This Pancake Sausage Casserole is the perfect balance of savory and sweet, with fluffy pancakes and crumbly sausage all baked together into one delicious casserole. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and drizzled with maple syrup, it’s the ultimate breakfast comfort food.
Perfect for weekends with family or serving at a brunch gathering, this dish is hearty enough to keep everyone satisfied. You can also tweak it to your liking by adding veggies or different cheese varieties for a personalized twist. Whether you make it ahead or bake it fresh, this casserole will definitely be the star of your breakfast table.
Full Recipe:
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1 lb breakfast sausage
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1 cup pancake mix
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1 cup milk
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2 large eggs
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional for drizzle)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbly. Drain the excess fat and set the sausage aside.
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In a mixing bowl, combine the pancake mix, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk until smooth.
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Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the pancake batter into the dish.
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Evenly distribute the cooked sausage over the pancake batter.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is set and lightly golden brown on top.
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Remove from the oven and top with shredded cheddar cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese has melted.
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Drizzle with maple syrup if desired before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 400 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Introduction to Pancake Sausage Casserole
Pancake Sausage Casserole is a delicious twist on your traditional breakfast. Combining the fluffiness of pancakes with savory sausage and melted cheese, it creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Ideal for a family breakfast or a brunch gathering, this casserole is hearty, satisfying, and incredibly easy to prepare. The best part is that it can be customized to suit your taste preferences, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in countless ways.
Background of Pancake Sausage Casserole
Originating from the idea of combining classic breakfast favorites, Pancake Sausage Casserole was created as a way to serve both pancakes and sausage in one dish, without the hassle of cooking them separately. It’s become a favorite in many households due to its simplicity and the ability to feed a large group of people with minimal effort. The dish is typically made with pancake batter poured over cooked sausage, baked until golden and bubbly, and often topped with cheese for added richness.
What makes Pancake Sausage Casserole so appealing is the ability to combine the best of both worlds—pancakes’ light, fluffy texture and the savory, comforting flavor of sausage. This fusion of flavors has made it a go-to for those looking for something hearty and delicious to kick off their day.
Health Benefits of Pancake Sausage Casserole
While Pancake Sausage Casserole is often seen as a comfort food indulgence, it can also offer certain health benefits. When made with quality ingredients, it provides a good source of protein from the sausage and eggs. The pancakes themselves can be made with whole-grain flour to add fiber to the dish. If you opt for leaner sausage or use turkey sausage, you can reduce the fat content while still maintaining the savory flavor.
The casserole can also be made healthier by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to increase the fiber and vitamin content. Adding these extra ingredients can help balance out the dish and make it a more well-rounded meal. You can even swap regular cheese for a lighter option like reduced-fat cheese to keep the calories in check without compromising on flavor.
Tips for Customization
One of the best things about Pancake Sausage Casserole is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your dietary needs or personal taste preferences. Here are a few ideas for making the dish your own:
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Change up the protein: Instead of traditional pork sausage, you can opt for turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative for a lighter or meat-free version.
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Add vegetables: Boost the nutritional value of the casserole by adding your favorite vegetables. Spinach, bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms can easily be mixed into the sausage before baking.
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Experiment with cheeses: While cheddar is the go-to cheese for this casserole, you can try different varieties like mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda for a unique flavor twist.
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Use different pancake mixes: You can experiment with different types of pancake mixes, including gluten-free, whole-wheat, or even protein-packed pancake flour for a healthier take on the dish.
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Top with syrup: While the casserole is savory on its own, a drizzle of maple syrup on top before serving can elevate the flavor and provide a perfect sweet contrast to the richness of the sausage and cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Pancake Sausage Casserole is perfect for any breakfast or brunch occasion. Here are some great ways to serve it:
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For a brunch spread: Serve the casserole alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and a side of crispy bacon or toast. The balance of sweet and savory will keep your guests coming back for more.
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Family-style breakfast: This dish is hearty enough to be a standalone meal. Just serve it with a hot cup of coffee or fresh orange juice for the perfect start to your day.
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Add a side salad: For a lighter option, pair the casserole with a fresh green salad or a side of sautéed veggies. This will balance out the richness of the casserole and add a fresh touch to your meal.
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Perfect for meal prep: If you want to make this casserole ahead of time, you can prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just bake it and enjoy a stress-free breakfast the next morning.
Conclusion
Pancake Sausage Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that offers both flavor and convenience. Its combination of savory sausage, fluffy pancakes, and melted cheese makes it a dish loved by everyone. Plus, with so many ways to customize it, you can make this casserole fit any taste preference or dietary need. Whether you’re preparing it for a family breakfast or a brunch with friends, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and discover how easily this dish can become a new favorite in your breakfast repertoire.
If you’re looking for a hearty and filling breakfast, this dish is the perfect option. You can make it ahead of time, customize it with your favorite ingredients, and serve it for any occasion. It’s an all-in-one breakfast solution that brings together all the flavors you love in a single dish. So, next time you’re in the mood for something different, whip up a batch of Pancake Sausage Casserole, and enjoy the comfort and satisfaction it brings!