Pancake Sausage Casserole

This Pancake Sausage Casserole combines the classic flavors of fluffy pancakes and savory sausage in a delightful baked dish. Topped with maple syrup and fresh fruit, it offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it a fantastic choice for breakfast or brunch. This dish is easy to prepare and can be made ahead, perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound breakfast sausage, crumbled
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• Maple syrup, for serving
• Fresh fruit (such as berries or banana slices), for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the crumbled sausage until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until well combined.
4. In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cinnamon together.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. The batter may be slightly lumpy, which is okay.
6. Fold in the cooked sausage into the batter.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Allow to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with maple syrup and fresh fruit on the side.