Oh my goodness, if you’re looking to wow your family at breakfast or brunch, this Pancake Sausage Casserole: Ultimate Layered Breakfast Lasagna Recipe is exactly what you need. I first stumbled upon this idea when I wanted something more exciting than the usual pancakes and sausage on the side. The way the fluffy pancakes layer with savory sausage and melty cheese, it’s like breakfast comfort food turned up to eleven.
What makes this Pancake Sausage Casserole: Ultimate Layered Breakfast Lasagna Recipe stand out is how it combines textures and flavors in every bite—crispy edges, cheesy gooey centers, and hearty sausage all wrapped up in pancake layers. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for a cozy weekend morning that feels utterly special without all the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Layered goodness: Combining pancakes, sausage, and cheese creates a hearty and satisfying breakfast bake.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can prep it in advance, then bake fresh when you’re ready, saving time on busy mornings.
- Family pleaser: My kids always ask for seconds, and friends leave impressed — it’s that good!
- Versatile flavors: Sweet maple syrup or spicy hot sauce? This casserole works beautifully with both!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Pancake Sausage Casserole: Ultimate Layered Breakfast Lasagna Recipe comes from keeping it simple with quality ingredients that marry beautifully in layers. I like to use a reliable pancake mix and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for the perfect melt.
- Pancake mix: Choose your favorite brand or homemade mix; it’s the base of your layers.
- Milk: Whole milk works best for tender pancakes, but any kind will do in a pinch.
- Eggs: Helps bind and enrich the batter, making the pancakes fluffy.
- Melted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the pancake layers.
- Vanilla extract: A touch brightens up the flavor — slightly unexpected but delicious.
- Breakfast sausage: Use your favorite kind, cooked and crumbled for savory layers.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds that classic tangy bite.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to give a gooey texture.
- Cream cheese (optional): For extra creaminess, I sometimes mix this in with the cheeses.
- Butter for greasing: Prevents sticking in the baking dish for easy serving.
- Extra cheese for topping: Because you can never have too much cheese!
Variations
I love how flexible this Pancake Sausage Casserole: Ultimate Layered Breakfast Lasagna Recipe is — you can really make it your own based on whatever you have in the fridge or your dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to swap or add in ingredients that suit your taste.
- Vegetarian Version: Try swapping the sausage for sautéed mushrooms or seasoned veggie sausage; I’ve done it for guests who don’t eat meat, and they loved it.
- Spicy Kick: Add some chopped jalapeños to the cheese layers or mix hot sauce into the batter for a fun twist.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with pepper jack, gouda, or even a little parmesan for richer flavor.
- Sweet Touch: For a breakfast dessert vibe, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon in the pancake batter and serve with fruit compote.
How to Make Pancake Sausage Casserole: Ultimate Layered Breakfast Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up Thin, Tender Pancakes
Start by mixing your pancake batter until smooth—no lumps, I promise it makes a difference! Pour the batter onto a hot non-stick pan or griddle, using just enough to create pancake rounds about 8 to 9 inches wide. I’ve learned that thinner pancakes work best for layering, so don’t make them too thick. Cook each side until golden brown, then let them cool slightly to prevent sogginess later on.
Step 2: Cook and Crumble the Sausage
While your pancakes cool, brown the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and nicely browned. Drain any excess fat, then crumble it up into bite-sized pieces. I always give the sausage a good stir to break it up evenly—no big clumps here!
Step 3: Assemble Your Breakfast Lasagna Layers
Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to avoid sticky surprises. Mix the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses together for that perfect blend of flavor and meltiness; if you’re using cream cheese, fold it in here for added richness. Then, start layering like a pro: two pancakes down, a third of the sausage, followed by a third of the cheese mix—repeat twice more until you’ve used it all up, finishing with cheese on top. It’s like building a savory, cheesy pancake tower!
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover the casserole with foil and pop it into your preheated 350°F oven. Let it bake for 20 minutes to heat through and meld flavors. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden. You’ll notice the aromas filling your kitchen at this point—tell me you’re not already hungry! Just be sure to let it rest for about 10 minutes after baking; this helps the casserole set and makes slicing neat and easy.
Pro Tips for Making Pancake Sausage Casserole: Ultimate Layered Breakfast Lasagna Recipe
- Thin Pancake Trick: Making your pancakes thinner than usual helps the layers stack without feeling dense or doughy.
- Cheese Blend Magic: Mixing cheddar and mozzarella balances sharpness and meltability perfectly—try not to skip this combo.
- Rest Before Serving: Allowing the casserole to rest after baking ensures clean cuts and helps all those flavors settle.
- Avoid Sogginess: Don’t stack pancakes while they’re too hot; letting them cool slightly keeps the layers from getting mushy.
How to Serve Pancake Sausage Casserole: Ultimate Layered Breakfast Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this casserole with a little fresh parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Some crispy bacon bits sprinkled on top add a fun crunch. Of course, a drizzle of maple syrup or a dash of hot sauce (or both!) takes the flavor profile from fantastic to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
This layered breakfast is hearty enough to be the star, but I often serve it alongside simple fresh fruit like berries or orange slices to lighten things up. Roasted potatoes or a mixed greens salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette also pair beautifully for a well-rounded brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I sometimes bake this casserole in individual ramekins for elegant single servings. You can also add a dollop of sour cream topped with chives on each square for a diner-style presentation. If you’re hosting a brunch party, set up a toppings bar with syrups, hot sauces, and cheeses so guests can customize their layers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I tightly cover any leftovers with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. It usually lasts 3-4 days, which is perfect for quick breakfast fixes during the week.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully! I slice it before freezing and separate the pieces with parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you want a quick meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat.
Reheating
To keep the best texture, I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. The microwave works in a pinch but might make the pancakes a bit softer than fresh.
FAQs
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Can I make Pancake Sausage Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. Then just bake it fresh in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.
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What’s the best pancake mix to use?
I’ve found that any good quality store-bought pancake mix works well, but homemade mix adds that fresh flavor and lets you control sweetness and fluffiness.
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Can I use turkey sausage or a vegetarian sausage?
Definitely! I swap in turkey or plant-based sausage all the time with great results. Just make sure it’s cooked and crumbled before layering.
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How thin should the pancakes be?
Try to pour just enough batter to get pancakes about 1/4 inch thick—thin enough to layer easily but thick enough to hold the sausage and cheese without falling apart.
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Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
You bet! Sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms fold in nicely and add extra flavor and nutrition to your breakfast lasagna.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Pancake Sausage Casserole: Ultimate Layered Breakfast Lasagna Recipe has become one of my go-to breakfast dishes whenever I want something cozy but special. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to throw together, and the layers mean every bite is a perfect balance of savory pancakes, melty cheese, and comforting sausage. If you’re after a crowd-pleasing dish that can be customized any way you like, I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a try—your family will thank you, and you might just find your new favorite breakfast tradition!
Print
Pancake Sausage Casserole: Ultimate Layered Breakfast Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8–10 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Pancake Sausage Casserole is a hearty, layered breakfast lasagna that combines fluffy homemade pancakes with savory cooked sausage and a blend of melted cheeses. This comforting dish is baked to golden perfection and makes a perfect weekend brunch or special breakfast, offering sweet and savory flavor options with maple syrup or hot sauce.
Ingredients
For the Pancake Layers:
- 3 cups pancake mix
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 lbs breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened (optional, for extra richness)
For Assembly:
- Butter for greasing
- Extra cheese for topping
Instructions
- Make the Pancake Layers: In a mixing bowl, combine pancake mix, milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat. Pour batter to make 6-8 thin pancake rounds (about 8-9 inches in diameter). Cook each pancake until golden brown on both sides. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare for Assembly: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Mix the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses together in a bowl.
- Layer the ‘Lasagna’: Place 2 pancakes in the baking dish as the first layer. Add one-third of the cooked sausage, followed by one-third of the cheese mixture. Repeat with 2 more pancakes, another one-third of sausage, and one-third of cheese. Top with the remaining pancakes, sausage, and cheese.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before cutting.
- Serve: Cut into squares and serve with maple syrup or hot sauce for added flavor.
Notes
- Pancake Thickness: Make the pancakes thin and even for easier layering.
- Cheese Blend: Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a perfect balance of flavor and meltiness.
- Optional Cream Cheese: Adding softened cream cheese to the layers creates extra richness and creaminess.
- Rest Before Cutting: Letting the casserole rest ensures clean, neat slices.
- Serving Suggestions: Offer both sweet (maple syrup) and savory (hot sauce) options to cater to different tastes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/8th of casserole)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.4g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
