside a big fruit salad, tangy yogurt parfaits, or crispy hash browns for a breakfast feast. A crisp green salad or citrusy mimosa can elevate your Pancake Sausage Casserole brunch into something unforgettable.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special twist, try cutting your Pancake Sausage Casserole into cubes and threading them onto skewers for a fun, easy-to-grab brunch appetizer. Or, portion it into muffin tins before baking for individual servings—a great option for meal-prepping or parties. You can even layer on extra toppings, like jalapeños or caramelized onions, before baking to tailor the flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your casserole cool completely before covering tightly with foil or transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and actually tastes fantastic reheated, making it a star for weekday breakfasts or after-school snacks.
Freezing
One of my favorite meal-prep hacks: Pancake Sausage Casserole freezes beautifully! Once baked and cooled, wrap individual slices or the whole casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. This way, you always have a delicious homemade breakfast on hand—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop slices in the microwave for about a minute until warmed through, or cover and bake in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes. If you froze it, let it thaw in the fridge first for best results. The casserole stays just as tasty and moist, making your morning routine a breeze.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Breakfast, Brunch
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in chicken, turkey, or even plant-based sausage to match your preferences. Each brings a unique flavor and texture while keeping the magic of Pancake Sausage Casserole intact.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pancake mix and enjoy all the fluffy, delicious layers without any gluten. Make sure to check your sausage and other add-ins for any hidden gluten, too!
Can I prepare Pancake Sausage Casserole the night before?
Definitely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed (adding a few extra minutes if needed because of the cold start).
What are the best cheese options?
Cheddar is classic, but don’t be afraid to experiment with gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for different flavor twists. Cheese is optional, but it adds a wonderful savoriness to the casserole.
Why let the batter rest before baking?
Allowing the batter to rest for 5–10 minutes relaxes the gluten (or starches in gluten-free mixes), resulting in a lighter, fluffier Pancake Sausage Casserole. It’s a small step that makes a big difference!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to brighten up your breakfast routine or impress your brunch crowd, you truly can’t go wrong with Pancake Sausage Casserole. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your own—trust me, it’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a household favorite!
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Pancake Sausage Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Pancake Sausage Casserole is a delightful combination of savory breakfast sausage, fluffy pancake batter, and gooey cheddar cheese, all baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or a special breakfast treat.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken)
- 2 cups pancake mix
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ cup maple syrup plus more for serving
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- cooking spray for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until browned and fully cooked; drain excess grease.
- Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together pancake mix, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon if using, and maple syrup until smooth.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in the cooked sausage and cheese if desired. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and drizzle the melted butter over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
- Cool and serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with extra maple syrup.
Notes
- For a lighter texture, let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes before baking.
- This recipe freezes well—cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm in the oven or microwave.
- You can make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free pancake mix or dairy-free with plant-based milk and cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
