Sausage Pancake Poppers

Start your day the delicious way with these incredibly simple, satisfying, and freezer-friendly Pancake Sausage Muffins. Perfect for busy mornings, these handheld breakfast bites require just a few ingredients and come together in a flash, making them an ideal choice for both quick family meals and convenient meal prep.

Handheld Breakfast Perfection: Your New Favorite Grab-and-Go Treat

Imagine waking up to a warm, fluffy pancake infused with savory sausage, all in a neat, portable muffin form. This isn’t a dream; it’s the magic of these Pancake Sausage Muffins! I genuinely believe I’ve stumbled upon a breakfast revelation. The recipe is so straightforward, almost deceptively easy, yet the results are profoundly satisfying. What makes them truly exceptional for modern lifestyles is their incredible freezer-friendliness. I recently whipped up a batch of a dozen, and they disappeared so quickly that a second batch is already on my to-do list. They’re absolutely perfect for a relaxed Sunday morning spread, where you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd. More importantly, any delicious leftovers can be frozen, ensuring you have a delectable and wholesome breakfast ready to go throughout your busy week. The secret to their effortless preparation lies in using quality, fully cooked breakfast sausages, like the convenient Johnsonville variety, which significantly cuts down on prep time.

Essential Tips for Crafting Your Perfect Pancake Sausage Muffins

Creating these delightful pancake and sausage muffins is already incredibly simple, but a few expert tips can elevate your baking experience and ensure perfect results every time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, these pointers will help you master this breakfast staple.

• Choosing Your Pancake Batter: For ultimate convenience, I highly recommend using a “just add water” boxed pancake mix. These mixes are designed for simplicity and consistency, taking the guesswork out of measuring multiple dry ingredients. However, if you prefer, you can certainly use your favorite homemade pancake batter recipe. Just ensure the consistency is similar to a standard pancake batter – thick enough to hold the sausage pieces but still pourable.
• Infusing Maple Flavor (Optional but Recommended): While a drizzle of warm maple syrup at serving time is essential, you can deepen the maple flavor directly within the muffins. I like to add a couple of teaspoons of pure maple extract to the pancake batter. This creates an irresistible aroma and taste that perfectly complements the savory sausage. If you don’t have maple extract, you can also consider adding a tablespoon of maple sugar to the dry mix for a subtle sweetness and flavor boost.
• Muffin Size Matters: This recipe is designed for standard-sized muffins, yielding a satisfying breakfast bite. However, feel free to experiment with mini muffin tins for smaller, bite-sized treats perfect for little hands or appetizer-style serving. If you opt for mini muffins, remember to adjust your baking time; they will likely cook much faster, typically within 8-12 minutes. Always keep an eye on them and test for doneness with a gentle touch.
• Mastering the Art of Freezing for Easy Meal Prep: One of the greatest advantages of these muffins is their freezer-friendliness, making them ideal for meal prepping throughout the week. To ensure they don’t stick together and retain their individual shape and texture, follow the flash-freezing method:
  • First, allow the freshly baked muffins to cool completely to room temperature.
  • Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch each other.
  • Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about one hour, or until the muffins are firm. This “flash freeze” prevents them from clumping together when stored in a bag.
  • Once flash-frozen, transfer the firm muffins into a freezer-safe zip-top bag or an airtight container. Press out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating Your Frozen Treasures: When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen muffin, simply pop one onto a microwave-safe plate and reheat for approximately 30-45 seconds, or until warmed through. For a slightly crispier exterior, you can also reheat them in a toaster oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes, or in a regular oven for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Gather Your Simple Ingredients: (Full Recipe Details Below)

This recipe shines in its simplicity, relying on a handful of readily available ingredients that combine to create a truly satisfying breakfast. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pancake Mix: Opt for a “just add water” variety for the quickest preparation. This is your base for light and fluffy muffins.
• Water: To bring your pancake mix to life.
• Fully Cooked Breakfast Sausage: The star of the show! Pre-cooked sausages save a significant amount of time and effort. Look for links for easy slicing.
• Maple Extract (Optional): For an enhanced maple flavor throughout the muffin, adding an extra layer of sweetness and aroma.
• Maple Syrup: An absolute must for serving, providing that classic sweet counterpoint to the savory sausage.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Irresistible Pancake Sausage Muffins

Preparing these delightful muffins is a breeze, even on the busiest of mornings. Follow these straightforward steps to create a batch of perfectly baked, flavorful breakfast treats.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Muffin Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, generously spray a standard 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray. This crucial step ensures your muffins release easily without sticking, preserving their perfect shape. Alternatively, you can use paper muffin liners.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pancake Batter
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the dry pancake mix with the specified amount of water. If you’re using maple extract, add it at this stage for an infused flavor. Stir the ingredients just until they are combined. It’s perfectly normal and even desirable to have a few small lumps in the batter; overmixing can lead to tough muffins. The batter should be thick but pourable.

Step 3: Slice the Sausages
Take your fully cooked breakfast sausage links (typically a pack contains 12) and slice each link into uniform 1-inch thick pieces. This size ensures that the sausage pieces are well distributed throughout the muffin, providing a burst of savory flavor in every bite. Using pre-cooked sausages makes this step quick and mess-free.

Step 4: Combine Sausage and Batter
Gently fold the sliced sausage pieces into the prepared pancake batter. Stir just enough to evenly distribute the sausage throughout the mixture. Avoid excessive stirring at this point to maintain the lightness of the batter.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tins
Using a scoop or a spoon, evenly divide the batter and sausage mixture among the cups of your prepared muffin pan. Fill each cup approximately three-quarters of the way full. This allows room for the muffins to rise without overflowing, ensuring beautifully domed tops.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the muffin pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Keep in mind that these muffins won’t achieve a super deep golden-brown crust on top, which is characteristic of pancake-based muffins. Instead, look for visual cues: they should appear set and slightly puffed. To confirm doneness, gently touch the top of a muffin; it should spring back to the touch. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Avoid overbaking to keep them moist and tender.

Step 7: Serve Warm with Maple Syrup
Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve them warm, accompanied by a generous drizzle of your favorite warm maple syrup. The combination of fluffy pancake, savory sausage, and sweet maple is simply divine!

Creative Variations and Customization Ideas for Your Muffins

While the classic Pancake Sausage Muffin is undeniably delicious, don’t hesitate to get creative and customize your batch to suit your taste preferences or to add an extra twist for variety. Here are some ideas to inspire your next batch:

• Sweet Additions: For those who love a hint of sweetness, fold in a handful of mini chocolate chips, fresh blueberries, or finely diced apples into the batter alongside the sausage.
• Savory Enhancements: Boost the savory profile by adding a quarter cup of shredded cheddar cheese or a sprinkle of finely chopped chives or green onions to the batter. A pinch of black pepper or a dash of garlic powder can also add a nice kick.
• Spice it Up: A touch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a very small amount of allspice can enhance the “breakfasty” flavor of the muffins, especially if you’re leaning more towards a sweeter profile.
• Different Sausages: Experiment with various types of fully cooked breakfast sausages. Turkey sausage links offer a leaner option, while spicy sausage can add a flavorful zing. You could even use crumbled breakfast sausage (cooked and drained) if links aren’t available, though the distinct pieces of link sausage add a nice texture.
• Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free: Many “just add water” pancake mixes now come in gluten-free versions, making this recipe adaptable for those with dietary restrictions. Similarly, if you’re dairy-free, ensure your pancake mix is dairy-free and choose a sausage free of dairy products.
• Toppings Beyond Syrup: While maple syrup is king, consider serving these muffins with a dollop of apple butter, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a side of fresh fruit for a well-rounded meal.

Smart Meal Prep: Storing and Reheating Your Freezer-Friendly Breakfast

The beauty of these Pancake Sausage Muffins lies not just in their taste but also in their incredible suitability for meal prepping. Having a stash of these ready in your freezer means a wholesome, homemade breakfast is always just moments away, even on the most hectic mornings. Properly storing and reheating them is key to maintaining their delicious quality.

• Optimal Storage:
  • Refrigeration: If you plan to eat them within 2-3 days, store cooled muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Freezing (Flash Freeze Method Revisited): As mentioned in the tips, flash-freezing is crucial. Once completely cooled, spread the muffins in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until solid. This prevents them from sticking together. Transfer the frozen muffins to a heavy-duty freezer bag or an airtight freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They will keep well for up to 2-3 months.
• Efficient Reheating Methods:
  • Microwave (Quickest): Place one or two muffins on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on high for 30-45 seconds (for one muffin) or 60-90 seconds (for two), or until heated through. Times may vary depending on your microwave’s wattage.
  • Toaster Oven (Crispier Exterior): For a slightly crispier texture, preheat your toaster oven to 300°F (150°C). Place frozen muffins directly on the rack and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method is great for restoring a fresh-baked feel.
  • Conventional Oven (Batch Reheating): If reheating a larger batch, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place frozen muffins on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. This is ideal if you’re feeding multiple people.
  • Air Fryer (Fast and Crispy): Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Place muffins in a single layer in the air fryer basket (do not overcrowd). Cook for 5-8 minutes, checking halfway, until hot and lightly crisped.
• On-the-Go Convenience: These muffins are designed for portability. Once reheated, wrap them individually in foil or parchment paper for a warm, mess-free breakfast you can take with you to work, school, or on road trips. They’re also fantastic packed cold in a lunchbox with a side of fruit.

Craving More Delicious Breakfast Inspiration?

If you’ve enjoyed these simple and satisfying Pancake Sausage Muffins, you’ll love exploring other delightful breakfast recipes from our collection. Whether you’re in the mood for classic pancakes, hearty waffles, or something a little more adventurous, we have plenty of ideas to help you start your day right.

• Buttermilk Pancakes
• Pancake in a Mug
• Texas Sausage Kolaches
• Fluffy Blueberry Pancakes
• Sheet Pan Pancakes
• Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
• Buttermilk Waffles
• Pancake Mix Chocolate Chip Cake
• Dutch Baby Pancake
• Breakfast Pizza
• Denny’s Pancake Puppies
• Cinnamon Streusel Muffins

Pancake Sausage Muffins

Pancake Sausage Muffins feature just a small handful of ingredients, are incredibly easy to make, freeze exceptionally well, and are absolutely perfect for breakfast on-the-go!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 12 muffins

Author: Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

• 2 cups pancake mix (the “just add water” pancake mix works best)
• 1 ½ cups water
• 2 teaspoons maple extract, optional
• 1 pack (12 links) fully cooked refrigerated breakfast sausages (such as Johnsonville)
• Maple syrup, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Prepare pancake batter by combining the dry mix with water and maple extract (if using). Stir just until combined; a few small lumps are okay.
3. Slice all 12 sausage links into 1-inch thick pieces. Gently stir the sliced sausages into the prepared pancake batter.
4. Scoop the batter evenly into the muffin tins, filling each cup about three-quarters of the way full.
5. Bake for about 15-20 minutes.
6. The muffins will be lightly golden on top and should spring back to the touch when ready. Avoid overbaking. Serve warm with plenty of maple syrup.

Notes

• To Freeze: Allow muffins to cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about an hour until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe zip bag, removing as much air as possible. Store for up to 2-3 months.
• To Reheat: Microwave a single muffin for 30-45 seconds, or reheat in a toaster oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes for a crispier finish.
• Sausage Placement Variation: If preferred, you can skip mixing the sliced sausage into the batter. Instead, scoop the batter into the muffin tins, then place 2-3 sliced sausage pieces on top of the batter in each cup before baking.

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Nutrition (Estimated Per Muffin)

Calories: 390kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 31g | Sodium: 829mg

Originally published: December 2015
Updated & republished: June 2019