Pancake Sausage Casserole is a hearty, savory breakfast dish that combines fluffy pancakes with seasoned sausage, cheese, and eggs for a crowd-pleasing meal. Perfect for brunch, holiday mornings, or make-ahead breakfasts, this casserole can be prepped the night before and baked fresh in the morning. It’s a comforting, filling dish that is both kid-friendly and adult-approved.

Ingredients

1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
2 cups all-purpose pancake mix
1 1/2 cups milk
2 large eggs
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
2 tbsp melted butter
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional: chopped green onions or herbs for garnish

Instructions

Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Cook Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat and set aside.
Prepare Pancake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together pancake mix, milk, eggs, melted butter, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble Casserole
Spread half of the pancake batter evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle cooked sausage and half of the shredded cheese over the batter. Pour remaining batter on top, and sprinkle remaining cheese.
Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with green onions or herbs if desired. Serve warm.

Tips for Perfect Pancake Sausage Casserole

Use a sturdy pancake mix: Avoid thin batter; thicker batters hold the sausage better.
Cook sausage well: Properly browned sausage ensures full flavor and prevents excess grease.
Cheese options: Try a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for gooey layers.
Make-ahead prep: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake in the morning.
Cut clean slices: Let the casserole cool slightly before cutting to maintain layers.

Variations

Sweet & Savory Twist: Add small pieces of apple or drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet contrast.
Vegetable Add-In: Include diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Spicy Version: Use spicy sausage or add a pinch of cayenne for a kick.
Mini Casseroles: Bake in muffin tins for individual servings.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with fresh fruit or fruit salad for a balanced brunch.
Serve with a side of maple syrup or hot sauce for extra flavor.
Ideal for holiday breakfast spreads, potlucks, or meal prep for busy mornings.

Fun Facts

Breakfast casseroles date back to early American colonial cooking, combining eggs, bread, or pancake layers with meat to create one-dish meals.
Combining pancakes and sausage in a casserole gives a “pancake stack” effect that is easy to slice and serve to large groups.
This dish is often called a “breakfast bake” in brunch menus across the U.S. because of its layered, casserole style.

Why This Recipe Works

This Pancake Sausage Casserole combines sweet, fluffy pancake batter with savory sausage and cheese for a flavor-packed breakfast that feeds a crowd. The make-ahead option allows busy mornings to stay stress-free while delivering a hearty, satisfying meal that feels like a restaurant-style brunch.