Pancake Sausage Breakfast Bake

Breakfast is often the most important meal of the day, and what better way to start your morning than with a warm, comforting, and easy-to-make dish that combines the best of both worlds? The Pancake Sausage Breakfast Bake is just that—a delicious breakfast casserole that brings together the savory goodness of crumbled sausage with the sweet, fluffy texture of pancake batter. It’s a meal the whole family will love, and it’s ready in just 45 minutes, making it the perfect dish for busy mornings or weekend brunches.

This breakfast bake is incredibly versatile and can be made in advance, making it perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or just a hearty breakfast to fuel you through the day.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

2 cups pancake mix (any brand of your choice, or homemade pancake mix)

1 ½ cups milk

1 large egg

1 lb sausage (crumbled and cooked, preferably breakfast sausage)

Optional: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for an extra savory twist)

1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional for a touch of sweetness)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional for enhanced flavor)

Butter for greasing the baking dish

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break up the sausage into small crumbles as it cooks. Make sure to cook the sausage thoroughly until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Prepare the Pancake Batter

In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups pancake mix, 1 ½ cups milk, and 1 large egg. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth. The batter should be thick but pourable. If you prefer a slightly thinner consistency, you can add a little more milk.

Optionally, add maple syrup and vanilla extract to the pancake batter to give it a touch of extra flavor.

Step 4: Layer the Breakfast Bake

In your prepared baking dish, spread the cooked sausage evenly on the bottom. If you’re using shredded cheddar cheese, sprinkle half of the cheese on top of the sausage.

Pour the pancake batter over the sausage (and cheese, if using). Spread it evenly across the dish so that the sausage is fully covered.

If you have any remaining cheese, sprinkle it on top of the batter.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. You can test the center by inserting a toothpick or a knife—if it comes out clean, the casserole is ready.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, and for an extra touch, drizzle with more maple syrup.

Why You’ll Love Pancake Sausage Breakfast Bake

1. A Perfect Blend of Savory and Sweet

One of the standout features of this dish is how it perfectly combines savory sausage with the sweetness of pancakes. The crumbled sausage adds a savory, flavorful kick, while the pancake batter provides a fluffy, soft texture. If you decide to add cheese, it gives a nice creamy texture and flavor that enhances the overall dish. The combination of sweet and savory in each bite makes it a crowd-pleaser, especially for people who enjoy both flavors at breakfast.

2. Quick and Easy to Make

This breakfast bake is incredibly simple to make and requires very little hands-on time. The most effort you’ll spend is browning the sausage, and the rest is just mixing ingredients and layering them in the pan. Once it’s in the oven, it takes care of itself, so you have time to relax or get other things ready while breakfast bakes.

3. Customizable to Your Tastes

While the base ingredients are simple, you can easily customize the Pancake Sausage Breakfast Bake to your preferences. Here are some fun variations:

Add vegetables: You can throw in some sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach with the sausage for added nutrition and flavor.

Swap the sausage: If you prefer a leaner protein, use turkey sausage or chicken sausage instead of pork.

Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the sausage for a spicy kick.

Add fruit: For a more colorful breakfast, try tossing in some blueberries or sliced bananas into the pancake batter.

Cheese options: Experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar, Swiss, or even cream cheese for a richer texture.

4. Perfect for Feeding a Crowd

This casserole-style breakfast bake is perfect for feeding a group of people. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, serving family members on a holiday morning, or feeding a crowd at a potluck, the Pancake Sausage Breakfast Bake can easily be scaled up and is a guaranteed hit.

5. Great for Meal Prep

Not only is it perfect for a single breakfast, but the Pancake Sausage Breakfast Bake is also an excellent option for meal prepping. Make a big batch on a Sunday, and you can have breakfast ready for the next few days. Simply slice and reheat the portions in the microwave, and you have a quick, satisfying breakfast for busy mornings.

Tips for the Best Pancake Sausage Breakfast Bake

Don’t Overmix the Pancake Batter: When making the pancake batter, be careful not to overmix it. Overmixing can cause the pancakes to be dense and heavy. Stir the ingredients until they’re just combined for the fluffiest texture.

Use Quality Sausage: The sausage is the star of this dish, so make sure to use a good quality sausage. You can opt for spicy sausage for a kick or a mild sausage if you prefer a more neutral flavor.

Check for Doneness: While baking, the pancake batter can sometimes remain a bit soft in the middle. If the edges are golden and the middle is still jiggly, it’s probably not done yet. Allow it to bake for a few more minutes until the middle is set.

Use a Glass or Ceramic Dish: Using a glass or ceramic baking dish helps with even baking. Metal pans can sometimes heat too quickly, which may cause uneven results.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty casserole is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with:

Fresh fruit: A side of berries or citrus fruits adds a fresh, light contrast to the richness of the bake.

Crispy bacon or ham: If you’re craving more protein, serve the bake alongside crispy bacon or slices of ham.

A drizzle of maple syrup: For those who like a little extra sweetness, drizzle some pure maple syrup over the top before serving.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Breakfast Bake

The Pancake Sausage Breakfast Bake is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, and it’s quick and easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, hosting a brunch, or preparing breakfast for the family, this dish will always hit the spot. It’s hearty, flavorful, and customizable to suit every taste, making it an ideal dish for busy mornings, special occasions, or simply indulging in a comforting breakfast at home.

Try making this dish today and enjoy a delicious, satisfying breakfast that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

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