Oh, mornings! As a mom of three, I know the beautiful chaos they bring. Between lost socks and spilled milk, getting a nourishing breakfast on the table can feel like a marathon.
That’s why I absolutely adore recipes that simplify our lives without sacrificing flavor or the feeling of a big, warm hug. Enter the star of our breakfast show: the Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a game-changer.
I first stumbled upon the idea when trying to combine my kids’ love for pancakes with my need for a hearty, protein-packed start to the day. The result? A single dish that brings together fluffy pancakes and savory sausage in a comforting, easy-to-make casserole.
My family instantly fell in love with this Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole, and I know yours will too. It makes busy mornings a breeze and lazy weekend brunches feel extra special.
Table of Contents
Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole
- Total Time: 65 mins
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole is a game-changer for busy mornings and special brunches. It combines fluffy pancakes, savory sausage, and cheesy goodness into one comforting and easy-to-make dish. It's simple to prepare, a fantastic make-ahead option, and offers a delicious sweet and savory flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults.
Ingredients
2 cups Pancake Mix
1.5 cups Milk
2 large Eggs
1 lb Cooked Breakfast Sausage
1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
0.5 cup Maple Syrup
2 tbsp Butter
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly
- Brown and crumble your breakfast sausage in a skillet. Drain any excess fat
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract (if using) until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are fine
- Pour half of the pancake batter into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly
- Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the batter. Then, generously spread the shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage layer
- Carefully pour the remaining pancake batter over the cheese and sausage. Gently spread it to cover
- Drizzle the ½ cup of maple syrup evenly over the top of the casserole
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clea
- Let the Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving
Notes
Don't overmix the pancake batter; mix until just combined to avoid developing gluten and leading to a tougher casserole.
Grease your baking dish generously to prevent sticking and for easy serving.
Fully cook and drain your sausage before adding it to the casserole to prevent a greasy final product.
Use real maple syrup for the best flavor.
Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set for cleaner slices.
Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat individual servings, microwave until heated through. For larger portions, cover with foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven.
You can freeze individual slices for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
Keywords: Pancake, Sausage, Casserole, Breakfast, Brunch, Make-ahead, Easy, Family-friendly, Sweet and Savory
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
This Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole truly hits all the right notes for busy families. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. You assemble it, bake it, and breakfast is served!
This Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole is also a fantastic make-ahead option, perfect for meal prepping. Imagine waking up to a delicious, hot breakfast without any morning fuss. Furthermore, this Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole combines sweet and savory flavors beautifully, appealing to everyone.
Kids devour the fluffy pancakes, and adults appreciate the savory sausage and cheesy goodness. It’s a complete meal in one pan, and the clean-up is minimal. This Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole simplifies breakfast, making it enjoyable and stress-free.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pancake Mix (your favorite kind) | 2 cups |
| Milk | 1 ½ cups |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Cooked Breakfast Sausage (crumbled) | 1 lb |
| Shredded Cheddar Cheese | 1 cup |
| Maple Syrup | ½ cup, plus more for serving |
| Butter (melted) | 2 tbsp |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp (optional) |
SUBSTITUTIONS & VARIATIONS
This Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole is wonderfully versatile. You can easily adapt it to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs. For the sausage, consider using turkey sausage or plant-based sausage for a lighter option.
If you prefer a bit of spice in your Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole, use a hot breakfast sausage. You can also swap out the cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or a Colby-Jack blend. For a gluten-free Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole, simply use a gluten-free pancake mix.
Feel free to add in some cooked, diced bell peppers or onions with the sausage for extra flavor and nutrients. A sprinkle of blueberries or chocolate chips in the pancake batter before baking transforms this Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole into an even sweeter treat. This Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole truly welcomes customization.
Exploring versatility in recipes allows for wonderful dietary adaptations, ensuring everyone can enjoy a satisfying meal. If you’re keen on discovering more flexible recipes that cater to specific dietary needs, especially low-carb options, check out this incredible Zero Carb Yogurt Bread.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Creating your amazing Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole is straightforward.
- 1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly.
- 2. Cook Sausage: Brown and crumble your breakfast sausage in a skillet. Drain any excess fat.
- 3. Mix Pancake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract (if using) until just combined. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are fine. This creates the fluffy base for your Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole.
- 4. Assemble Casserole: Pour half of the pancake batter into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly.
- 5. Add Fillings: Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the batter. Then, generously spread the shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage layer.
- 6. Top with Batter: Carefully pour the remaining pancake batter over the cheese and sausage. Gently spread it to cover.
- 7. Add Maple Syrup: Drizzle the ½ cup of maple syrup evenly over the top of the casserole. This sweet touch enhances the Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole.
- 8. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- 9. Serve: Let the Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
PRO TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Achieve the perfect Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole with these simple tips.
* Don’t Overmix: When making the pancake batter, mix until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tougher Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole.
* Grease Generously: Ensure your baking dish is well-greased to prevent sticking and for easy serving. This is crucial for a smooth removal of your Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole.
* Pre-cook Sausage: Fully cook and drain your sausage before adding it to the casserole.
This prevents a greasy final product.
* Maple Syrup Quality: Use real maple syrup for the best flavor. It makes a significant difference in your Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole.
* Rest Before Serving: Allow the Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps it set, making for cleaner slices.
Mastering these simple techniques ensures your pancake base is perfectly fluffy every time, setting the stage for an unforgettable casserole. For even more detailed guidance and to perfect your pancake-making skills, you might love our Easy Fluffy American Pancakes Recipe.
STORAGE & REHEATING TIPS
This Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole stores beautifully, making it excellent for leftovers. Store any remaining Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat individual servings, simply microwave until heated through.
For larger portions, cover with foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven until hot. You can also freeze slices of Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole for up to 2 months. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat. This convenience makes the Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole a breakfast MVP.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS RECIPE
Elevate your Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole experience with delightful accompaniments.
Serve extra warm maple syrup on the side for those who enjoy a sweeter touch. A fresh fruit salad provides a lovely contrast to the richness of the Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole.
Consider serving with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra fancy presentation. A side of crispy bacon or extra sausage links would also complement the Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole perfectly for a hearty brunch.
Considering various accompaniments helps create a well-rounded meal, ensuring every bite is complemented. Expanding your repertoire of comforting, savory dishes that satisfy the whole family might lead you to enjoy a classic like Chicken and Dumplings with Cheddar Bay Biscuits.
FAQS
Can I make Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole is a fantastic make-ahead option. Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate.
Bake it fresh in the morning! This makes the Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole ideal for busy mornings.
What kind of pancake mix works best for this Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole?
Any standard pancake mix works wonderfully. You can use buttermilk, complete, or your favorite whole-grain mix. Just follow the liquid ratios specified for the Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole batter.
Can I add vegetables to this Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole?
Yes, you certainly can! Cooked and diced bell peppers, onions, or even spinach would be delicious additions to your Fluffy Pancake Sausage Casserole. Add them with the sausage layer.
A breakfast casserole, like this fluffy pancake and sausage creation, is a popular dish often prepared in advance and baked, making it ideal for gatherings or busy mornings. These types of casseroles typically combine proteins, starches, and dairy, baked together for a convenient and hearty start to the day, reflecting a long tradition of oven-baked casserole meals.
NUTRITION INFORMATION (PER SERVING)
(Estimates based on 8 servings. Actual values may vary based on ingredients used.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 22g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Sodium | 950mg |