This Sausage Pancake Breakfast Casserole is a warm and tasty treat! It combines fluffy pancakes and savory sausage into one perfect dish, making breakfast feel special every day.
I love how easy it is to whip up this casserole. Just mix, bake, and enjoy! It’s great for feeding a crowd or just for a cozy morning at home. Who doesn’t love pancakes for breakfast, right? 🥞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Breakfast Sausage: You can use either mild or spicy sausage depending on your taste. If you want a healthier option, try turkey sausage or plant-based sausage for a lighter dish. I often mix them for a balanced flavor.
Pancake Mix: Using a store-bought pancake mix is super convenient. You can also make your own mix with flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. If gluten-free is a must, look for gluten-free pancake mixes; they work well in this recipe too!
Cheddar Cheese: I enjoy sharp cheddar in this casserole for a stronger flavor. However, feel free to use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a blend of your favorite cheeses. Don’t forget to reserve some cheese for topping for a delicious crust!
Eggs: For a dairy-free option, use flax eggs or chia eggs. Just mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes. It gives similar binding effects!
How Can I Ensure My Casserole is Fluffy and Not Dense?
Getting that fluffy texture is key for this casserole! Here are some tips:
- Don’t overmix the pancake batter; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can make it dense.
- Let the batter rest for about 5 minutes after mixing. This helps the gluten relax and leads to fluffier pancakes.
- Make sure the sausage is well-drained; leftover fat can make the dish greasy instead of fluffy.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is different. If it sets too long, it might become dry.
With these tips, your casserole will come out fluffy and delightful! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
How to Make Sausage Pancake Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, your preference)
- 2 cups pancake mix (or homemade pancake batter)
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 tsp baking powder (if not in your pancake mix)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 35-45 minutes of baking time. Add another 5-10 minutes to cool before serving. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 10 minutes from start to table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Don’t forget to grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it’s browned and crumbled. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside.
3. Make the Batter:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, milk, eggs, baking powder (if needed), salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined. No over-mixing, please—some lumps are okay!
4. Layer the Batter:
Now it’s time to build your casserole! Spread half of the pancake batter evenly in your prepared baking dish. This will be the bottom layer of deliciousness!
5. Add Sausage and Cheese:
Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage over the batter layer. Then, layer half of your shredded cheddar cheese on top. Yum!
6. Finish with More Batter:
Pour the remaining pancake batter over this cheesy goodness, spreading it gently to cover everything. Then, top it off with the rest of the sausage and cheese.
7. Bake:
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 35-45 minutes. It’s ready when the casserole is set, golden on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This will make serving a lot easier!
9. Garnish:
If you want, sprinkle some chopped parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and flavor. Now you can serve this warm, delicious breakfast treat that everyone will love!
Enjoy your yummy Sausage Pancake Breakfast Casserole! Perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings!
Can I Use Turkey Sausage Instead of Pork Sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great lower-fat alternative and works wonderfully in this casserole. Just cook it the same way you would pork sausage until it’s browned and crumbled.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before! Just assemble it in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. In the morning, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach for extra nutrition. You can mix them in with the sausage before layering. Just ensure any added ingredients are cooked through before adding them to the casserole.
