Experience the delightful combination of pancakes and savory sausage in one bite with these incredible Breakfast Sausage Meatballs. This creative breakfast recipe is not just a unique dish; it also makes an outstanding breakfast side that your whole family will adore.
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There’s something truly special about starting the day with a delicious and comforting breakfast. For many, breakfast is the undisputed favorite meal, a time to gather and fuel up for the day ahead. While classic options like Quiche Lorraine, Classic Bran Muffins, or a hearty Breakfast Bowl are always welcome, sometimes you crave something new and exciting.
With more time spent at home recently, breakfast has evolved into a slower, more intentional ritual in our household. This has opened the door for more culinary adventures in the kitchen, experimenting with dishes that bring joy and variety to our morning routine.
My kids, like many, have a deep affection for breakfast staples. They would happily eat fluffy pancakes, crisp waffles, or warm muffins every single morning if given the choice. While these are wonderful treats, the quest for something “different” often leads to delicious discoveries. We strive to break the monotony and introduce new flavors and textures that keep breakfast exciting.
And that’s where these phenomenal Breakfast Sausage Meatballs come into play! This recipe, which has actually graced my blog for years, always seemed like a potential hit, but I hadn’t fully realized just how much my children would fall head over heels for them. Boy, was I wrong!
The first batch disappeared almost instantly, devoured with enthusiastic approval. When the leftovers were gone – and this recipe makes a generous amount, perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping – my youngest even shed a tear, asking for more. It’s safe to say these breakfast delights were a resounding success, earning a permanent spot in our regular breakfast rotation. They’re truly the ultimate sweet and savory breakfast treat, combining the best parts of a classic diner breakfast into one irresistible bite.
Key Ingredients for Irresistible Breakfast Sausage Meatballs
One of the many charms of this easy recipe is its simplicity. You only need four core ingredients to create these delightful sausage and pancake bites. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors and tender texture.
- Sausage: The foundation of our Breakfast Meatballs. For the authentic breakfast flavor, it’s essential to use a good quality breakfast sausage. Look for the kind sold in a tube rather than pre-formed links. This type of sausage allows for easier mixing and ensures the meatballs hold their shape beautifully. While you could technically use Italian sausage, the flavor profile would be distinctly different and less “breakfast-like,” lacking that classic savory-sweet balance we’re aiming for.
- Maple Syrup: This ingredient introduces the essential sweetness and moisture that makes these meatballs truly special. I’ve found that both genuine maple syrup and standard pancake syrup work wonderfully. If you prefer the rich, nuanced flavor of pure maple, go for the real stuff. However, if budget is a concern or your family simply prefers the taste of pancake syrup, it will perform just as well in this recipe, adding that familiar breakfast sweetness. A portion is mixed into the meatballs, and a final drizzle before baking ensures a beautiful glaze and intensified flavor.
- Egg: A single egg acts as the binding agent, holding all the ingredients together and preventing the meatballs from crumbling during cooking. It’s a simple yet crucial component for structural integrity.
- Pancakes: This is the secret ingredient that transforms ordinary sausage meatballs into “Pancake Sausage Meatballs!” I often use leftover pancakes from my tried-and-true pancake recipe, making this an excellent way to use up extras. If you don’t have leftovers, whipping up a small batch of your favorite pancakes just for this recipe is well worth it. You’ll want to cut the pancakes into small, uniform cubes before adding them to the mixture. These little cubes absorb the maple syrup and sausage flavors, adding incredible texture and that unmistakable pancake essence to every bite.
Crafting Your Breakfast Sausage Meatballs: A Simple Guide
If you’re accustomed to making meatballs, then preparing these Breakfast Sausage Meatballs will be incredibly straightforward. The process is quick, easy, and yields impressive results, making it an ideal choice for busy mornings or relaxed weekend brunches. Here’s how you can create these savory-sweet delights:
- Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by preheating your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. This step is a lifesaver for easy cleanup and ensures even cooking.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the breakfast sausage, most of the maple syrup (reserving a small amount for later), and the egg. Mix until just combined – overmixing can lead to tougher meatballs.
- Incorporate Pancakes: Add the cubed pancakes to the sausage mixture. Carefully fold them in until they are evenly distributed. The goal is to incorporate them without overworking the meat, maintaining a tender texture.
- Form the Meatballs: Using a spring-loaded scoop or your hands, form the mixture into uniform, tablespoon-sized balls. Place these neatly on your foil-lined baking sheet. The consistent size helps them cook evenly.
- Maple Glaze: Drizzle the reserved maple syrup over the formed meatballs. This creates a beautiful, caramelized glaze as they bake, enhancing both flavor and appearance.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are thoroughly cooked through and golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, these Breakfast Sausage Meatballs are ready to be served! They are fantastic on their own, but even better with extra maple syrup for dipping.
Expert Tips for Perfect Breakfast Sausage Meatballs
Achieving perfectly cooked and consistently delicious Breakfast Sausage Meatballs is simple with a few helpful tips:
- Uniform Size is Key: To ensure all your meatballs cook evenly, aim for consistent sizing. I highly recommend using a spring-loaded scoop, similar to what you’d use for cookies. This tool makes the process effortless and guarantees each meatball is roughly the same size, leading to uniform baking and a professional presentation.
- Make Ahead for Convenience: These sausage meatballs are a fantastic make-ahead option. Prepare and bake them completely, then simply reheat them in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to serve. This strategy is a game-changer for busy mornings, allowing you to enjoy a hearty breakfast without the early morning rush.
- Storing Leftovers: This recipe yields a generous batch, making it perfect for meal prepping. Any leftover cooked meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. They reheat beautifully and remain just as delicious.
- Freezing for Future Meals: For longer storage, these meatballs freeze exceptionally well. After baking, allow them to cool completely. Then, arrange the cooled meatballs in a single layer on a sheet pan and freeze for about an hour. Once individually frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. This prevents them from sticking together. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat from frozen in the oven until warmed through. This makes them an ideal choice for quick, impromptu breakfasts.
- Enhanced Serving Experience: We absolutely adore maple syrup, so I always serve these breakfast sausage meatballs with small ramekins of extra syrup on the side. This allows everyone to dip their meatballs and customize the level of sweetness, amplifying the delightful sweet and savory experience. Consider also serving them alongside a fruit salad or scrambled eggs for a complete breakfast spread.
More Delicious Breakfast Recipes to Inspire Your Mornings
If you love the idea of switching up your breakfast routine, explore some of our other fantastic recipes that promise to add excitement to your day:
Biscuits and Sausage Gravy
Monkey Bread Recipe
Migas Recipe
Breakfast Pigs in a Blanket
French Toast Sticks
Meat and Potatoes Breakfast Skillet
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Breakfast Sausage Meatballs
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Ingredients
- 2 lbs. breakfast sausage*
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons maple syrup, plus more for serving
- 1 egg
- 4 (4”) pancakes, cut into cubes (our favorite pancake recipe)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
- In a large bowl, combine the sausage, 1/4 cup syrup, and egg.
- Add in the cubed pancakes, and mix just until combined.
- Form into tablespoon-sized balls and place on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of maple syrup.
- Bake in the preheated oven until cooked through, 22-25 minutes.
- Serve meatballs with extra syrup for drizzling, if desired.
Recipe Notes:
*You’ll want to use the breakfast sausage that comes in a tube, not sausage links.
Recipe source: Budget Gourmet Mom