Oh my goodness, let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite brunch recipes: **Sausage Pancake Bites**! These little nuggets of joy are like the best of breakfast wrapped up in one glorious bite. Imagine biting into a fluffy pancake, only to discover the delicious little surprise of crumbled sausage inside. It’s like breakfast heaven on a plate!
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a sleepover with my friends when we were supposed to be sleeping in. But let’s be honest — we were much more interested in cooking up something special in the kitchen! We whipped these up and instantly fell in love. The crispy exterior, soft inside, and the joy of dunking them in maple syrup just made for a perfect morning. Since then, I’ve made these for family gatherings, and they’re always a hit. I mean, who doesn’t love breakfast food that’s mini, crunchy, and tastes amazing?
## What’s in Sausage Pancake Bites?
Let’s break down the ingredients that make these bites so awesome!
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of the recipe, giving the pancake bites their fluffy texture. I always use a good quality all-purpose flour – it really makes a difference!
Sugar: Just a hint of sweetness to contrast with the savory sausage. Trust me, it’s just enough to enhance the flavors.
Baking Powder: This is our secret agent for fluffiness. It’s what makes our pancake bites rise to perfection. Always check that yours is fresh!
Salt: A pinch to balance out the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors. It might seem small, but it’s mighty!
Milk: I use good old cow’s milk, but feel free to swap it with almond or oat milk if you prefer a dairy-free option.
Egg: The binding agent for our batter. Large eggs work best to keep the bites light and fluffy.
Vegetable Oil: This is for both the batter and frying. A neutral oil is best for that lovely crisp when frying!
Cooked Sausage: I usually go for breakfast sausage because it has that perfect flavor profile; however, you could swap it out for your favorite sausage type! Just make sure it’s crumbled.
Powdered Sugar: This provides a delicate dusting to finish off your bites – because we all deserve a little sweetness!
Maple Syrup: For serving, of course! You can’t go wrong with a drizzle of real maple syrup.
## Is Sausage Pancake Bites Good for You?
Now, let’s talk health. Is this a health food? Well, it’s definitely not a salad, but everything in moderation, right?
All-Purpose Flour: While it can be a source of carbohydrates, you can always substitute it with whole wheat flour for added fiber if that floats your boat!
Sausage: Provides protein, but keep an eye on the fat content. Feel free to opt for turkey sausage or lean sausage if you want a lighter option.
Eggs: Excellent source of protein and vitamins, but as always, moderation is key.
These bites are undoubtedly tasty, but I recommend enjoying them as an occasional treat or a delightful brunch rather than every day. Pair them with some fresh fruit to create a more balanced plate!
## Ingredients
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tbsp sugar
– 1 tbsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil (plus more for frying)
– 1 cup cooked sausage, crumbled (breakfast sausage works best)
– Powdered sugar for dusting
– Maple syrup for serving (optional)
*Serves: About 4-6 people (or 2, if you’re really hungry 😉)*
## How to Make Sausage Pancake Bites?
Ready to dive in? Here’s how to create these delicious bites:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
2. In another bowl, combine the milk, egg, and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Mix them together until it’s all blended.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. It’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy – don’t overmix!
4. Gently fold the crumbled sausage into the batter until it’s evenly distributed. Don’t be too rough; you want to keep those little air pockets!
5. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small spoonful of batter into it — if it sizzles, you’re set!
6. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, making sure to flatten them slightly to form bite-sized pancakes. Fry them for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown. You want that perfect crispy exterior!
7. Once golden, remove the sausage pancake bites from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
8. Dust the hot pancake bites with powdered sugar before serving. They’ll look so fancy!
9. Serve them warm with maple syrup for dipping, if desired. Yum!
## Savory Twists and Tips
Let’s spice this up a bit!
– If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding shredded cheese or chopped green onions to the batter for extra flavor!
– Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying; this ensures you get that crispy exterior we all crave. A tip? Use a candy thermometer to be precise!
– Got leftovers? These bites can be prepared ahead of time and warmed up in an oven. Just pop them in at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes – they’ll be just as good!
I hope you give these **Sausage Pancake Bites** a try and share them with your friends! Cooking is all about enjoyment, and I can guarantee these little delights will make your mornings a whole lot brighter. Don’t forget to tell me how it turned out!
