Pancake Sausage Casserole is the ultimate breakfast convenience, a ingenious dish that transforms the classic morning duo of fluffy pancakes and savory sausage into a hearty, all-in-one bake that is perfect for feeding a crowd. This recipe brilliantly layers a simple, sweet pancake batter with crumbled, cooked breakfast sausage, creating a satisfying contrast of flavors and textures in every single bite. The magic happens in the oven, where the batter rises around the sausage, baking into a golden, cake-like layer that is subtly infused with the maple syrup drizzled over the top. It’s the perfect solution for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or even breakfast-for-dinner, offering all the comforting flavors you love without the need to stand over a griddle, flipping pancakes one by one.
What makes this casserole truly special is its incredible versatility and make-ahead potential. The preparation is straightforward and forgiving, making it an ideal project for novice cooks or a fun recipe to prepare with family. The optional addition of cinnamon to the batter introduces a warm, spiced note that beautifully complements the maple and sausage. As it bakes, the casserole puffs up slightly, with the top becoming lightly golden and crisp while the interior remains moist and tender. The result is a dish that is both familiar and novel—a cross between a savory bread pudding, a fluffy pancake, and a satisfying sausage patty, all baked into a convenient, sliceable format. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Feeds a Crowd Effortlessly: Bake a entire breakfast at once in a single dish, perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or house guests.
• No More Flipping Pancakes: Enjoy all the flavor of pancakes without the hassle of cooking them individually on a griddle.
• Perfect Make-Ahead Breakfast: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate, then simply bake it in the morning for a stress-free meal.
• Customizable Base: Easily adapt this recipe by adding ingredients like shredded cheese, diced apples, or blueberries to the batter.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 2 cups complete “just-add-water” pancake mix
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2% recommended for richness)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (plus more for serving)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Butter or non-stick cooking spray, for greasing
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking the casserole through without over-browning the top too quickly. Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
• In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula into small crumbles. Cook until it is evenly browned and no longer pink. Drain the excess fat thoroughly in a colander. This step is crucial to prevent a greasy casserole.
Step 3: Prepare the Pancake Batter
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the pancake mix, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and the optional teaspoon of cinnamon. Whisk together until the ingredients are just combined. It is important not to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine and will ensure a tender texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole in Layers
• Pour approximately half of the prepared pancake batter into the bottom of the greased baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
• Evenly distribute the drained, cooked sausage crumbles over the layer of batter.
• Carefully pour the remaining half of the pancake batter over the sausage layer, trying to cover it as evenly as possible. It’s okay if some sausage peaks through.
Step 5: Add the Sweet Topping
• Drizzle the ½ cup of maple syrup evenly over the entire top of the casserole. Then, drizzle the ¼ cup of melted butter over the syrup.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. The casserole is done when the top is a deep golden brown, the edges are pulling away from the sides of the pan, and a toothpick or knife inserted into the center of the pancake layer comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
• Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows it to set slightly, making it easier to cut into neat squares. Serve warm with extra maple syrup on the side.
Tips:
• Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the pancake batter will develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough, dense casserole instead of a light and fluffy one. Mix until the dry ingredients are just moistened.
• Drain the Sausage Well: Taking the time to drain the cooked sausage on paper towels after browning will significantly improve the final texture of your casserole.
• Test for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary. Start checking for doneness at the 30-minute mark. The center should be fully set and not jiggly.
• Make it Ahead: For an easy morning, assemble the entire casserole (through step 5), cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes while the oven preheats, then bake as directed.
Storage Options:
• Refrigerator: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 60-90 seconds until warmed through. For a crisper top, reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes very well. Cool completely, then cut into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the microwave (remove foil) or in the oven.
Pancake Sausage Casserole is the ultimate breakfast game-changer, combining convenience, comfort, and crowd-feeding power into one delicious, sliceable dish. It’s a surefire way to make any morning feel special. Enjoy
