Craving a savory spin on your favorite breakfast treat? These mini sausage pancake muffins could be your new go-to! Bite-sized and bursting with flavor, they combine the heartiness of sausage, the fluffiness of pancakes, and the tangy sharpness of Cheddar cheese—all in one perfect mouthful. Drizzled with a little maple syrup or dipped for extra sweetness, these muffins are perfect for brunch, meal prep, or any quick snack craving.
Let’s dive into this simple recipe that just might become your new breakfast staple. Ready to gather your ingredients?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound pork sausage : Go for mild, hot, or even breakfast sausage for some flavor variety.
- 2 cups pancake mix : No need to break out the flour, just use your favorite mix for convenience.
- 1 ¼ cups water : To get the batter just right.
- 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese : The bolder the cheese, the better the flavor.
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives : For that slight oniony kick.
- ¼ cup maple syrup : Adds a hint of sweetness to balance out the savoriness.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional) : For brushing at the end, adding extra richness.
- More maple syrup, for serving : Because a little more sweetness never hurt anyone!
Now that we have our ingredients lined up, let’s move on to the kitchen tools you’ll need and into the cooking process.
Required Kitchen Tools
To make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable, here are the essential tools you’ll need for the Mini Sausage Pancake Muffins:
- Large Skillet : For browning the sausage to savory, crumbly goodness.
- Mini Muffin Pan (36-cups) : A mini muffin pan is ideal, but if you only have a regular-sized muffin pan, just adjust baking time accordingly.
- Mixing Bowl : For stirring together your pancake mix and water (and all the additional goodies).
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula : To fold in the sausage, cheese, and chives.
- Cooking Spray or Muffin Liners : To prevent sticking and ensure your muffins pop out perfectly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons : For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Toothpicks : For testing the doneness of the muffins.
- Pastry Brush : If you’re going to brush melted butter on top for extra flavor.
With these tools ready, let’s begin with the cooking process!
Cooking Directions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Muffin Pan
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) . While it heats, prepare your mini muffin pan by coating each cup with cooking spray or using paper liners. This ensures that your muffins don’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add in the 1 pound pork sausage , breaking it into small pieces. Brown the sausage for 5 to 7 minutes , stirring occasionally until it’s fully cooked and nicely crumbled. Once cooked, transfer the sausage to a plate lined with paper towels. Let it drain and cool slightly—this step helps avoid soggy muffins.
Step 3: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, stir together 2 cups of pancake mix and 1¼ cups water . Stir just until the mixture is smooth. You don’t want to over-mix, as that can make the batter tough. The batter should be slightly thick but pourable.
Once you have your base batter, it’s time to add the delicious fillings!
Step 4: Add Sausage, Cheese, Chives, & Maple Syrup
Fold the cooked sausage, 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese , 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives , and ¼ cup maple syrup into the pancake batter. Gently fold until well combined, making sure the sausage and cheese are evenly dispersed throughout the mixture.
Baking the Mini Sausage Pancake Muffins
Step 5: Divide and Fill Muffin Cups
Now that your batter is ready, it’s time to fill the muffin cups!
Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, divide the batter evenly among the prepared mini muffin cups. Fill each cup nearly to the top (but not overflowing) to ensure you get that nice muffin top.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the muffin pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes , or until the muffins are lightly browned on top. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of one muffin—if it comes out clean (aside from maybe a little melted cheese), you know they’re ready to go!
Step 7: Optional – Brush with Melted Butter
For added richness, this next step is optional but highly recommended! Once you remove the muffins from the oven, brush the tops with melted butter . This makes the muffins extra moist and gives them that beautiful golden shine.
Even though it’s optional, it’s definitely a pro move for an extra layer of flavor.
Step 8: Serve with Maple Syrup for Dipping
Your mini sausage pancake muffins are at their best when served warm . Offer some extra maple syrup on the side for dipping or drizzling over the top. The combination of savory sausage and gooey cheese with the sweetness of maple syrup creates a flavor explosion that’s irresistible!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing the Muffins
If you have any leftover muffins (though we doubt they’ll last long!), don’t worry—they store beautifully!
Short-Term Storage (Up to 2-3 Days) :
- Once cooled to room temperature, transfer the muffins to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for up to 3 days .
Long-Term Storage (Up to 1 Month) :
- If you want to save some for later, you can freeze these muffins easily. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, being sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing.
Reheating the Muffins
When you’re ready to enjoy the muffins again—whether from the fridge or freezer—they’ll be just as delicious with a quick reheat:
From the Fridge :
- Microwave : Pop 1-2 muffins into the microwave for 20-30 seconds until warm.
- Oven : For a crispier exterior, reheat them in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes .
From the Freezer :
- Microwave : Place frozen muffins in the microwave and heat for about 30-45 seconds .
- Oven : For a more even reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes , or until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
These mini sausage pancake muffins are incredibly versatile! Here are a few quick ideas on how you can dress them up or incorporate them into other meals:
- Serve with additional maple syrup , or even a side of spicy mustard for a delicious twist.
- Pair them with a fresh fruit salad or scrambled eggs for a complete breakfast.
- They’re also ideal for meal prepping —just make a batch, store, and enjoy them throughout the week.
Conclusion
There you have it—a simple, mouth-watering recipe for Mini Sausage Pancake Muffins that’s perfect for meal prep, brunch gatherings, or a quick on-the-go breakfast. With their savory sausage, gooey cheese, and pancake goodness, these mini muffins are sure to become a family favorite. Plus, they store and reheat exceptionally well, making them a convenient and satisfying option any day of the week!
So, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of these bite-sized morsels. Don’t forget to drizzle some extra maple syrup for a delightful touch of sweetness that can’t be beat.