My fondest childhood memories always seem to circle back to the kitchen, especially weekend mornings. The smell of frying sausage would waft through the house, pulling everyone out of bed and into the promise of a delicious meal. It wasn’t just about the food; it was about the feeling of togetherness, the laughter, and the cozy warmth that filled our home.
There was one particular dish that always stood out, a delightful concoction my mom called “breakfast surprise.” Now, I realize it was her clever way of using up leftover pancakes, but it always felt like a special treat. Today, I’m sharing my version of that heartwarming meal with you: the pancake sausage casserole.
Why you’ll love this Pancake Sausage Casserole
- This pancake sausage casserole is a crowd-pleaser perfect for weekend brunch or a simple weeknight dinner.
- It combines the fluffy sweetness of pancakes with the savory goodness of sausage and cheese for a truly satisfying experience.
- It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and readily available ingredients.
- The recipe is versatile! Feel free to customize it with your favorite cheeses, spices, or even add vegetables for extra nutrients.
- This casserole is a fantastic way to use up leftover pancakes, reducing food waste and creating a brand new dish.
- Plus, the pancake sausage casserole is easily stored and reheated, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 12 pre-made pancakes, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Maple syrup, for serving (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the pancake sausage casserole from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar. Ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated for a smooth and even batter.
Step 3
Spread the cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage evenly in the prepared baking dish. This creates a flavorful base for the casserole.
Step 4
Arrange the pancake pieces over the sausage in the baking dish. Try to distribute them evenly so every bite has a taste of pancake goodness.
Step 5
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the pancakes and sausage. Make sure the egg mixture saturates the pancakes for a moist and delicious casserole.
Step 6
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Don’t be shy with the cheese! It adds a wonderful creamy and savory element.
Step 7
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the cheese is melted and bubbly. A golden-brown top indicates the casserole is ready.
Step 8
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup, if desired. Allowing it to cool slightly helps it to set and makes it easier to slice.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
Want to add a little kick to your pancake sausage casserole? Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture. The subtle heat will complement the sweetness of the pancakes and the savory sausage beautifully.
For a vegetarian option, substitute the breakfast sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions. It’s a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy this casserole without the meat.
You can also experiment with different cheeses! Try using a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a milder flavor, or pepper jack for a spicier twist. The possibilities are endless!
Pairings
This pancake sausage casserole is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. A fresh fruit salad provides a bright and refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole. Berries, melon, and grapes are excellent choices.
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can also balance out the flavors. The acidity of the dressing will cut through the richness of the casserole, creating a harmonious meal.
For a complete brunch spread, consider serving the casserole alongside https://forkhaven.com/easy-spinach-artichoke-dip-recipe/. The creamy dip and the savory casserole make a delicious combination.
Serving ideas
For a beautiful presentation, garnish the pancake sausage casserole with fresh parsley or chives. The vibrant green color adds a touch of elegance.
Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish for a rustic and homey feel. Alternatively, you can slice it into individual portions and arrange them on a platter.
Don’t forget the maple syrup! It’s the perfect finishing touch for this sweet and savory dish. You can also offer other toppings like whipped cream, fresh berries, or chopped nuts.
Want to elevate your breakfast game? Check out this Classic Christmas Toffee Recipe from Cook Reel, guaranteed to impress your guests. This sweet treat perfectly complements the savory nature of our casserole.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Store leftover pancake sausage casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Properly stored, it retains its flavor and texture well.
To freeze the casserole, let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When ready to eat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Make-ahead
You can assemble the pancake sausage casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. This is a great time-saver for busy mornings. Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and bake as directed in the morning.
Alternatively, you can cook the sausage and cut the pancakes in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the casserole.
For a quicker breakfast, bake the casserole and then cut it into individual portions. These portions can be easily reheated in the microwave for a convenient and delicious meal.
Common mistakes when making Pancake Sausage Casserole
- Not greasing the baking dish properly: This can cause the casserole to stick and make it difficult to serve. Be sure to grease the dish thoroughly with cooking spray or butter.
- Overbaking the casserole: This can result in a dry and tough texture. Check for doneness after 30 minutes and adjust the baking time as needed.
- Using soggy pancakes: Ensure your pancakes are not overly saturated with syrup or moisture before adding them to the casserole. This can make the casserole too soggy.
- Not distributing the sausage evenly: This can lead to some bites being overwhelmingly sausage-flavored while others have none. Spread the sausage evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
- Skipping the cooling period: Cutting into the casserole immediately after baking can cause it to fall apart. Allow it to cool for a few minutes to set properly.
Final notes
I hope this pancake sausage casserole brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine over the years. It’s a simple dish, but it’s packed with flavor and memories.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and toppings to make it your own. Cooking should be fun and creative, so let your imagination run wild!
Now, gather your ingredients and get ready to create a breakfast masterpiece. I’m confident you and your loved ones will enjoy every bite of this delicious and comforting casserole.
Loved this Pancake Sausage Casserole? Try these next
- Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole Recipe
- Easy Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
- Zesty Mexican Shrimp Ceviche
- Food Court Glazed Chicken Recipe
- Classic Christmas Toffee Recipe
Pancake Sausage Casserole
A savory and sweet breakfast casserole featuring fluffy pancakes, flavorful sausage, and melted cheese. Perfect for a weekend brunch or easy weeknight dinner!
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 12 pre-made pancakes, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Maple syrup, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar.
- Spread the cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange the pancake pieces over the sausage in the baking dish.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the pancakes and sausage.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup, if desired.
Notes
For a sweeter casserole, add 1/4 cup of maple syrup to the egg mixture. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can substitute the cheddar cheese with your favorite cheese blend. For a different flavor profile, try using different spices such as cardamom or ginger.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 200mg