Pancake Sausage Casserole: Ultimate Layered Breakfast Lasagna Recipe

If you’re a breakfast lover like me, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Pancake Sausage Casserole: Ultimate Layered Breakfast Lasagna Recipe. Imagine the comfort of pancakes stacked up like lasagna sheets, layered with savory sausage and melty cheese — it’s breakfast and dinner all rolled into one super satisfying dish. I love this because it’s perfect for weekend brunches when you want something impressive but not fussy.

This casserole recipe works wonders when you’re feeding a crowd or simply want a make-ahead meal that tastes fresh and indulgent. You’ll find that layering pancakes instead of noodles adds this fun, fluffy texture that’s unlike any other breakfast casserole you’ve tried. Trust me, this is one recipe that’s both a conversation starter and an effortless crowd-pleaser!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to balance sweet, savory, and melty textures. The key is using quality pancake mix and a blend of cheeses that melt well without being too greasy.

• Pancake mix: Choose your favorite brand or homemade mix for that tender pancake base.
• Milk: Whole milk creates richer pancakes, but you can use any milk you prefer.
• Eggs: Helps bind the batter and adds fluffiness to the pancakes.
• Melted butter: Adds flavor and keeps pancakes moist.
• Vanilla extract: A subtle touch that elevates the pancake flavor.
• Breakfast sausage: Use your favorite kind, pre-cooked and crumbled for easy layering.
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar balances the richness of the sausage.
• Mozzarella cheese: Brings melty stretchiness to the casserole.
• Cream cheese (optional): For that extra creamy bite, mixing cream cheese into your layers can’t be beat.
• Butter (for greasing): Prevents sticking and adds a bit more flavor around the edges.
• Extra cheese (for topping): Creates that irresistible browned, bubbly cheese crust on top.

Variations

I love how flexible this Pancake Sausage Casserole: Ultimate Layered Breakfast Lasagna Recipe is, so I encourage you to make it your own. Whether you like it spicier, cheesier, or packed with veggies, you’ve got plenty of room to mix things up easily.

• Spicy kick: Add some diced jalapeños to the sausage or sprinkle red pepper flakes in the cheese layers — that’s a favorite tweak in my house!
• Veggie boost: Toss in lightly sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for a veggie-packed breakfast that still feels indulgent.
• Dairy-free option: Use vegan cheese and a plant-based sausage to keep it delicious without dairy.
• Sweet & savory swap: Try swapping the sausage with crumbled bacon or adding a layer of fruit preserves for a fun twist.

How to Make Pancake Sausage Casserole: Ultimate Layered Breakfast Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up Those Pancakes

Start by mixing your pancake batter until smooth — I usually use a whisk to keep it lump-free. Heat your griddle or non-stick pan over medium heat and pour out thin, even rounds about 8-9 inches in diameter. Cooking these thin pancakes instead of thick ones means they layer easier and don’t overwhelm the casserole. Flip when bubbles form and the edges set, aiming for golden-brown perfection on both sides. Set them aside to cool a bit; warm pancakes tend to fall apart when layering.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Prep the Cheese

While your pancakes cool, cook your breakfast sausage until nicely browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess fat so the casserole doesn’t get greasy. Next, mix together the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses for that perfect melty blend. If you’re using cream cheese, soften it ahead and set it aside — it’ll help keep the filling extra creamy when you layer it in later.

Step 3: Time to Layer Your Breakfast Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to avoid any sticking. Start by placing two pancakes as the base layer. Top with a third of the crumbled sausage, then a third of your cheese mixture — if you’re adding cream cheese, dollop it lightly across the layer or blend it with cheeses beforehand for an even spread. Repeat this pattern twice more until you’ve made three stacked layers like a lasagna. Finish with an extra sprinkling of cheese on top for that golden brown finish.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes to let everything meld and the sausages heat through. After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly, slightly browned, and irresistible. It’s important to let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before cutting — this helps everything set so your pieces hold together beautifully.

How to Serve Pancake Sausage Casserole: Ultimate Layered Breakfast Lasagna Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this casserole with a little fresh chopped parsley or scallions for color and a slight bite — it brightens the rich flavors. A drizzle of warm maple syrup or a splash of hot sauce really lets your guests customize their experience, taking each bite either sweet or savory. I usually put both options on the table for maximum fun!

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salad to cut through the richness or with crispy roasted potatoes to keep things hearty. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also helps balance the meal when serving brunch. My family loves having a side of scrambled eggs or a smoothie for extra protein.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like assembling this casserole in individual ramekins to create personal “breakfast lasagnas” that look charming and keep portions tidy. You could also swap the sausage for smoked salmon and dill cream cheese for a fancier brunch twist. Another fun idea is to add layers of sautéed apples and cinnamon for a sweet-and-savory holiday version that everyone talks about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, I wrap leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, storing it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It holds together surprisingly well and tastes just as good reheated, so you get multiple delicious meals without extra effort.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead for a busy week, this casserole freezes beautifully. I assemble it in a foil pan, freeze it uncovered until solid, then wrap it well with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Reheating

For best results reheating leftovers, I cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying out and warm it in a 325°F oven until heated through (about 15-20 minutes). This preserves the gooey cheese texture and keeps the pancakes from becoming too tough.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pancake Sausage Casserole: Ultimate Layered Breakfast Lasagna Recipe is one of those dishes that quickly became a family favorite in my home. The way it melds breakfast classics into a cozy layered delight is just unbeatable. I hope you give it a try soon — it’s the kind of recipe you’ll pull out again and again when you want to impress your loved ones without spending all morning in the kitchen.

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