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Pancake Sausage Breakfast Bake

Featured in Start Your Day with Grace.

This comforting baked casserole brings together fluffy pancake layers and savory breakfast sausage for a crowd-pleasing morning meal. Made in a single baking dish, the process begins by browning sausage and mixing a simple pancake batter blended with milk, egg, and vanilla. The dish is assembled in layers, optionally with cheddar added for richness. Finished with a golden top after baking, it emerges warm and ready to slice, offering a satisfying blend of textures. A drizzle of maple syrup adds a hint of sweetness to balance the savory notes. Perfect for gatherings or slow weekend breakfasts.

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Barbara Chef
Updated on Fri, 30 May 2025 21:04:16 GMT
A stack of meat and cheese sandwiches. Pin it
A stack of meat and cheese sandwiches. | gracefulflavors.com

There is nothing quite like waking up to the smell of a cozy pancake sausage breakfast bake coming from the oven This easy casserole combines savory crumbled sausage with the comforting sweetness of classic pancakes making it perfect for slow weekends or feeding a crowd

My family especially loves it during the holidays and I first baked it on a busy Sunday morning when we wanted something special without standing at the stove flipping pancakes

Ingredients

  • Breakfast sausage: Choose your favorite variety whether mild spicy or flavored Look for sausage with a nice pink color and avoid any with off smells
  • Pancake mix: This cuts down on steps Pick a good quality mix without too many additives
  • Whole milk: Adds richness and moisture Use fresh whole milk for best flavor
  • Large egg: Binds everything together Choose eggs with a rich yolk for color and taste
  • Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely warmth and enhances the pancake flavor Use pure vanilla for the best aroma
  • Melted butter: Enriches the batter and keeps it tender European style butter gives a deeper flavor
  • Pure maple syrup: Adds a natural sweetness Optional but recommended for true breakfast comfort
  • Ground cinnamon: Gives extra warmth and spice to the bake Especially nice in cooler months
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: Offers a melty savory contrast to the sweet pancake batter Pick a sharp cheddar for bold flavor
  • Cooking spray or softened butter: For greasing your baking dish Ensures easy release

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 375 degrees and make sure it reaches temperature for an even bake
Prepare the Baking Dish:
Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or softened butter getting into every corner to prevent sticking
Cook the Sausage:
Brown your breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat Break it up into small crumbles and cook until there is no pink left Pour off extra fat so the dish does not get greasy
Mix the Pancake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl whisk your pancake mix with milk egg vanilla melted butter and the optional maple syrup and cinnamon Stir until just combined The batter will be a little lumpy which is perfect
Assemble the Casserole:
Pour half the pancake batter into your prepped baking dish Spread it for an even base Sprinkle all the cooked sausage over this layer followed by cheddar cheese if using then top with the rest of the pancake batter so the sausage and cheese are nicely covered
Bake the Casserole:
Put the dish on the middle rack in your hot oven Bake for around twenty five to thirty minutes until the top is deep golden and a toothpick in the center comes out clean
Cool and Serve:
Let the casserole rest for at least five minutes so it slices cleanly Serve warm and drizzle lightly with maple syrup if you want that classic sweet finish
A stack of meat and cheese. Pin it
A stack of meat and cheese. | gracefulflavors.com

My favorite part is the crispy golden edges mixed with little surprise pockets of melty cheese This was the first recipe my youngest learned to help with and now he always asks to be in charge of whisking the batter

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool fully then cover the baking dish or transfer slices to an airtight container Store in the fridge up to three days For longer keeping wrap individual pieces well and freeze for a month Thaw overnight and warm in the oven for best texture

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap in turkey sausage or veggie sausage for a lighter option Almond milk or oat milk can be used in place of whole milk Use your favorite pancake mix even if it is gluten free and try Monterey Jack or mozzarella in place of cheddar

Serving Suggestions

Serve with extra maple syrup on the side or top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a handful of fresh berries For brunch buffets add a side of crispy hash browns or sliced fruit

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A close up of a delicious looking lasagna. | gracefulflavors.com

Cultural Context

Breakfast casseroles like this one came from the tradition of making savory bakes for special gatherings Whether it is a church brunch or holiday morning these easy one dish meals are rooted in American comfort food

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use pre-cooked sausage?

Yes, pre-cooked sausage works well. Simply crumble and layer it as directed without additional cooking.

→ Is it necessary to add the maple syrup?

Maple syrup is optional. It adds a touch of sweetness that complements the savory elements, but you can omit it or serve it on the side.

→ How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The top should be deep golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating it's fully set.

→ Can this breakfast bake be prepared in advance?

You can assemble the dish ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best freshness and texture.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Serve with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a crisp green salad for a balanced breakfast spread.

Pancake Sausage Breakfast Bake

Warm layers of pancake, sausage, and cheddar for a hearty morning. Easy to prepare for family gatherings.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Barbara

Category: Morning Favorites

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (One large breakfast casserole (8 portions))

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Components

01 450 g breakfast sausage, mild or spicy
02 240 g pancake mix
03 240 ml whole milk
04 1 large egg
05 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 2 tablespoons melted butter
07 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, optional
08 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
09 115 g shredded cheddar cheese, optional
10 Cooking spray or softened butter, for greasing

Instructions

Step 01

Set oven to 190°C and allow it to fully preheat.

Step 02

Lightly grease a 23x33 cm baking dish with cooking spray or softened butter, ensuring all areas are coated.

Step 03

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it into small crumbles until thoroughly browned. Drain any excess fat.

Step 04

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pancake mix, milk, egg, vanilla extract, melted butter, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon until just combined. Avoid overmixing; the batter should remain slightly lumpy.

Step 05

Spread half of the pancake batter evenly in the prepared baking dish. Distribute the cooked sausage over the batter, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese if using. Cover with the remaining pancake batter, ensuring the sausage and cheese layers are completely covered.

Step 06

Bake in the center of the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is deep golden and a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.

Step 07

Allow the bake to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with additional maple syrup if desired.

Notes

  1. For best results, do not overmix the pancake batter to ensure a light, tender texture.

Tools You'll Need

  • 23x33 cm baking dish
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten, milk, and egg.