Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating a delightful Sausage Breakfast Cake that promises to transform your morning routine. Imagine a dish that brings together the comforting flavors of a savory breakfast into one incredibly light, fluffy, and richly cheesy cake. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, an easy-to-prepare breakfast or brunch centerpiece that satisfies every craving for a hearty, savory start to the day.
For quite some time, I had been captivated by a particular “Southern Sausage Cake” trending on Pinterest. The concept of a savory cake packed with breakfast ingredients was intriguing. Naturally, I decided to give it a whirl. While the flavors were undeniably spot-on and genuinely delicious, the texture left something to be desired. It turned out much denser and gummier than I had hoped, not quite aligning with the light and airy breakfast experience I envisioned.
Determined to perfect this brilliant breakfast idea, I embarked on a culinary experiment. I meticulously adjusted and refined the recipe, tweaking ingredients and proportions until I achieved the ideal balance. The result? A truly superior Sausage Breakfast Cake that maintains all the delicious savory essence of the original, but with a wonderfully light, fluffy, and tender crumb that melts in your mouth. This isn’t just a tweaked recipe; it’s a transformation, creating a breakfast cake that stands out for its exceptional texture and unbeatable flavor. It’s perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch or a special holiday morning, proving that a little creativity in the kitchen can lead to truly remarkable dishes.
Looking for another comforting dish? Don’t miss our indulgent Bread Pudding recipe!
Crafting the Perfect Savory Sausage Breakfast Cake
One of the primary changes in my recipe development was moving away from Bisquick, a common shortcut ingredient that often results in a heavier texture. While convenient, I prefer to use standard all-purpose flour combined with precise leavening agents – baking powder and baking soda – to control the rise and achieve that desirable light and airy consistency. This simple switch is pivotal in transforming a dense cake into a fluffy masterpiece. Furthermore, the original recipe called for sour cream. In our household, we lean more towards mayonnaise for its rich, tangy creaminess, which also contributes to a wonderfully moist batter.
The beauty of this cheesy breakfast bake lies in its straightforward preparation. Begin by thoroughly greasing an 8×8-inch baking dish. This ensures your beautiful breakfast cake releases easily once baked, maintaining its perfect shape. Next, preheat your oven to a cozy 400ºF (200°C), getting it ready to bake your savory creation to golden perfection. These initial steps are crucial for a seamless baking experience.
For the savory filling, warm a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your preferred ground pork sausage, breaking it into small, uniform pieces as it cooks. This ensures even browning and distribution throughout the cake. Once the sausage is no longer pink and beautifully browned, introduce the diced onion and bell pepper. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become tender, absorbing the delicious flavors from the sausage. Once cooked, remove the mixture from the skillet and transfer it to a paper towel-lined bowl or plate. This step is vital for draining any excess fat, preventing a greasy cake and ensuring the filling remains flavorful but not heavy. Allow the mixture to cool slightly while you prepare the batter.
Now, let’s turn our attention to the star of the show: the fluffy batter. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, aromatic dried sage, a touch of garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined. This ensures the leavening agents and seasonings are evenly distributed, contributing to a consistent rise and flavor profile. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and mayonnaise until smooth. This creamy mixture will provide the moisture and richness for our batter. Once combined, gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing just until a cohesive batter forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.
Next, in a large bowl, combine the cooled sausage mixture with the shredded pepper jack cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. The pepper jack adds a delightful kick and extra creaminess, while the Parmesan contributes a salty, umami depth. Toss these ingredients gently to ensure the cheeses are evenly distributed among the savory sausage and vegetables. Finally, add the lightly beaten egg to this mixture and stir to combine. The egg acts as a binder, helping the filling hold together within the cake layers.
The layering technique is key to achieving the beautiful presentation and balanced texture of this Sausage Breakfast Cake. Carefully pour half of the prepared batter into your greased 8×8-inch baking pan. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, gently spread the batter to form an even layer across the bottom of the pan. This will serve as the base for our savory filling. Next, spoon the entire sausage and cheese mixture evenly over this first layer of batter. Distribute it well to ensure every slice of cake gets a generous portion of the delicious filling. Finally, carefully spread the remaining batter over the sausage mixture. It’s perfectly fine if the top layer of batter doesn’t completely cover the sausage mixture; the batter will naturally spread and rise during baking, beautifully encasing the savory filling.
Craving something sweet? Be sure to try our traditional Panettone Recipe!
Once layered, place your baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for approximately 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it! The cake is ready when it’s firm to the touch, and the top has turned a beautiful golden brown. This indicates that the batter is cooked through and the cheeses within are perfectly melted and gooey. The aroma filling your kitchen will be an irresistible indicator that a delicious Sausage Breakfast Cake is almost ready to be enjoyed.
This delightful homemade breakfast cake is truly at its best when served warm, straight from the oven. The warmth enhances the flavors of the sausage and cheeses, and keeps the cake wonderfully tender. However, if you find yourself with leftovers, don’t fret! It’s perfectly fine to enjoy at room temperature as well. The flavors hold up beautifully, making it an excellent option for a quick grab-and-go breakfast or a light snack later in the day. Its versatility makes it a fantastic addition to any breakfast or brunch spread.
For those who enjoy a fascinating contrast of flavors – the irresistible salty-sweet combination – consider serving this savory breakfast cake with a drizzle of warm maple syrup. The rich sweetness of the syrup beautifully complements the savory sausage and cheesy batter, creating a harmonious and truly unique taste experience. However, if you, like us, prefer the pure, unadulterated savory goodness, this Sausage Breakfast Cake is absolutely perfect just as it is, warm and inviting, straight from the oven. It’s a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can create an unforgettable dish.
One of the best features of this easy breakfast recipe is its adaptability for make-ahead preparation. If you’re planning a special brunch or simply want to save time on a busy morning, you can prepare the sausage, onions, and bell peppers the night before. Cook them as directed, drain the fat, and allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The next morning, all you need to do is mix the cooled sausage mixture with the cheeses and egg, prepare the simple batter, layer everything into the baking dish, and pop it into the oven. This advance prep drastically cuts down on morning effort, allowing you to enjoy a freshly baked, warm, and comforting breakfast with minimal fuss. It’s an ideal solution for effortless entertaining or a stress-free start to your day.
This savory breakfast cake isn’t just a recipe; it’s a celebration of hearty, comforting flavors. Serve it warm, slice it generously, and savor every bite. Whether it’s for a special occasion, a family breakfast, or simply a treat for yourself, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit. Its unique combination of fluffy cake and savory filling makes it a standout dish that everyone will love.
Still searching for more delectable breakfast or brunch ideas? We have you covered! Be sure to explore our popular Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole, a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for feeding a crowd. Or, for another super yummy and elegant option, check out our delightful Ham And Cheese Strata. Each of these recipes offers a unique twist on classic breakfast flavors, ensuring you’ll always have an exciting option for your morning meal.
Sausage Breakfast Cake Recipe
Sausage Breakfast Cake Recipe
Light, fluffy and yet warm and cheesy. All the flavors of a savory breakfast in one easy cake!
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Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 9
Calories: 330 kcal
Author: Leigh Harris
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork sausage
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan, grated
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the ground pork sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it browns. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the sausage and continue to cook until the vegetables are soft and the sausage is no longer pink. Remove the mixture to a paper towel-lined bowl or plate and let it drain and cool slightly.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, dried sage, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. In a separate small bowl, combine the milk and mayonnaise. Add the milk and mayonnaise mixture to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined.
- In a separate large bowl, mix the cooled sausage mixture with the shredded pepper jack cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss to combine evenly. Add the lightly beaten egg and stir thoroughly to bind the ingredients.
- Pour half of the prepared batter into the greased baking pan and spread it to cover the bottom evenly. Spread the sausage and cheese mixture evenly over this first layer of batter. Carefully spread the remaining batter over the sausage mixture. It is not necessary for the batter to completely cover the sausage mixture; it will spread during baking.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cake is firm to the touch and golden brown on top.