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Pancake Sausage Breakfast Bake

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This dish combines savory breakfast sausage with fluffy pancake batter and melted cheddar cheese, creating a sweet and savory breakfast option that's perfect for feeding a group. The casserole-style bake is quick to assemble and delivers a satisfying blend of textures and flavors, from spiced sausage to golden, syrup-topped layers. Ideal for busy mornings or brunch gatherings, it's easily customizable and can be prepped overnight for convenience. Enjoy straight from the oven, and serve with your favorite breakfast sides.

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Casey
Updated on Sat, 30 Aug 2025 00:13:19 GMT
A plate of food with a slice of meat and cheese. Pin it
A plate of food with a slice of meat and cheese. | cookingwithcasey.com

This pancake sausage breakfast bake feeds a hungry group with almost no fuss and combines everything you love about a big weekend breakfast in one dish. It is a recipe I keep in my back pocket for family brunches or any time the thought of flipping individual pancakes feels overwhelming. The blend of savory sausage and fluffy, just-sweet-enough pancake layers make the whole kitchen smell amazing and the golden cheese on top always draws a crowd to the table.

I first put this on the table one Christmas morning after a snowstorm and my family demolished the whole pan. Now it is our go-to for holidays and sleepovers whenever we want something special with minimal work.

Ingredients

  • Breakfast sausage: Brings bold savory flavor for a hearty base. Choose high-quality sausage and brown it well for best taste
  • Pancake mix: Skips the step of measuring out flour and leaveners and guarantees each bite comes out light. Try a buttermilk or classic blend for fluffiest results
  • Whole milk: Creates a rich batter. The higher fat content gives extra breadiness and softness so avoid skim for best results
  • Large eggs: Bind and help rise the bake. Always use fresh for best texture
  • Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and a hint of sweetness. Real extract is noticeably better than imitation here
  • Melted butter: Gives flavor and helps the top bake golden. Use unsalted for more control
  • Pure maple syrup: Optional but bumps up sweetness and gives a lovely aroma. Use amber grade for classic flavor
  • Ground cinnamon: Deepens flavor and pairs perfectly with maple and sausage. Freshly ground if possible really makes a difference
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for rich top and salty contrast. Classic sharp cheddar or try a smoky or spicy blend for variation
  • Cooking spray or softened butter: Ensures nothing sticks to the pan

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pan:
Coat your baking dish with cooking spray or softened butter so your bake releases easily later
Brown the Sausage:
Brown sausage over medium heat until it loses all pink and turns finely crumbled. Drain off any extra fat so your bake is not greasy
Mix the Batter:
Whisk pancake mix milk eggs vanilla butter maple syrup and cinnamon in a large bowl until just combined. The batter will be lumpy but this makes fluffy bakes
Assemble the Layers:
Pour half the batter in the greased dish and smooth out. Scatter sausage evenly over top then sprinkle with cheese. Pour remaining batter over to cover it all
Bake Until Golden:
Bake at 375 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. The top should be golden and puffed and a toothpick in the center comes out clean
Cool and Serve:
Let it rest five minutes so it slices up nicely. Serve warm and drizzle with maple syrup if you want another pop of sweetness
A plate of food with a burger and sausage. Pin it
A plate of food with a burger and sausage. | cookingwithcasey.com

Every time I lift the first golden slice from the pan that cheesy top stretches and my youngest hovers to steal a bite. The hint of cinnamon paired with that melted cheddar is my favorite part and nobody ever guesses how little effort goes into it. It has become the anchor of special weekend mornings for us

Storage Tips

Let your bake cool completely before covering. Store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For a longer stretch wrap individual pieces well and freeze. To reheat bake at 350 degrees until hot or microwave gently for a quick grab-and-go meal

Ingredient Substitutions

Go for turkey sausage or your favorite plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option. Any milk from dairy to almond or oat works just fine but richer milks make a more tender crumb. No cheddar handy Try Monterey Jack mozzarella or a spicy pepper cheese

Serving Suggestions

This casserole stands tall on its own but to round out a brunch platter serve with a bowl of fresh berries or sliced fruit. Tangy Greek yogurt and crispy hash browns make for a complete meal. During holidays I set out extra maple syrup and let everyone serve themselves with whatever sides they crave

Origins of the Dish

Breakfast bakes are classic in American homes for their simplicity and comfort. This one takes roots from Southern pancake casseroles blending fluffy baked pancakes inspired by diners and pancake houses with the hearty comfort of sausage breakfast skillets. It keeps the fun of a sweet and salty breakfast but fits a crowd without standing at the stove

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, turkey sausage, vegetarian sausage, or even Italian sausage can be used for unique flavor and dietary preferences.

→ Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the bake the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning for convenience.

→ Can I substitute the milk?

Yes, almond milk or oat milk work well in place of whole milk without sacrificing texture or taste.

→ What cheese options work besides cheddar?

Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a flavorful twist on the classic combination.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Cool completely, then refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze individual slices up to 1 month for easy reheating.

Pancake Sausage Breakfast Bake

Fluffy pancake layers with savory sausage and cheese make a hearty breakfast perfect for groups.

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


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (One 23x33 cm baked dish, cut into 8 slices)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Components

01 450 grams breakfast sausage (mild, spicy, or flavored)
02 375 grams pancake mix
03 360 millilitres whole milk
04 2 large eggs
05 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 28 grams melted butter
07 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (optional)
08 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
09 115 grams shredded cheddar cheese

→ For Baking Dish

10 Cooking spray or softened butter for greasing

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 190°C.

Step 02

Grease a 23x33 centimetre baking dish with cooking spray or softened butter, ensuring all sides are well coated.

Step 03

In a skillet over medium heat, cook breakfast sausage, breaking it into small crumbles. Sauté until sausage is fully cooked and no longer pink, then drain excess fat.

Step 04

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pancake mix, whole milk, eggs, vanilla extract, melted butter, maple syrup (if using), and ground cinnamon until ingredients are just combined. The batter should remain slightly lumpy.

Step 05

Pour half of the pancake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.

Step 06

Distribute the cooked sausage evenly over the batter, followed by an even layer of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 07

Pour the remaining pancake batter over the sausage and cheese, ensuring the filling is fully covered.

Step 08

Transfer the baking dish to the oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the surface is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.

Step 09

Allow to cool for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. For an extra touch, drizzle with additional maple syrup if desired.

Notes

  1. Turkey sausage, vegetarian sausage, or Italian sausage may be substituted for different flavours.
  2. Plant-based milks such as almond or oat milk can replace whole milk.
  3. Alternate cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack provide variety.
  4. The bake can be assembled in advance, refrigerated overnight, and baked fresh.
  5. Pair with fruit, yoghurt, hash browns, or a light salad for a complete meal.
  6. Leftovers should be cooled completely, covered, and refrigerated for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat slices in the oven after thawing.

Tools You'll Need

  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • 23x33 centimetre baking dish
  • Oven

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains milk (dairy)
  • Contains wheat (gluten in pancake mix)
  • Contains cheese (dairy)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 30 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 40 g
  • Protein: 25 g