Introduction

This Sausage Pancake Bake is a comforting and hearty breakfast that combines fluffy pancakes, savory sausage, and melted cheddar cheese in one delicious dish. Perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for busy mornings, it’s easy to assemble and bakes into a golden, satisfying meal.

The dish is a baked casserole in a white round ceramic pot with handles. It has two main layers: the bottom layer is a dense, brown ground meat mixture with visible small chunks, and the top layer is a thick, golden-brown crust that looks creamy and slightly browned with a bubbly texture. The crust has an uneven, caramelized surface with some lighter creamy spots and darker browned areas. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb breakfast sausage (pork, chicken, or turkey)
2 cups pancake mix (plus ingredients as per package instructions)
1 cup whole milk
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp melted butter
2 tbsp maple syrup (optional)
½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Butter or cooking spray for greasing the pan

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and crumbled, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside.
Step 3: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, whole milk, egg, vanilla extract, melted butter, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light.
Step 4: Pour half of the pancake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to form the first layer.
Step 5: Evenly distribute the cooked sausage over the batter layer in the baking dish.
Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the sausage layer.
Step 7: Pour the remaining pancake batter over the sausage and cheese layers, spreading it evenly for the top layer.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
Step 9: Let the bake cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. Optionally, drizzle with extra maple syrup or dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use a flavored or spicy breakfast sausage to add a different twist.
Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a milder or spicier flavor.
For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based milk and vegan cheese.
Adding chopped green onions or herbs can brighten the dish.
Maple syrup adds sweetness, but you can omit it if you prefer a savory bake.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds or in a warm oven until heated through. This bake also freezes well—wrap pieces tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white round baking dish with a shepherd's pie inside, cut open to reveal three layers: the top layer is golden brown and slightly crispy mashed potatoes, the middle layer is a thick, creamy mashed potato layer in light beige, and the bottom layer shows a cooked ground beef mixture in a medium brown color with a crumbly texture, all sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen sausage for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen sausage, but be sure to fully cook and drain it before layering in the bake to prevent excess moisture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the bake the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if coming straight from the fridge.