Easy Pancake Sausage Bites
Learn how to make THE BEST Pancake Sausage Bites with protein pancake mix, savory sausage, creamy sharp cheddar, and aromatic spices. These bite-sized balls are ready in 30 minutes, perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast, satisfying brunch appetizer, or game-day finger food. Gluten-free option included.
Lately, I’ve been on a mission to prove that pancake mix is the unsung hero of versatile ingredients. From muffins to cookies and even banana bread, there’s more to this pantry staple than pancakes. Today, we’re digging into a savory pancake mix creation: pancake sausage bites!
But we’re not just using any pancake mix; the Kodiak Cakes protein mix takes this dish to the next level. Not only are these pancake bites bursting with flavorful sausage, but they also come with macros to be proud of. It’s a win-win situation –delicious and nutritious! They even make a gluten-free version that’s just as tasty as the original.
When is the perfect time to serve these Kodiak cakes sausage balls, you ask? Whether you need a quick grab-and-go snack or a savory appetizer to tide you over before that big holiday feast, these delightful bites have got you covered. Who knew pancake mix could be so fun?!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Quick and easy. Whip up a batch in under 30 minutes for a speedy high-protein snack.
- No Bisquick sausage balls. Using protein pancake mix instead of Bisquick, these bites are just as delicious as traditional recipes with a macros-friendly edge.
- The macronutrient breakdown. If you use turkey sausage, a serving of 3 sausage balls contains 213 calories, 9 grams of carbs, 18 grams of protein, and 12 grams of fat.
- Endless serving opportunities. Whether it’s game night, a movie marathon, a football game gathering, or a simple snack attack, making sausage balls using pancake mix is a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Ingredients you’ll need
- Ground sausage. You can use pork sausage or turkey sausage. I prefer turkey to lighten the recipe up a bit. The most important thing is choosing a breakfast or Italian sausage (mild or hot!) with well-balanced flavors.
- Cheddar cheese. Shredded cheese contributes to a rich, melty mouthfeel and added flavor. It also provides the moisture to keep the balls from falling apart.
- Pancake mix. I’ve used Kodiak Cakes’ protein mix, their regular mix, and Trader Joe’s buttermilk pancake mix for this recipe, and they all worked great. Kodiak Cakes also has a gluten-free blend you can use.
- Milk. The moisture helps create a softer, more tender finished product. I typically use Fairlife 2% for the extra protein, but you can use your everyday milk.
- Spices. Sausage is already well-seasoned and flavorful, so I kept it simple with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
How to make pancake sausage bites
Step 1: Prepare for baking. Preheat the oven to 350℉, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Combine ingredients. Mix all ingredients with your hands (I use food-safe gloves lightly sprayed with olive oil spray to avoid a sticky mess) in a large mixing bowl or use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment.
Step 3: Form balls and bake. Scoop the mixture into golf ball-sized spheres, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake until golden and cooked through.
Step 4: Plate and serve. Transfer the sausage bites to a serving platter, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top, and serve warm.
Recipe tips
- Make your own sausage. Instead of store-bought sausage, consider seasoning 1 pound of your preferred ground meat with sausage seasonings, like the delicious blend of herbs and spices I use in this sausage recipe.
- Don’t overmix the batter. You’re basically making meatballs, so the same rules apply: gently fold the ingredients together to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a dry, dense texture.
- Consistency is key. Maintain uniform sizes when rolling the batter to ensure even cooking and balanced flavors and textures. Employ a cookie or ice cream scoop if you have one.
- Determining doneness. Keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent overcooking. The balls are finished when golden brown on the outside and the internal temperature reaches 165℉. Mine were perfect at the 22-minute mark.
Variations
Feel free to customize these pancake sausage bites to suit your preferences:
- Add extras – Fold fiery minced jalapeños, corn kernels, or crispy bacon bits into the mix for a personalized touch.
- Switch up the cheese – Besides cheddar, add other melty cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or feta.
- Eggs – For a fluffier texture, add beaten eggs to the batter mixture, ensuring they are thoroughly incorporated.
- Serve with dipping sauce – Pair your pancake sausage bites with a flavorful dipping sauce, such as maple-mustard, honey mustard, or a creamy garlic aioli.
Storing & Freezing
Storing: Store leftover pancake sausage bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freezing: Let cool, then arrange the bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and place in the freezer until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store in the freezer for 2-3 months. When you are ready, you can reheat them in the oven directly from frozen.
FAQ
Sure! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Then, arrange the balls in a single layer in the basket and cook, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through (10-12 minutes).
Sausage balls may turn out dry if you overwork the batter, use a sausage variety without enough fat, or overcook them. To ensure moist and flavorful results, avoid excessive mixing, and keep a close eye on the oven.
To prevent the bottoms from burning, evenly space the balls on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking pan and flip them about halfway through the baking time. Or, bake the balls on a greased oven-safe wire rack on top of a baking sheet so the air can circulate on all sides.
More quick snacks and apps
- Ham Delights
- Corn Relish Dip
- Mini Spicy Pimento Cheese Balls
- Spinach and Artichoke Pinwheels
- Caprese Dip
If you love this pancakes and sausage balls recipe, I would be so grateful if you could leave a 5-star 🌟 rating in the recipe card below. I love reading your comments and feedback!
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Easy Pancake Sausage Bites
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 16 oz turkey sausage or pork (I use turkey for leaner balls)
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese shredded from block
- 1 cup Kodiak Cakes protein pancake mix or regular pancake mix-Kodiak Cakes has a gluten-free version to make this recipe GF
- ½ cup 2% Fairlife milk or milk of choice- Fairlife adds a protein boost
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl, either using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or your hands with food-safe gloves. Mix thoroughly until combined.
- Scoop the mixture into golf ball size balls and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes (mine were perfect around 22 minutes), or until golden and cooked completely. The internal temp should be at least 165 degrees. F.
- Serve warm and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Make your own sausage. Instead of store-bought sausage, consider seasoning 1 pound of your preferred ground meat with sausage seasonings, like the delicious blend of herbs and spices I use in this sausage recipe.
- Don’t overmix the batter. You’re basically making meatballs, so the same rules apply: gently fold the ingredients together to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a dry, dense texture.
- Consistency is key. Maintain uniform sizes when rolling the batter to ensure even cooking and balanced flavors and textures. Employ a cookie or ice cream scoop if you have one.
- Determining doneness. Keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent overcooking. The balls are finished when golden brown on the outside and the internal temperature reaches 165℉. Mine were perfect at the 22-minute mark.
Nutrition
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