Pancake Sausage Casserole Recipe
Looking for the kind of breakfast that brings everyone running to the table? Look no further than Pancake Sausage Casserole. This is pure comfort in a baking dish: imagine all the pillowy goodness of your favorite pancakes, the hearty flavors of spiced sausage, and a touch of maple sweetness all baked together. It’s the ultimate weekend brunch centerpiece, a fantastic make-ahead breakfast, and honestly, an absolute crowd-pleaser even for picky eaters or brunch skeptics. There’s nothing quite like gathering around a fresh, golden slice of Pancake Sausage Casserole to start your day the coziest way possible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
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For the Casserole:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 2 cups pancake mix
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (plus more for serving)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Nonstick cooking spray or butter for greasing
How to Make Pancake Sausage Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Bakeware
First things first, set the stage for success by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a swipe of butter. This makes serving (and clean-up) a breeze, and gives the casserole those irresistible golden-brown edges.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Place your favorite breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up as it cooks, making sure you get crumbles rather than big chunks. Cook until it’s deeply browned and fully done—this step brings out loads of savory flavor and ensures every bite of Pancake Sausage Casserole has plenty of hearty sausage bits. Drain any extra fat and set the sausage aside so it’s ready to add to your pancake batter.
Step 3: Make the Pancake Batter
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together your pancake mix, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and the optional ground cinnamon. Whisk until smooth—lumps are totally okay as long as everything’s incorporated. The batter should be pourable but not watery, just like classic pancakes.
Step 4: Fold in the Sausage
Gently stir the cooked, crumbled sausage into your pancake batter. Mix just until the sausage is evenly distributed. This way, you’ll get bits of savory goodness in every forkful of your Pancake Sausage Casserole.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly all the way to the corners. Slide it into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for a golden top and a toothpick that comes out clean when inserted in the center. Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before slicing—it helps everything set up for easy serving.
How to Serve Pancake Sausage Casserole
Garnishes
A classic drizzle of warm maple syrup is a must, pooling into all those pancake-y nooks. For extra flair, consider a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a handful of fresh berries for color and brightness. Chopped nuts add a pleasant crunch too!
Side Dishes
Pair Pancake Sausage Casserole with fresh fruit salad, crisp bacon, or scrambled eggs to round out a robust breakfast spread. A steaming mug of coffee or a fresh-squeezed orange juice makes the whole meal sing, and for brunch, don’t hesitate to add roasted potatoes or a simple green salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra-special brunch, portion the casserole into neat squares and serve on individual plates, garnished with a berry mix. You could also scoop it into mugs or small ramekins for a playful, casual presentation—just remember the extra syrup on the side! If you have kids at the table, offer a toppings bar with mini chocolate chips, fruit, and syrups for a fun, interactive meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Pancake Sausage Casserole (lucky you!), just cover the dish tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually intensify a bit, making day-two breakfast almost as delightful as the first bite!
Freezing
Pancake Sausage Casserole freezes beautifully. Once cooled, cut into individual portions and wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, or pop them into freezer-safe containers. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw portions overnight in the fridge for an easy, heat-and-eat breakfast.
Reheating
Reheat single servings in the microwave for about a minute, or pop the whole casserole—loosely covered—in a 325°F oven until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, add a splash of milk before heating to keep things moist, and always serve with an extra drizzle of maple syrup.
FAQs
Can I make Pancake Sausage Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven as you preheat. This makes it a lifesaver for busy mornings, special occasions, or overnight guests.
What kind of pancake mix works best?
Any basic pancake mix will do the trick, whether it’s classic, whole wheat, or high-protein for an extra boost. If your mix calls for eggs or milk already, just follow the quantities listed in this recipe and don’t double up.
Can I add cheese or switch out the sausage?
Definitely. Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack makes the casserole extra rich and melty. If you want to mix things up, swap in cooked bacon or chicken sausage—either way, you’ll keep that compelling savory-sweet flavor combo.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love the mild, familiar flavors of pancakes and sausage in one dish. For little ones, serve with their favorite fruit or let them choose their own toppings to get them excited about breakfast.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
Look for a golden, gently puffed top, and insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, it’s ready. Overbaking can dry it out, so start checking around the 30-minute mark.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s equal parts hearty, homey, and crowd-friendly, Pancake Sausage Casserole is simply unbeatable. Whether it’s a relaxed weekend, a festive brunch, or a weekday treat, it’s always a hit. Give it a try soon—you might just find it becomes your new breakfast tradition!
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Pancake Sausage Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Pancake Sausage Casserole combines the best of breakfast in one delicious dish. A savory-sweet casserole featuring breakfast sausage, pancake batter, and a hint of maple syrup, perfect for a make-ahead brunch or a satisfying family breakfast.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 2 cups pancake mix
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (plus more for serving)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Nonstick cooking spray or butter for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet, cook the sausage until browned, drain excess fat, and set aside.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together pancake mix, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Fold in the cooked sausage.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the baking dish and bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and set.
- Serve: Let cool, slice, and serve with extra maple syrup.
Notes
- You can prepare this casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight—just bake in the morning.
- Try adding shredded cheddar cheese or swapping sausage for cooked bacon.
- Use a high-protein pancake mix for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
