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This make-ahead pancake casserole with sausage transforms your favorite breakfast flavors into an effortless baked dish that feeds a crowd! Perfect for busy mornings, holiday brunches, or meal prep, this breakfast casserole with pancake mix delivers all the comfort of traditional pancakes and sausage in one convenient pan.
The best part? You can assemble this pancake and sausage bake the night before and simply pop it in the oven when you wake up. No more standing over the stove flipping individual pancakes while your family waits!
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Table of Contents
Why This Pancake Casserole Recipe Works
Unlike traditional pancakes that require constant attention, this sausage pancake recipe bakes hands-free in the oven. The fluffy pancake base soaks up all the savory sausage flavors, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory in every bite.
This recipe serves 8-10 people generously, making it ideal for:
- Weekend family breakfasts
- Holiday morning gatherings
- Meal prep for the week
- Potluck brunches
- Overnight guests
Ingredients for Pancake Casserole with Sausage
For the Sausage Layer:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 1 medium onion, diced (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pancake Base:
- 2 cups pancake mix (Bisquick, Krusteaz, or homemade)
- 1 1/3 cups whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Assembly:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup for drizzling
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing
How to Make Pancake Casserole with Sausage
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the breakfast sausage, breaking it into bite-sized pieces as it browns. If using onion, add it during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Drain excess grease thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Pancake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, milk, eggs, melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until just combined. Don’t overmix – a few lumps are perfectly fine and will ensure tender pancakes.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Spread the cooked sausage evenly across the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle both cheeses over the sausage layer. Carefully pour the pancake batter over the top, using a spatula to spread it evenly. The batter should cover the sausage and cheese completely.
Step 4: Add Final Touches
Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of maple syrup over the top of the batter in a decorative pattern. This creates beautiful caramelized spots and adds extra sweetness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The edges should be slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan.
Serving Your Pancake Casserole with Sausage
Let the pancake casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting to allow it to set properly. Cut into squares and serve warm with:
- Additional maple syrup
- Fresh butter
- Powdered sugar dusting
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream for special occasions
This breakfast casserole with pancake mix reheats beautifully! Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 45-60 seconds, or reheat the entire casserole covered with foil at 300°F for 15-20 minutes.
Make-Ahead Instructions | Pancake Casserole with Sausage
One of the biggest advantages of this pancake and sausage bake is that you can prepare it completely the night before:
- Follow steps 1-4 completely
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight
- Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to bring to room temperature
- Remove plastic wrap and bake as directed (may need an extra 5-10 minutes)
Expert Tips for the Best Pancake Casserole with Sausage
Sausage Selection: Use a high-quality breakfast sausage with good flavor. Jimmy Dean, Bob Evans, or your local butcher’s sausage work wonderfully. For a healthier option, turkey sausage works just as well.
Cheese Combinations: Sharp cheddar provides tang while mozzarella adds creaminess. You can substitute with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even cream cheese for ultra-rich results.
Pancake Mix Flexibility: Any pancake mix works, but avoid “complete” mixes that only require water. The added eggs and milk create a more custard-like texture that’s perfect for casseroles.
Texture Tips: For extra fluffy results, separate your eggs and whip the whites to soft peaks before folding them into the batter.
Flavor Variations: Add diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or green onions to the sausage for extra flavor and color.
Nutritional Benefits | Pancake Casserole with Sausage
This sausage pancake recipe provides:
- High-quality protein from sausage and eggs
- Calcium from cheese and milk
- Energy-sustaining carbohydrates
- Customizable nutrition based on your ingredient choices
Frequently Asked Questions | Pancake Casserole with Sausage
Can I freeze pancake casserole? Yes! Wrap cooled, cooked casserole tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat covered at 300°F.
What if I don’t have pancake mix? Make your own with 2 cups flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt.
Can I make this vegetarian? Absolutely! Replace sausage with vegetarian breakfast sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or diced vegetables.
How do I know when it’s done? The top should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched. A toothpick should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Can I double this recipe? Yes! Use two 9×13 pans or one large roasting pan. Increase baking time by 10-15 minutes.
Similar Breakfast Casserole Recipes
- Overnight French Toast Casserole with Sausage
- Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
- Biscuit and Gravy Breakfast Bake
- Sausage and Egg Breakfast Strata
- Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole
- Mexican Breakfast Casserole
- Bacon and Cheese Breakfast Bake
Recommended Kitchen Tools
- 9×13-inch Glass Baking Dish – Even heat distribution
- Large Non-stick Skillet – For browning sausage perfectly
- Wire Whisk – Creates smooth batter without overmixing
- Rubber Spatula – Gentle folding and spreading
Overnight Pancake Casserole with Sausage
The ultimate make-ahead breakfast that combines fluffy pancakes with savory sausage in one convenient dish!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Make-Ahead Time: 8 hours (optional)
Total Time: 1 hour
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8-10 people
Calories: ~385 per serving
Ingredients
Sausage Layer:
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pancake Base:
- 2 cups pancake mix
- 1 1/3 cups whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Assembly:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup for drizzling
- Cooking spray for greasing
Instructions
- Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Sausage: Brown sausage in a large skillet, breaking into bite-sized pieces. Add onion in last 3-4 minutes if using. Season and drain grease thoroughly.
- Make Batter: Whisk together pancake mix, milk, eggs, melted butter, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and vanilla until just combined.
- Assemble: Spread sausage in prepared dish. Top with both cheeses. Pour batter evenly over top. Drizzle with remaining maple syrup.
- Bake: 35-40 minutes until golden brown and toothpick comes out clean.
- Serve: Let rest 5-10 minutes before cutting. Serve with butter and syrup.
Notes | Pancake Casserole with Sausage
- Make-Ahead: Assemble completely, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake directly from fridge (may need extra 5-10 minutes).
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers 4 days. Reheat in microwave 45-60 seconds.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked casserole up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Variations: Try turkey sausage, different cheese blends, or add diced peppers for extra flavor.
Nutrition (approximate per serving): 385 calories, 22g protein, 28g carbs, 21g fat
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