Pancake Sausage Breakfast Bake

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine pancake mix, milk, egg, vanilla extract, melted butter, maple syrup (if using), and cinnamon (if using). Stir until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Pour half of the pancake batter into the prepared baking dish.

Evenly distribute the cooked sausage over the batter.

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the sausage layer (if using).

Pour the remaining pancake batter over the top.

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.