If you’re dreaming of a hearty breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ve found your new favorite: this Pancake Sausage Casserole Recipe. It’s a delightful layered dish where fluffy pancakes meet savory sausage and melty cheddar, all kissed with a drizzle of maple syrup. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a special occasion breakfast, this casserole brings together comfort and convenience in every delicious bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, yet essential ingredients. Each element plays a starring role, bringing a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color—from the savory sausage to the fluffy pancake batter and the gooey cheddar cheese topping.
- Breakfast sausage: Provides savory richness and a satisfying meaty texture.
- All-purpose flour: The base for your pancake batter, ensuring fluffiness.
- Baking powder: Helps the batter rise beautifully in the oven.
- Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that complements the sausage.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Eggs: Bind the batter together and give structure.
- Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and tender.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a gentle aromatic sweetness.
- Melted butter: Adds richness and tender crumb to the batter.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Creates a deliciously gooey, savory layer.
- Maple syrup: Drizzled on top for a touch of sweet harmony.
How to Make Pancake Sausage Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Sausage
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish so the casserole won’t stick. Then, cook your breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat until it’s perfectly browned and fully cooked, making sure to drain excess fat for a cleaner flavor.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
While the sausage is cooling, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. This dry mix will form the fluffy pancake base for your casserole.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
Beat the eggs in a separate bowl, then stir in the milk and vanilla extract. This mixture adds moisture and a subtle hint of warmth to your batter.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry mix, stirring gently until just combined — don’t overmix! Then, fold in the melted butter for that tender, buttery crumb that makes pancakes irresistible.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Pour half the pancake batter evenly into your prepared baking dish. Next, sprinkle the cooked sausage across this base layer, followed by a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Finally, pour the remaining batter over the cheese, smoothing it out with a spatula carefully.
Step 6: Add the Sweet Finishing Touch and Bake
Drizzle the top with maple syrup to infuse each bite with a wonderful sweet-savory contrast. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow your Pancake Sausage Casserole Recipe to cool slightly before slicing. This resting time helps the layers set, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
How to Serve Pancake Sausage Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley can add a hint of color and freshness, while a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese elevates the richness. A few crispy bacon bits on top can also create a delectable crunch sensation.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad or roasted veggies to balance the savory flavors. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can also be a refreshing companion on the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in ramekins for a charming brunch presentation or layer the casserole with different cheeses for a fun twist. You can even swap breakfast sausage for spicy chorizo or add sautéed mushrooms to customize this Pancake Sausage Casserole Recipe to your taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop nicely overnight, making it a tasty next-day breakfast or snack.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place portions in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual pieces, but baking helps maintain that lovely crispy top.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of breakfast sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage offers a leaner option and still provides plenty of savory flavor, just make sure it’s cooked thoroughly before assembling the casserole.
Can I add vegetables to the Pancake Sausage Casserole Recipe?
Yes! Spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms sautéed lightly before adding to the layers give extra nutrition and a flavor boost without overpowering the dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works for pancakes. Just ensure your baking powder is gluten-free for the best results.
Can I prepare the casserole the night before?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. When ready, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed. It’s a great time saver for busy mornings.
What’s the best maple syrup to use?
Pure maple syrup is ideal because it has rich, natural sweetness that complements the savory sausage perfectly. Avoid overly processed or flavored syrups for the best taste.
Final Thoughts
This Pancake Sausage Casserole Recipe has become one of my cherished go-to dishes whenever I want to impress or simply enjoy a comforting breakfast without fuss. Its layers of fluffy pancakes, savory sausage, and melted cheddar, combined with the sweetness of maple syrup, are sure to become a beloved family classic. Give it a try and watch it disappear from the table!
Print
Pancake Sausage Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pancake Sausage Casserole is a delicious, hearty breakfast dish that combines fluffy pancake batter with savory breakfast sausage and melted cheddar cheese, all baked together and topped with a drizzle of maple syrup. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd and offers a delightful twist on traditional pancakes.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Other
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well combined.
- Prepare Wet Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly. Add the milk and vanilla extract to the eggs and mix well to combine.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light.
- Add Butter: Stir the melted butter into the batter until it is smooth and evenly incorporated.
- Layer Batter: Pour half of the pancake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to cover the bottom layer.
- Add Sausage: Evenly sprinkle the cooked sausage over the batter layer in the dish.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sausage layer to add richness and flavor.
- Top with Batter: Carefully pour the remaining pancake batter over the cheese and sausage layers, spreading it evenly to cover all layers.
- Drizzle Syrup: Drizzle the maple syrup evenly over the top layer of batter to add sweetness.
- Bake Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly for a few minutes before slicing and serving warm.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- For extra flavor, add chopped green onions or herbs to the batter.
- This casserole can be made the night before and baked in the morning for convenience.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.
- If you prefer, use a non-dairy milk alternative to make it dairy-free (omit or substitute butter accordingly).
