Pancake Sausage Bake (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Base

01 - 1 large egg
02 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
03 - 2 tablespoons melted butter
04 - 1¼ cups milk
05 - 2 cups pancake mix
06 - 1 pound sausage (use pork, chicken, or turkey)

→ Optional Flavor Additions

07 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup if you're after a hint of sweet
08 - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon for a warm kick, if desired

→ Topping

09 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese for some extra cheesy goodness

→ For Baking Dish

10 - Butter or cooking spray to keep the pan from sticking

# Instructions:

01 - After pulling it from the oven, give it five minutes to cool down. Cut it up and dig in.
02 - Pop the dish into your heated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes. You want a golden-brown top, and when you stick a toothpick in the middle, it should come out clean.
03 - Sprinkle on the cheddar if you're using it. Pour the rest of the batter evenly on top.
04 - Start with half your pancake mix as your first layer. Scatter your cooked sausage evenly across it.
05 - In a big bowl, mix the pancake mix, milk, egg, butter, vanilla, plus syrup and cinnamon if you're using them. Stir just until blended—don't overdo it.
06 - Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain the extra fat, then set the sausage aside.
07 - Preheat your oven to 190°C. Coat a 23×33 cm pan with butter or a spritz of oil spray to make sure nothing sticks.

# Notes:

01 - Looking to make it richer? Try whole milk and regular cheddar cheese. For a lighter option, switch to turkey sausage and lower-fat ingredients.
02 - Adjust the cinnamon or syrup amounts to your taste, or feel free to skip them altogether.