Overnight Sausage Pancake Breakfast Casserole Recipe
This Overnight Sausage Pancake Breakfast Casserole is a delicious and convenient make-ahead breakfast dish combining savory sausage, fluffy pancake batter, and melted cheddar cheese. By preparing it the night before and baking in the morning, you get a perfectly moist and flavorful casserole that’s ideal for busy mornings or brunch gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 12 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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 to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Prepare the Pancake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper until smooth and just combined to form a consistent batter.
- Layer the Ingredients: Grease a baking dish well to prevent sticking, then scatter half of the cooked sausage evenly on the bottom. Pour half of the pancake batter evenly over the sausage, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Repeat these layers with the remaining sausage, batter, and cheese to build two layers.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight. This step allows the flavors to meld and the batter to soak, creating a moist and unified casserole texture.
- Bake and Serve: The following morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set firmly. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. Optionally, drizzle with maple syrup for added sweetness.
Notes
- Use any cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, to customize the flavor.
- For a leaner option, substitute turkey sausage or reduce the amount of sausage used.
- If you like a sweeter casserole, mix some maple syrup directly into the batter before baking.
- Ensure the baking dish is well greased to prevent sticking.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
