If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing breakfast that tastes just as wonderful as it looks, let me introduce you to the Overnight Sausage Pancake Breakfast Casserole. Imagine layers of pillowy, maple-scented pancakes and savory sausage all soaking up a sweet custard overnight, then baked to golden perfection the next morning. It’s a showstopper for holidays or weekends, but—trust me—easy enough to make any time you want to treat your family to something special. This dish brings together all your favorite breakfast flavors in one warm, comforting bite!

Overnight Sausage Pancake Breakfast Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Overnight Sausage Pancake Breakfast Casserole is in its simplicity—just a handful of well-chosen ingredients blend together to create a flavor-packed breakfast. Each one brings something unique to the table, adding layers of texture, richness, and that irresistible pancake-house aroma.

Frozen Pancakes: Make sure to thaw them first. Their fluffy texture soaks up the custard perfectly and gives you those classic breakfast vibes.
Maple Sausage: The sweet-savory combo pairs beautifully with the pancakes, making every bite deeply satisfying.
Eggs: Act as the base for the custard, binding everything together and adding richness.
Heavy Cream: Adds creamy decadence, making the casserole irresistibly tender.
Milk: Lightens up the custard without sacrificing creaminess—whole milk is best!
Vanilla: Just a teaspoon deepens the flavor and enhances the sweet breakfast notes.
Sugar: Gives the custard a touch of gentle sweetness that balances out the savory sausage.
Maple Syrup: Essential for both flavor and drizzle—use pure maple syrup for the ultimate breakfast treat.

How to Make Overnight Sausage Pancake Breakfast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Pancake Base

Start by cutting your thawed pancakes in half. Arrange them carefully, cut side down, in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking pan. This makes a stunning layered effect and lets all that delicious custard seep between the layers for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Brown the Maple Sausage

Cook the maple sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s no longer pink, breaking it into bite-sized crumbles as you go. Drain away any excess fat—this keeps your casserole rich but not greasy—and then sprinkle the sausage evenly over (and in between) the pancake slices.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, vanilla, sugar, and two tablespoons of maple syrup. This luscious mixture will soak into the pancakes overnight, creating a bread pudding-like texture that’s dreamy yet sturdy enough to slice and serve.

Step 4: Assemble and Soak Overnight

Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly over the pancake and sausage layers, making sure every bit gets covered. Cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors meld and the pancakes soak up every drop of that delicious custard.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

The next morning, remove your casserole from the fridge and uncover it. Preheat your oven to 350ºF, then bake the Overnight Sausage Pancake Breakfast Casserole for 50 to 60 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set. Let it stand for about five minutes before slicing—this helps it firm up and makes serving easier.

How to Serve Overnight Sausage Pancake Breakfast Casserole

Garnishes

For a showstopping finish, dust the top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a drizzle of warm maple syrup, or a scattering of fresh berries. A little pat of butter melting on top is pure heaven—these little touches take your Overnight Sausage Pancake Breakfast Casserole from delicious to unforgettable.

Side Dishes

This casserole is practically a breakfast feast on its own, but you can round it out with a bowl of fresh fruit salad, a simple green salad, or even crispy hash browns. The light, fresh sides help balance the richness of the dish for a well-rounded morning spread.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeding a crowd, slice the casserole into squares and serve on a large platter with little pitchers of warm maple syrup alongside. For a playful twist, use cookie cutters to make pancake “hearts” or “stars” before assembling. You could even create a breakfast bar where everyone customizes their own slice with toppings like whipped cream, nuts, or extra fruit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extra? Lucky you! Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days without losing its moist, tender texture.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover Overnight Sausage Pancake Breakfast Casserole for up to two months. Wrap individual portions tightly in foil and place them in a freezer bag for easy grab-and-go breakfasts—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat single servings in the microwave for about a minute (add a splash of milk if you want it extra moist), or warm the entire casserole in a 325ºF oven, covered with foil, until heated through. Don’t forget the extra maple syrup for serving!

FAQs

Can I use homemade pancakes instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If you have extra homemade pancakes, they’ll work perfectly in this recipe—just be sure they’re fully cooled before assembling the casserole so they maintain their texture.

What if I don’t have maple sausage?

You can use any breakfast sausage you like. For that classic maple flavor, just add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup to the custard before pouring it over the casserole.

Is it possible to assemble the casserole the same day?

While the “overnight” soak gives the best texture, letting the casserole rest for at least three to four hours in the fridge will work in a pinch if you’re short on time.

Can the casserole be made dairy-free?

Sure! Substitute the heavy cream and milk with your favorite non-dairy alternatives, such as almond or oat milk, and use a plant-based sausage to make the Overnight Sausage Pancake Breakfast Casserole fully dairy-free.

What’s the best way to serve this for a brunch party?

Prepare the casserole the night before and bake it in the morning. Offer a toppings bar with maple syrup, whipped cream, and fresh fruit so guests can customize their slices. It’s a guaranteed brunch hit!

Final Thoughts

This Overnight Sausage Pancake Breakfast Casserole is one of those magical recipes that make any morning feel like a celebration. Whether you’re feeding sleepy kids, hosting a holiday brunch, or just want to treat yourself, it’s an easy, delicious dish you’ll want to return to again and again. Give it a try and watch everyone light up at the breakfast table!

Overnight Sausage Pancake Breakfast Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 14 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 9 hours (includes overnight refrigeration)
Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Diet: None

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Description

This Overnight Sausage Pancake Breakfast Casserole is a delicious make-ahead dish perfect for feeding a crowd in the morning. Layers of fluffy pancakes and savory maple sausage baked with a rich egg custard, this casserole is a breakfast favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Pancakes:

20 to 24 frozen pancakes (from a 33-oz package, thawed)

Sausage Layer:

1 lb maple sausage

Egg Custard:

6 large eggs
1½ cups heavy cream
1 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
2 Tbsp sugar
2 Tbsp maple syrup, plus more for serving

Instructions

Cut and Arrange Pancakes: Cut pancakes in half and arrange cut side down in a lightly greased 9×13-inch pan.
Cook Sausage: Cook sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain fat. Sprinkle cooked sausage over the pancake slices.
Prepare Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, vanilla, sugar, and maple syrup.
Pour Egg Mixture: Pour the egg mixture over the pancakes and sausage in the pan.
Refrigerate Overnight: Cover the casserole and refrigerate overnight.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350ºF. Uncover the casserole and bake for 50 to 60 minutes until the center is set.
Serve: Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving with extra maple syrup.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American