Pancake Sausage Casserole

A Pancake Sausage Casserole is a delicious and hearty breakfast or brunch dish that combines the savory goodness of sausage with the sweetness of pancakes in a comforting, easy-to-make casserole. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd and can be made ahead of time for a stress-free morning.

Here’s a simple recipe to make this tasty casserole:

Pancake Sausage Casserole

Ingredients:

• For the casserole:

  • 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork, turkey, or your choice)

  • 6 large eggs

  • 2 cups milk

  • 1 1/2 cups pancake mix (like Bisquick or your favorite brand)

  • 1/4 cup maple syrup (plus extra for serving)

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/2 tsp baking powder

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for added flavor)

• For serving:

  • Additional maple syrup

  • Fresh fruit (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

2. Cook the sausage:

   • In a large skillet, cook the breakfast sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary, then set aside.

3. Prepare the pancake batter:

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pancake mix, maple syrup, vanilla extract, salt, and baking powder until smooth and well combined.

4. Layer the casserole:

   • Spread the cooked sausage evenly in the bottom of the greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

   • Pour the pancake batter over the sausage, spreading it out evenly. If you’re using shredded cheese, sprinkle it on top of the batter for extra flavor.

5. Bake:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed up and golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

6. Serve:

   • Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm with extra maple syrup and fresh fruit, if desired.

Tips:

• Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, just bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

• Flavor Variations: Feel free to add extras like sautéed vegetables (like onions or bell peppers), cooked bacon, or different types of cheese (like mozzarella or pepper jack) to the casserole.

• Gluten-Free Option: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, use a gluten-free pancake mix to make this casserole gluten-free.

This Pancake Sausage Casserole is a perfect blend of savory and sweet, making it a great choice for a special breakfast or brunch gathering. Enjoy!