Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: Uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Flavorful Layers: The savory sausage pairs perfectly with sweet maple syrup and soft pancakes.
- Versatile: Great for feeding a crowd or making ahead for busy mornings.
- Customizable: Add your favorite spices or toppings to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups pancake mix
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- 1 egg
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- ½ cup maple syrup (plus more for serving)
- Butter or oil for greasing the skillet
Directions
Cook the Sausage
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked.
- Drain excess fat and set the sausage aside.
Prepare Pancake Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, milk, and egg until smooth.
- Let the batter sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
Cook Pancakes
- Heat a lightly oiled skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Pour portions of batter into the skillet to make small to medium pancakes.
- Cook until bubbles form and edges look set, then flip and cook until golden brown on the other side.
- Repeat until you have at least 6 pancakes for layering.
Assemble Casserole
- Grease a baking dish.
- Layer pancakes, cooked sausage, and a drizzle of maple syrup in the dish. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a pancake on top.
- Optionally, pour a bit more maple syrup over the top layer.
Bake (Optional but Recommended)
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the casserole for 10–15 minutes to meld flavors and warm through.
Serve
- Slice and serve warm with additional maple syrup on the side.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes (including optional baking)
- Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes
Variations
- Add chopped apples or blueberries between layers for extra sweetness.
- Use turkey sausage or plant-based sausage for a leaner or vegetarian version.
- Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg into the pancake batter for a warm spice flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat individual slices in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it fresh in the morning.
What kind of pancake mix should I use?
Any standard pancake mix works well; feel free to use gluten-free if needed.
Can I use homemade pancake batter instead of mix?
Absolutely! Use your favorite homemade pancake recipe in place of the mix.
Is it necessary to bake the casserole?
Baking is optional but helps the flavors meld and warms the dish evenly. You can skip it if short on time.
Can I add cheese to this casserole?
Yes, adding shredded cheese between layers adds a savory twist.
How do I prevent the pancakes from becoming soggy?
Layer pancakes and sausage with a bit of maple syrup to keep them moist but not soggy. Baking also helps set the layers.
Can I substitute the breakfast sausage?
Yes, other sausages like chicken or plant-based varieties work great.
How should I serve this casserole?
Serve warm with extra maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a side of eggs for a complete breakfast.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Freezing is possible but may affect the texture of the pancakes. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Can I make this casserole spicy?
Add some chopped jalapeños to the sausage while cooking or sprinkle cayenne pepper into the pancake batter.
Conclusion
This Pancake Sausage Casserole is a delicious, easy-to-make breakfast that brings together sweet and savory in a comforting layered dish. Whether for a special brunch or a weekend family meal, it’s sure to become a favorite that everyone will ask for again.
Pancake Sausage Casserole
A comforting breakfast casserole combining fluffy pancakes, savory sausage, and sweet maple syrup into a delicious layered dish perfect for brunch or any hearty meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Skillet cooking and baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups pancake mix
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- 1 egg
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- ½ cup maple syrup (plus more for serving)
- Butter or oil for greasing the skillet
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together pancake mix, milk, and egg until smooth. Let batter sit 5 minutes.
- Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. Pour batter to make small to medium pancakes. Cook until bubbles form and edges set, flip and cook until golden brown. Make at least 6 pancakes.
- Grease a baking dish. Layer pancakes, cooked sausage, and drizzle maple syrup. Repeat layers, finishing with a pancake on top. Optionally, pour more maple syrup on top.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake casserole 10-15 minutes to meld flavors and warm through (optional).
- Slice and serve warm with additional maple syrup.
Notes
- Add chopped apples or blueberries between layers for sweetness.
- Use turkey or plant-based sausage for leaner or vegetarian options.
- Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg into pancake batter for warm spice.
- Adding shredded cheese between layers adds a savory twist.
- To keep pancakes from soggy texture, layer with syrup moderately and bake to set layers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
