Mini Sausage Pancake Muffins

Wow, I just made Mini Sausage Pancake Muffins. They smell so good! I can’t stop smiling.

I used pancake mix and little sausage bites. They are super easy to bake. The kitchen smelled yummy.

I love how they taste sweet and salty. Um, they make me so happy. I want them every morning.

I think you should try them, too. It’s quick to mix and bake. Let’s have a bite together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, these muffins come together in no time.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: They store well and can be reheated quickly for a grab-and-go breakfast.
• Sweet & Savory Balance: The combination of sausage, cheddar cheese, and maple syrup creates a delicious contrast of flavors.
• Great for Kids: Bite-sized and fun to eat, making them ideal for little hands and picky eaters.
• Customizable: Swap out the sausage, change the cheese, or add mix-ins like cinnamon or diced bell peppers to personalize them to your taste.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

These muffins come together quickly, making them a great option for busy mornings. The hands-on time is minimal, so you can easily prep them while sipping your coffee or getting ready for the day.

Servings

This recipe makes 12 mini muffins, which is enough for about 4 people if serving as a breakfast side. If you’re feeding a larger group or want leftovers for meal prep, simply double the ingredients and bake in two batches.

Difficulty Level

This recipe is beginner-friendly—no special techniques are needed. If you can mix ingredients and scoop batter into a muffin tin, you can make these!

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

• Mixing Bowl: For combining the pancake batter.
• Whisk: Helps create a smooth, lump-free batter.
• 12-Cup Mini Muffin Tin: The smaller size gives you perfectly portioned muffins. If you only have a regular muffin tin, you can still make this recipe—just increase the baking time by a few minutes.
• Non-Stick Spray or Muffin Liners: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Spoon or Small Scoop: Helps distribute the batter evenly into the muffin tin.

Key Ingredients for Mini Sausage Pancake Muffins

These muffins use just a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen.

Dry Ingredients

• Pancake Mix – 2 cups
  • Using a store-bought pancake mix makes this recipe incredibly easy. A buttermilk pancake mix works best, but any type will do.
  • If you prefer to make your own mix, you can use 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, and 1 tbsp sugar as a substitute.
• Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese – ½ cup
  • Cheese adds a rich, savory contrast to the slightly sweet muffins.
  • Substitutions: You can swap it for mozzarella (milder taste), pepper jack (spicier), or Swiss cheese (nutty flavor).

Wet Ingredients

• Water – ¾ cup
  • This is the liquid base for the pancake mix. If you want richer muffins, you can substitute milk or buttermilk instead.
• Maple Syrup – 2 tbsp
  • Maple syrup adds a touch of natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the sausage.
  • Substitutions: You can use honey, agave syrup, or brown sugar if preferred.

Protein & Flavor Enhancers

• Pork Sausage – ½ pound (about 6 small sausage links or patties)
  • This provides a hearty, savory bite in every muffin. Cook it fully before mixing it into the batter.
  • Substitutions: You can use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even crumbled bacon if you prefer a lighter or different protein option.
• Chopped Fresh Chives – 2 tbsp
  • These add a mild onion flavor that enhances the savory aspect of the muffins.
  • Substitutions: You can use green onions, parsley, or omit them for a simpler taste.

Optional Add-Ins

• Melted Butter – 2 tbsp (Optional but recommended!)
  • A little melted butter in the batter adds richness and helps keep the muffins soft and moist.
• Cinnamon – ½ tsp (Optional)
  • If you love a slight warmth and depth of flavor, a pinch of cinnamon can elevate the sweetness in the muffin.

Ingredient Variations & Swaps

Want to make these muffins your own? Here are some simple variations:

For a Healthier Version:

✔ Use whole wheat pancake mix for more fiber.
✔ Swap pork sausage for turkey or chicken sausage to reduce fat.
✔ Replace cheddar cheese with reduced-fat cheese or skip it altogether.

For a Sweeter Version:

✔ Increase maple syrup to 3-4 tbsp for a slightly sweeter taste.
✔ Use cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
✔ Add ½ cup of blueberries or chopped apples to the batter for a fruity twist.

For a Spicy Kick:

✔ Swap regular cheddar for pepper jack cheese.
✔ Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the batter.
✔ Use spicy sausage for an extra kick.

How to Make Mini Sausage Pancake Muffins

Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prep Your Muffin Tin

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Spray a mini muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray or line it with mini muffin liners to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

• Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
• Add ½ pound of pork sausage (or your preferred sausage choice).
• Cook until fully browned, breaking it up into small crumbles with a spatula.
• Drain any excess grease on a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.

👉 Tip: If using sausage links, cook them whole, then chop them into small pieces before adding them to the batter.

Step 3: Make the Pancake Batter

• In a large mixing bowl, add:
  • 2 cups pancake mix
  • ¾ cup water (or milk/buttermilk for richer muffins)
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp melted butter (optional for extra moisture and flavor)
  • ½ tsp cinnamon (optional for warmth)
• Whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Do not overmix—a few small lumps are okay!

👉 Tip: Overmixing can make the muffins dense instead of fluffy. Stir just until combined!

Step 4: Add the Sausage and Cheese

• Gently fold in:
  • The cooked sausage crumbles
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives (if using)
• Stir just until combined, making sure the sausage and cheese are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin

• Use a small scoop or spoon to evenly distribute the batter into the mini muffin cups.
• Fill each cup about ¾ full—this allows room for the muffins to rise.

👉 Tip: If you’re using regular-sized muffin tins, fill them about halfway and bake for a few extra minutes!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

• Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes.
• The muffins are done when:
  ✅ They are golden brown on top.
  ✅ A toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Remove from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

• Drizzle with extra maple syrup for a classic pancake touch.
• Pair with fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or a cup of coffee for a complete breakfast.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

How to Serve Mini Sausage Pancake Muffins

These muffins are a versatile breakfast option that can be enjoyed in multiple ways. Here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

Classic Breakfast Pairings

✔ Drizzle with Maple Syrup – The sweetness balances the savory sausage for the perfect bite.
✔ Serve with Scrambled Eggs – A great way to add more protein to your breakfast.
✔ Pair with Fresh Fruit – Berries, sliced bananas, or orange wedges bring a refreshing contrast.

On-the-Go Breakfast

✔ These muffins are perfect for busy mornings! Just grab a couple and head out the door.
✔ Pack them in a lunchbox for a quick snack at school or work.

Brunch Party Addition

✔ Serve these as part of a brunch spread with bagels, fruit platters, and yogurt parfaits.
✔ Arrange them on a serving tray with a small dish of maple syrup for dipping.

Kid-Friendly Fun

✔ Make them even more fun by sticking a mini skewer into each muffin and serving them as “pancake pops.”
✔ Let kids dip them into syrup, honey, or fruit jam for an interactive breakfast treat.

How to Store Mini Sausage Pancake Muffins

If you have leftovers (or are making these ahead of time for meal prep), proper storage is key to keeping them fresh and delicious.

Refrigerator Storage (Up to 4 Days)

1. Let the muffins cool completely to room temperature before storing.
2. Place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag.
3. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezer Storage (Up to 3 Months)

If you want to store them for longer, freezing is a great option!

1. Let the muffins cool completely.
2. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour (this prevents them from sticking together).
3. Transfer to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container.
4. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

👉 Tip: To prevent freezer burn, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap before placing them in the bag.

How to Reheat Mini Sausage Pancake Muffins

These muffins reheat beautifully, so you can enjoy them fresh-tasting even days later!

Microwave Method (Quick & Easy)

1. Place a muffin on a microwave-safe plate.
2. Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds (or up to 30 seconds if frozen).
3. Drizzle with maple syrup and enjoy!

Oven or Toaster Oven Method (For Crispier Muffins)

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Place muffins on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 5-7 minutes (or up to 10 minutes if frozen).

👉 Tip: Brush the tops with a little melted butter before reheating for extra moisture and flavor.

Nutrition Information (Per Mini Muffin)

Nutrient	Amount Per Muffin
Calories	~120 kcal
Carbohydrates	~12g
Protein	~5g
Fat	~6g
Saturated Fat	~2.5g
Cholesterol	~15mg
Sodium	~250mg
Sugar	~3g
Fiber	~0.5g

Mini Sausage Pancake Muffins FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of sausage?

✔ Yes! Turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even crumbled bacon work just as well.

Q: Can I make these in a regular muffin tin?

✔ Absolutely! Just increase the baking time to 18-20 minutes and check for doneness with a toothpick.

Q: Can I make these dairy-free?

✔ Yes! Skip the cheese and use plant-based milk instead of regular milk.

Q: How do I make these sweeter?

✔ Add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup or a small pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?

✔ Definitely! They store well in the fridge or freezer and reheat beautifully.

Conclusion

Mini Sausage Pancake Muffins are the perfect sweet-and-savory breakfast treat that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding a hungry family, or just looking for a quick and delicious breakfast, these muffins check all the boxes.

With their fluffy pancake texture, hearty sausage, melty cheese, and a hint of maple syrup, they bring all the flavors of a classic pancake breakfast into a convenient, handheld bite. Plus, they store well and reheat beautifully, making them a fantastic grab-and-go option.

Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out! Do you prefer yours with extra maple syrup, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a spicy sausage twist? Share your favorite version and enjoy these mini muffins with big flavor!