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Sweet Savory Sausage Pancake

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Craving a sweet and savory breakfast? These sausage pancake dippers are the answer! Simply cook your favorite breakfast sausages, coat them in homemade pancake batter, and pan-fry or deep-fry until golden brown. Serve with maple syrup, honey, or honey mustard for dipping. Get creative with variations like cheesy centers or a spicy kick!

Key steps: 1. Cook sausage. 2. Make pancake batter. 3. Dip sausage in batter. 4. Cook until golden. 5. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

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Casey
Updated on Sun, 05 Oct 2025 00:58:26 GMT
A stack of pancakes with butter and jelly. Pin it
A stack of pancakes with butter and jelly. | cookingwithcasey.com

This recipe turns the classic breakfast combination of pancakes and sausage into a fun, dippable treat that solves the sweet-or-savory debate once and for all. It's the perfect way to make a weekend morning feel special, creating what is essentially a delightful breakfast corn dog that everyone can get behind.

I first whipped these up for a slumber party my son was having, and they were an absolute smash hit. Now they are the most requested breakfast for special occasions and lazy Saturday mornings alike.

Ingredients

  • Small breakfast sausages: The savory heart of the dipper. Opt for a brand with good flavor, as it really stands out.
  • All purpose flour: This creates the structure for our light and fluffy pancake coating.
  • Baking powder: The key to getting that signature pancake puffiness. Make sure yours is fresh for the best rise.
  • Sugar: Just a touch to balance the savory sausage and give the pancake its classic sweet flavor.
  • Large egg: This binds the batter together and adds richness. Using a room temperature egg helps it mix in more evenly.
  • Milk: Provides the moisture for the batter. Whole milk will give you a richer result, but any kind works.
  • Melted butter: Adds incredible flavor and tenderness to the pancake coating.
  • Vanilla extract: A completely optional but highly recommended addition that adds a lovely warmth and aroma.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Sausages:
First, get your sausages ready. Place a skillet over medium heat and add the sausages. Let them cook, turning them occasionally, for about five to seven minutes until they are beautifully browned on all sides and cooked all the way through. Once done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess grease and let them cool down a bit. This cooling step is important so the hot sausage doesn't melt the batter right off.
Make the Pancake Batter:
While the sausages cool, it's time to make that glorious pancake batter. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt, and give it a quick whisk to break up any clumps. In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter, along with the vanilla extract if you are using it. Now, pour this wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir everything together with a spatula or spoon only until it’s just combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine and are the secret to a tender, fluffy pancake coating. Overmixing develops gluten and will make them tough.
Coat and Cook the Dippers:
This is where the magic happens. If you want to make them easier to handle, you can insert a small wooden skewer into the end of each cooled sausage. Pour your batter into a tall glass; this makes dipping much cleaner and ensures an even coat. Dip each sausage one by one into the batter, letting any excess drip off for a moment. Heat a lightly oiled nonstick skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the battered sausages into the hot pan, leaving a little space between each one. Cook them for two to three minutes per side, until the coating is puffed up and a beautiful golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the finished dippers to a platter and serve them immediately while they are warm. They are absolutely perfect for dipping into a small bowl of warm maple syrup.
A stack of pancakes with butter on top. Pin it
A stack of pancakes with butter on top. | cookingwithcasey.com

My favorite part of this whole recipe is the moment you pour the wet ingredients into the dry. That sizzle from the melted butter hitting the milk and the sweet smell of vanilla starting to mix with the savory aroma of the cooked sausage is the official start of the weekend in my house.

Storage and Reheating

To store leftovers, let the pancake sausage dippers cool completely to room temperature. This prevents them from getting soggy. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container or a zip top bag and they'll keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them on a baking sheet in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer bag. To reheat, skip the microwave. For the best texture, warm them in a 350°F oven or an air fryer for about 5 to 8 minutes until they are hot and the coating is crisp again.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with this recipe. You can easily make it gluten free by swapping the all purpose flour for your favorite one to one gluten free baking blend. For a dairy free version, use a plant based milk like almond or oat milk and a neutral oil or dairy free butter substitute. You can also use any type of sausage you love, from spicy chorizo to sweet apple chicken sausage, to completely change the flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

While classic maple syrup is a fantastic choice, don't stop there. These dippers are a blank canvas for all sorts of delicious sauces. Try serving them with a side of honey mustard for a tangy kick, a fresh fruit jam like strawberry or raspberry for a sweeter bite, or even a drizzle of warm honey. For a truly decadent brunch, you could set up a dipping bar with multiple options for everyone to try.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What's the best way to prevent the batter from sliding off the sausage?

Make sure the sausages are cool enough to handle after cooking. Patting them dry before dipping can also help the batter adhere better. Using skewers gives you a better grip!

→ Can I use a store-bought pancake mix?

Yes, you can substitute a store-bought pancake mix. Just follow the instructions on the package and adjust the liquid if needed to get a slightly thicker batter for better coating.

→ What kind of oil is best for frying?

Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are all good options for frying due to their neutral flavor and high smoke point. Make sure the oil is heated to 350°F (175°C) before frying.

→ How do I keep the cooked dippers warm while making a large batch?

Place the cooked dippers on a wire rack in a preheated oven at 200°F (95°C). This will keep them warm and crispy without getting soggy.

→ What are some good dipping sauce alternatives?

Besides maple syrup and honey mustard, try fruit jam, Nutella, a spicy sriracha mayo, or even a simple honey.

→ Can these be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter and cook the sausages ahead of time. Store separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, dip and cook as directed. They're best enjoyed fresh, but can be reheated in an oven or air fryer.

Sweet Savory Sausage Pancake

Sausage encased in sweet pancake batter, ideal for dipping. A fun twist on breakfast favorites. Perfect for a quick brunch.

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


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 dippers)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Pancake Sausage Dippers

01 12 small breakfast sausages
02 Cooking oil or butter
03 200 g all-purpose flour
04 25 g granulated sugar
05 8 g baking powder
06 3 g salt
07 250 ml milk
08 1 large egg
09 28 g melted unsalted butter
10 5 ml vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the sausages until uniformly browned and thoroughly cooked, approximately 5–7 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess fat and allow to cool slightly.

Step 02

In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, beaten egg, melted butter, and optional vanilla extract. Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing; a few lumps are acceptable.

Step 03

For easier handling and a presentation similar to mini corn dogs, you may insert small wooden skewers into each sausage. Dip each sausage into the prepared pancake batter, ensuring it is fully and evenly coated.

Step 04

Choose your preferred cooking method: Pan Method: Heat a lightly oiled nonstick skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the batter-coated sausages in the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, rotating until golden brown and cooked through. Deep-Frying Method (for a crispier texture): Heat cooking oil in a deep pot to 175°C (350°F). Carefully place the batter-coated sausages into the hot oil and fry for approximately 2 minutes, or until puffed and golden. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 05

Serve the pancake sausage dippers warm. Recommended accompaniments include maple syrup, honey, or a honey mustard dipping sauce.

Notes

  1. For fluffy pancakes, mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. A few lumps are acceptable; avoid overmixing the batter.
  2. Ensure each sausage is fully coated in batter for optimal texture and flavor distribution. Using a skewer can facilitate even coating.
  3. While maple syrup is a classic pairing, consider serving with honey, fruit jam, or a spicy honey mustard for a delicious variation.
  4. For a cheesy center, wrap each breakfast sausage in a small slice of cheddar or mozzarella before dipping it into the batter.
  5. Enhance the flavor profile by using spicy breakfast sausages and incorporating a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper into the pancake batter.
  6. To create a comprehensive brunch platter, serve these dippers alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit.

Tools You'll Need

  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Paper towels
  • Deep pot (optional, for frying)
  • Small wooden skewers (optional)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Gluten (from wheat flour)
  • Dairy (from milk and butter)
  • Eggs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 150
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
  • Protein: 6 g