This warm and filling sausage pancake breakfast casserole is a breakfast dream! It combines tasty sausage, fluffy pancakes, and eggs—all baked together for a fun twist!
Who knew you could enjoy pancakes and sausage in one dish? It’s like brunch’s superhero! I love making it on weekends to share with friends. Everyone leaves happy! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggs: A key ingredient that binds everything together. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, consider using flaxseed meal mixed with water or a commercial egg replacer.
Milk: Whole milk adds richness, but you can use almond milk, oat milk, or any other milk substitute for a lighter option.
Breakfast Sausage: I love using spicy sausage for a kick! If you want a healthier version, turkey or chicken sausage works well too. For a vegetarian option, try spiced tempeh or a veggie sausage.
Pancake Batter: If you don’t have time to make batter from scratch, frozen thick pancakes are great! You could also use waffle batter for a fun twist.
Cheese: Cheddar adds a nice creaminess. If you’re avoiding dairy, skip it or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the casserole just right is crucial for a fluffy texture. Keep these pointers in mind:
- Preheat your oven to ensure even cooking. Place the casserole in as soon as it reaches temperature.
- Cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking if you notice it browning too quickly.
- Check for doneness with a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when it’s ready.
- Let it cool just a little before slicing to help it hold together better.
Enjoy your delicious casserole for breakfast or brunch! It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure!
How to Make Sausage Pancake Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder (optional)
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 4 cups frozen or homemade pancake batter (thick style)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Butter or non-stick spray for greasing the baking dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep and 45-50 minutes to bake, making the total time approximately 1 hour. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a hearty breakfast for the family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Grease:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, take a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the breakfast sausage. Cook it until it’s browned and cooked through, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside.
3. Whisk the Eggs:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, and dry mustard powder (if using) until it’s well combined—this will be your flavorful egg mixture.
4. Prepare the Pancake Batter:
If you’re making pancake batter from scratch, mix up your ingredients according to your favorite recipe. If you’re using frozen batter, let it thaw slightly so it’s easier to work with.
5. Start Layering:
Pour half of the pancake batter into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
6. Add Sausage and Egg Mixture:
Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage over the pancake batter. Then pour half of the egg mixture evenly over everything, allowing it to soak through the layers a bit.
7. Repeat the Layers:
Now, repeat the process! Pour the remaining pancake batter over the sausage, followed by the rest of the sausage and finally the remaining egg mixture.
8. Top with Cheese:
If you like cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheddar on top for a delicious finishing touch!
9. Bake It Up:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed up, golden, and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
10. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, take the casserole out of the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. This will help it set and make slicing easier.
11. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh touch. Serve warm with syrup, ketchup, or any of your favorite breakfast sides. Enjoy your scrumptious breakfast casserole!
Can I Use Frozen Pancake Batter for This Casserole?
Absolutely! Frozen pancake batter works perfectly for this recipe. Just allow it to thaw slightly before using it to make layering easier. If you prefer, you can also use homemade batter for a more personal touch.
What Can I Substitute for Breakfast Sausage?
If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use turkey sausage for a leaner option or veggie sausage if you want a vegetarian alternative. Ground beef or even crumbled bacon can work too for a different flavor profile!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before! Just assemble it in the baking dish, cover it, and store it in the fridge. In the morning, just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time as needed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm them in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.
