Pancake Sausage Casserole – The Ultimate Breakfast Bake

Warm, comforting, and easy to pull together, pancake sausage casserole brings together two breakfast classics in one dish. Whether you’re serving brunch to a crowd or prepping a make-ahead breakfast, this casserole hits the sweet spot between flavor, convenience, and nostalgia. In this guide, you’ll get the full recipe, step-by-step instructions, answers to common questions, and tips for customizing it with your favorite ingredients.

Table of Contents

Why Pancake Sausage Casserole Is a Must in My Kitchen

Slice of pancake sausage casserole served with syrup
Pancake Sausage Casserole – The Ultimate Breakfast Bake 5

A Brunch Dish That Feels Like Home

Growing up in a small Midwestern town, breakfast was something you lingered over especially on weekends. I remember the scent of sausage sizzling, pancakes puffing on the griddle, and that sweet maple syrup warmth floating through the house. Years later, now living outside Asheville, I find myself coming back to those same flavors, just in a form that’s easier for the pace of life today: pancake sausage casserole.

This recipe captures that same cozy spirit in one dish. You get the savory depth of sausage, the fluffy richness of pancake batter, and a little sweetness from maple syrup all in one sliceable bake. It’s a go-to in my kitchen, especially when I host one of our seasonal brunch gatherings. No one ever leaves without asking for the recipe.

The inspiration came from my love for Pancake Sausage on a Stick, a handheld favorite I’ve made for years. That sweet-savory combo never gets old, and this pancake sausage casserole version bakes that idea into a comforting oven dish.

A Flexible Recipe for Any Morning

The real win with this pancake sausage casserole is its simplicity. One bowl, one dish, and you’re done. Whether you use turkey, chicken, or plant-based sausage, the flavor holds up. It’s also endlessly adaptable add cinnamon, fold in cheese, or leave it plain and let the syrup do the talking.

It also reheats beautifully, making it a strong contender for meal prep. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s a slice of calm in a busy morning.

Pancake sausage casserole recipe card layout

Pancake Sausage Casserole

be224d4ba363217b6b916dcfe7db151cHarper Ava
This pancake sausage casserole is sweet, savory, and baked to golden perfection. A cozy make-ahead breakfast everyone will love.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Breakfast, Brunch, Main Dish
Cuisine American, Comfort Food, Southern
Servings 8 people
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound breakfast sausage beef, turkey, or chicken
  • 2 cups pancake mix
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon optional
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup plus extra for serving
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • Cooking spray for greasing the baking dish

Instructions
 

Step 1:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2:

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease and set aside.

Step 3:

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and maple syrup until smooth. If you prefer a slightly sweeter casserole, you can add a bit more maple syrup to the batter.

Step 4:

  • Stir the cooked sausage into the pancake batter, ensuring it is evenly distributed. If you are using shredded cheese, fold it in at this stage.

Step 5:

  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Drizzle the melted butter over the top for added richness.

Step 6:

  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7:

  • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with extra maple syrup on top.

Notes

  • For a fluffier texture, let the batter rest for 5 to 10 minutes before baking. This helps the pancake mix fully absorb the liquid.
  • To reheat leftovers, cover with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes, or microwave individual slices for 30 seconds.

     

    Nutrition Information (Per Serving):

    • Calories: 320
    • Sodium: 580 mg
    • Protein: 15 g
Keyword breakfast casserole, brunch bake, make-ahead breakfast, maple sausage casserole, pancake sausage casserole, sweet and savory casserole

Ingredients & Variations for Pancake Sausage Casserole

The Essentials You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this hearty pancake sausage casserole:

  • 1 pound of breakfast sausage – Any variety you enjoy works well as long as it’s fully cooked and crumbled.
  • 2 cups of pancake mix – Use your favorite brand, or go homemade if you prefer.
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • ¼ cup maple syrup – Adds sweetness to the batter.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional) – A salty-savory layer that balances the sweetness.
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • Cooking spray

These ingredients come together in a simple batter that bakes into a fluffy, golden brown pancake sausage casserole. It’s cozy, satisfying, and great for feeding a hungry crowd.

Easy Ways to Make It Your Own

The base recipe is solid, but this pancake sausage casserole adapts well. Swap out the sausage for a spicy variety. Add cooked bell peppers, chopped greens, or even a few sautéed apples if you’re going for a fall flavor vibe.

Inspired by the crowd-pleasing Pancake Sausage on a Stick, I developed this version to offer the same satisfaction in a hands-off format. It also works beautifully for holiday breakfasts, overnight guests, or weekday batch-cooking.

Whether you add cheese or not, sweeten the batter more or keep it subtle, you’ll still end up with a comforting, sliceable pancake sausage casserole that tastes like home.

How to Make Pancake Sausage Casserole Step by Step

From Skillet to Oven in Under 30 Minutes

Making this pancake sausage casserole is fast and easy. Here’s the full method:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and crumbly. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk pancake mix, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and maple syrup until smooth.
  4. Fold in the sausage, and cheese if using.
  5. Pour batter into the greased dish and drizzle melted butter over the top.
  6. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Let cool for 5 minutes, then slice and serve with extra syrup.

The result? A tender, golden, slightly sweet pancake sausage casserole that tastes like it took far more effort than it actually did.

Helpful Tips for a Flawless Bake

  • Let the batter rest for 5 minutes to improve texture.
  • Want it sweeter? Add a little extra syrup to the batter before baking.
  • Need to make ahead? Assemble the night before and bake in the morning.

You’ll quickly find this pancake sausage casserole becomes your fallback for weekend mornings or when you just want something warm, easy, and family-friendly.

Storing, Reheating, and Common Questions

How to Keep Pancake Sausage Casserole Fresh

This dish isn’t just a one-time win it stores and reheats beautifully.

  • Store in fridge: Once cooled, slice and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F for 10–12 minutes, or microwave individual slices.
  • Freeze: Wrap slices in foil or freezer wrap, store up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

These make-ahead features make pancake sausage casserole a practical meal prep star.

Conclusion

There’s a reason pancake sausage casserole has become a regular in my kitchen. It’s everything I want in a breakfast recipe simple, comforting, and easy to share. Whether you’re feeding a big family, planning brunch with friends, or just want to batch-cook your mornings, this casserole checks all the boxes.

From the sweet warmth of maple to the hearty texture of sausage baked into golden pancake layers, this dish brings comfort with every bite. And it’s always a hit no matter who’s around the table.

So go ahead, bookmark it, print it, or make it today. I hope your kitchen smells like mine did that Sunday morning. And when it does, you’ll know you’ve got something worth making again.

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Top 5 Questions I Get About This Recipe

Can I make this casserole the night before?

Yes! You can prepare everything mix the batter, fold in the sausage, and pour it into your baking dish. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, just bring it to room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed.

Can I use homemade pancake batter instead of a mix?

Absolutely. If you have a go-to from-scratch pancake recipe, feel free to use it. Just make sure the final batter has a pourable consistency similar to boxed mix. I’ve done this plenty of times and it works great.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes. Once baked and cooled, slice and freeze the casserole in individual portions. It reheats well in the oven or microwave, making it a great meal prep option.

What type of sausage works best?

Any breakfast-style sausage will work mild, spicy, or poultry-based. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and well-drained. The flavors of maple and vanilla pair nicely with either classic or herb-blended varieties.

Can I add veggies to this dish?

Definitely. Try folding in sautéed spinach, chopped bell peppers, or caramelized onions. Just avoid using raw vegetables with high water content, like zucchini, unless they’re pre-cooked to avoid sogginess.

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