Directions to follow
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a skillet, brown the breakfast sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the pancake mix, water (or milk), eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until just mixed.
- Layer the cooked sausage evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish. Pour the pancake batter over the sausage, spreading it gently.
- If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving warm.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serving Pancake Sausage Breakfast Bake can be as creative as you like. Slice it into squares and drizzle additional maple syrup over the top for extra sweetness. Pair it with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing contrast. A dollop of whipped cream could also enhance the experience, making it feel like dessert!
For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside crispy bacon or some scrambled eggs. This dish is versatile enough to be enjoyed at any time of day.
How to store
Storing your Pancake Sausage Breakfast Bake is simple. If you have leftovers, let them cool completely, then cover with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
If you want to store it for longer, this dish freezes beautifully! Just slice it into individual portions and wrap each piece tightly in foil or freezer-safe storage bags. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Helpful cooking tips
To elevate your Pancake Sausage Breakfast Bake, consider these practical tips:
- If time allows, let the pancake batter rest for a few minutes before pouring it over the sausage. This allows the gluten to relax, leading to fluffier pancakes.
- Experiment with adding spices to the sausage while cooking, such as garlic powder or paprika, to amp up the flavor.
- For a touch of sweetness, you can mix in chocolate chips or chopped fruits like bananas into the pancake batter!
Creative twists
Want to mix things up? Here are some creative twists to try:
- Savory Options: Swap the maple syrup for savory flavorings like crumbled feta and spinach for a Mediterranean inspired bake.
- Vegan Style: Use plant-based sausage, almond milk, and a flax egg to keep it vegan-friendly while maintaining all that comforting flavor.
- Flavor Variations: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the pancake batter for a cozy fall flavor.
FAQs
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
Typically, the preparation will take about 10-15 minutes, while baking will take an additional 25-30 minutes.
Can I substitute other types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use turkey or veggie sausage depending on your dietary preferences. Each will give a unique twist to the flavor.
How should I reheat leftovers safely?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through, ensuring that any leftovers are stored promptly in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
