Description
The Overnight Sausage Pancake Breakfast Casserole is a make-ahead, hearty breakfast dish that layers fluffy pancakes, savory sausage, and melted cheese to create a warm, delicious start to your day. Perfect for busy mornings, this casserole combines convenience with comforting flavors and is customizable to suit various tastes and dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground breakfast sausage
- 2 cups pancake batter mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or preferred cheese)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Maple syrup (optional, for drizzling or mixing in)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Brown the ground sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat before using.
- Prepare the Pancake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and just combined to form the batter.
- Layer the Ingredients: Grease a baking dish, then scatter half of the cooked sausage evenly on the bottom. Pour half of the pancake batter over the sausage, then evenly sprinkle half of the shredded cheese. Repeat with the remaining sausage, batter, and cheese to create two layers.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight. This allows the batter to soak in the flavors and results in a moist, unified casserole.
- Bake and Serve: The next morning, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients, such as fresh sausage and a quality pancake mix, for better flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter; stir until just combined for fluffier pancakes.
- Grease your baking dish well to prevent sticking.
- Resting the casserole overnight enhances flavor and texture.
- Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the sausage for extra spice.
- Drizzle maple syrup or add hot sauce when serving for added flavor variations.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- The casserole can be frozen before or after baking; thaw before baking or reheating as needed.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven to maintain texture and meltiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: overnight casserole, breakfast casserole, sausage and pancake casserole, make-ahead breakfast, hearty breakfast, family-friendly breakfast