Ingredients

Scale

The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients to balance flavors and texture. I always opt for quality breakfast sausage with a good seasoning blend—it makes all the difference. When it comes to pancake batter, I prefer homemade but have learned that a good-quality mix works just fine when time is tight. Fresh eggs and whole milk bring richness, while a touch of maple syrup adds subtle sweetness that complements the sausage perfectly.

1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional, for subtle sweetness)
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups whole milk (or buttermilk for extra tang)
2 tablespoons melted butter, plus extra for greasing
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Maple syrup, for serving

Substitution tip: For a gluten-free version, swap the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. Turkey sausage can be used for a leaner alternative, though I find the flavor a bit milder.

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or non-stick spray.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently mix until just combined—overmixing can toughen the batter.
Fold the cooked sausage into the batter, distributing it evenly.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

From my experience, letting the muffins cool slightly before serving helps them hold together better, especially for little hands eager to dig in.

Author: Jenny
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Cooking
Cuisine: International