This sausage pancake breakfast casserole is a fun twist on your morning meal! It combines fluffy pancakes, delicious sausage, and melted cheese all in one hearty dish.
Making this is a breeze! Just layer the tasty ingredients in a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and breakfast is ready. Perfect for lazy weekends when you want something yummy without a lot of fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pancake batter: Using refrigerated pancake batter makes it easy and quick. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own batter from scratch using flour, baking powder, milk, and eggs!
Breakfast sausage: Choose between mild and spicy sausage depending on your taste. For a healthier option, turkey or chicken sausage works great too!
Cheddar cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its bite, but feel free to use mozzarella, pepper jack, or a cheese blend if you prefer a milder flavor.
Milk: Any milk will do here. Almond milk or oat milk are good dairy-free options that won’t change the flavor much.
Eggs: If you’re looking to make this casserole egg-free, try using flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) as a substitute.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole is Light and Fluffy?
To achieve that delightful fluffy texture, it’s important to blend the ingredients without over-mixing. Here are a few tips:
- Mix the batter gently just until combined. A few lumps are okay!
- Layering is key. Pour half the batter before adding the sausage and cheese, then the remaining batter on top. This keeps everything evenly distributed.
- Don’t skip the resting time after baking. Letting it sit for a few minutes keeps it from falling apart when you slice it.
How to Make Sausage Pancake Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 package refrigerated pancake batter (about 16-20 oz)
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, as preferred)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Butter or nonstick cooking spray (for greasing the pan)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 30-35 minutes to bake, making it ready in roughly 45-50 minutes. Perfect for a delightful weekend breakfast or brunch with family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly grease it with butter or nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked. Use a spoon to break it apart while it cooks. Once done, drain any excess grease and set it aside. Smell that savory goodness!
3. Mix the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the refrigerated pancake batter, milk, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until everything is just combined. You want to be gentle—no need to over-mix!
4. Layer the Ingredients:
Pour about half of the pancake batter mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Next, sprinkle half of the cooked sausage over this layer, followed by half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Add More Layers:
Now, pour the rest of the pancake batter mixture over the layers you just created, spreading it gently to keep things neat. Finish by topping with the remaining sausage and cheese. Yum!
6. Bake Away:
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes. Watch for it to be bubbly and golden on top, and check it with a toothpick—it should come out mostly clean when it’s ready.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let your casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing it into squares. For an extra treat, serve it with syrup or hot sauce on the side. Enjoy a hearty, savory breakfast that everyone will love!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even vegetarian sausage if you prefer. Each will give a slightly different flavor, but they’ll all work well in this casserole.
What Can I Substitute for Pancake Batter?
If you don’t have refrigerated pancake batter, you can make your own from scratch! Combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Then, mix in 1 cup of milk and 1 egg until well combined.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm it up in the oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
