If you’re searching for a delightful dish that brings breakfast and brunch favorites together in one hearty, crowd-pleasing meal, this Turkey Sausage Pancake Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture fluffy pancakes cut into cubes, nestled in layers with savory turkey sausage and melty cheddar cheese, all soaked in a luscious, seasoned egg custard and baked to a perfect golden finish. The result is a warm, comforting casserole that’s as delicious as it is visually inviting, perfect for holiday mornings, weekend brunches, or feeding a hungry group without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients are the building blocks of flavor and texture that make this dish truly irresistible. Each component plays its role: from the tender pancakes creating a soft base, the savory turkey sausage adding robust depth, to the cheddar cheese bringing gooey richness.
- 6 cups of cubed pancakes: Using day-old or freshly made pancakes cubed gives a soft yet sturdy foundation that absorbs the egg mixture beautifully.
- 14–16 oz cooked and crumbled turkey sausage: Lean and flavorful, turkey sausage keeps the casserole hearty without being overly greasy.
- 2 1/2 cups cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar provides gooey, melty pockets of cheesy goodness between layers.
- 7 large eggs: Eggs bind everything together, creating the custardy texture that makes this casserole so satisfying.
- 2 1/4 cups milk: Milk adds creaminess and moisture, ensuring the casserole remains tender and perfectly set.
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder: Adds a subtle tang and depth that enhances all the savory flavors.
- 3/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors and brings them all forward.
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground pepper: Provides a light kick and warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Sliced green onions, for garnish (optional): A fresh, crisp finish that adds a pop of color and mild onion flavor.
How to Make Turkey Sausage Pancake Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Begin by spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This simple step ensures your casserole will come out clean and beautifully intact after baking, ready to serve.
Step 2: Layer the Pancakes
Place your cubed pancakes evenly across the bottom of the dish. This creates a soft and slightly sweet base that soaks up the egg mixture while providing just enough structure to support the tasty toppings.
Step 3: Add the Turkey Sausage and Cheese
Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled turkey sausage evenly over the pancake layer, followed by an even layer of sharp cheddar cheese. The sausage infuses a savory, meaty profile, while the cheese melts into delightful pockets of flavor.
Step 4: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth, then stir in the milk, dry mustard powder, salt, and pepper. This seasoned custard will soak into the pancakes and sausage, binding everything into a creamy, cohesive casserole.
Step 5: Combine and Refrigerate
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This resting period allows the pancakes to soak up all that savory custard goodness, ensuring a tender, custardy final result.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and bake uncovered for 55 to 65 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are a beautiful golden brown and the center is fully set but still moist. Allow it to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Turkey Sausage Pancake Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions adds a fresh burst of color and a mild, crisp onion flavor that perfectly complements the warm, rich casserole. Alternatively, a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives can brighten each bite.
Side Dishes
Serve this casserole alongside fresh fruit or a crisp green salad to balance the richness with some light, refreshing notes. Roasted tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms also pair wonderfully, deepening the savory appeal of the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider baking individual servings in ramekins for personalized presentations, perfect for brunch parties. Or, top with a drizzle of maple syrup for those who enjoy a touch of sweetness with their savory, capturing all the flavors of classic breakfast in one dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling completely, cover your leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. The casserole stays delicious for up to 3 to 4 days, making it a convenient option for quick breakfasts or lunches throughout the week.
Freezing
This Turkey Sausage Pancake Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices in a microwave-safe dish and warm on medium heat until heated through, or bake covered at 325°F (160°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until hot and bubbly. Reheating gently helps maintain the casserole’s creamy custard texture and melty cheese.
FAQs
Can I use regular pork sausage instead of turkey sausage?
Absolutely! Pork sausage will add a richer flavor and a bit more fat, which some people prefer, though turkey keeps it a bit lighter. Either choice works beautifully in this recipe.
Do I have to use cubed pancakes, or can I use pancake batter instead?
This recipe relies on the texture of cubed pancakes to absorb the custard properly—using batter directly would change the structure entirely, so it’s best to stick with cubes.
Can I prepare this casserole entirely the day before?
Yes! In fact, letting it soak overnight enhances the flavor and texture dramatically, making the morning of your brunch easier and more relaxing.
What if I don’t have dry mustard powder?
You can substitute with a small amount of prepared mustard or leave it out, though the powder adds a nice depth that’s worth trying if you can find it.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Only if you use gluten-free pancakes. Otherwise, the traditional pancakes contain gluten, so be sure to swap those if you need a gluten-free version.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Sausage Pancake Casserole Recipe is a true winner for anyone wanting to impress with minimal effort and loads of flavor. It’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and versatile enough to make for holidays or any day when you crave a special breakfast or brunch. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy pancakes and sausage together!
PrintTurkey Sausage Pancake Casserole Recipe
This savory Pancake Turkey Sausage Casserole is a delicious twist on traditional breakfast pancakes, combining cubed pancakes with cooked turkey sausage and cheddar cheese, all soaked in a seasoned egg and milk mixture. Baked to golden perfection, it makes a perfect dish for holidays, brunches, or feeding a large crowd.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed pancakes (see notes)
- 14–16 oz cooked and crumbled turkey sausage
- 2 1/2 cups cheddar cheese
- 7 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground pepper
- Sliced green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer the base: Spread the cubed pancakes evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Add sausage and cheese: Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled turkey sausage over the pancakes, followed by an even layer of cheddar cheese.
- Mix egg mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs. Gradually pour in the milk, then add dry mustard powder, salt, and coarse ground pepper. Whisk thoroughly until well combined.
- Combine and chill: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and pancakes to soak.
- Bake the casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove plastic wrap and bake the casserole uncovered for 55-65 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set.
- Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use leftover pancakes or prepare pancakes fresh and cut into cubes before layering.
- You can substitute turkey sausage with other cooked sausage types, such as pork or chicken sausage.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and increase the cheese or add vegetables.
- This casserole can be refrigerated overnight or frozen for meal prep.
- Make sure to spray the baking dish well to avoid sticking, especially if using dairy-free cheese options.