Uncover the secrets to crafting the tastiest Pancake Sausage Bites using protein pancake mix, appetizing sausage, rich sharp cheddar cheese, and zesty spices. These mouthwatering bites come together in just 30 minutes, making them ideal for fast breakfasts, delightful brunch nibbles, or football party snacks. There’s even a gluten-free version available!
Recently, I’ve dedicated myself to showcasing the incredible versatility of pancake mix. From muffins and cookies to banana bread, this pantry essential is more than just a pancake base. Today, we’re venturing into savory territory with pancake sausage bites!
And it’s not just any pancake mix; we’re using Kodiak Cakes protein mix to elevate this recipe. These pancake bites are packed with savory sausage flavor and boast impressive macros. It’s a delicious and nutritious win-win! Plus, there’s a gluten-free variant that tastes just as great.
Wondering when to serve these Kodiak cakes sausage balls? Whether you need a quick snack on the go or a savory appetizer to hold you over before a big holiday meal, these delightful bites are the answer. Who knew pancake mix could be so enjoyable?
Why You’ll Adore This Recipe
- Quick and effortless. Prepare a batch in less than 30 minutes for a high-protein snack that’s ready in a flash.
- No more Bisquick sausage balls. By substituting protein pancake mix for Bisquick, these bites are just as delicious as classic recipes with a health-conscious twist.
- Nutritional breakdown. Using turkey sausage, a serving of 3 sausage balls brings in 213 calories, 9 grams of carbs, 18 grams of protein, and 12 grams of fat.
- Versatile serving options. Whether it’s game night, a movie marathon, sporting event, or a simple snack craving, these pancake mix sausage balls are guaranteed to please everyone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground sausage. Choose between pork or turkey sausage. I prefer turkey for a lighter option. Opt for breakfast or Italian sausage (mild or hot!) with balanced flavors.
- Cheddar cheese. Shredded cheese enhances the richness, adds melty texture, and keeps the bites moist.
- Pancake mix. I’ve used Kodiak Cakes’ protein mix, their standard mix, and Trader Joe’s buttermilk pancake mix for this recipe, and all have worked perfectly. Kodiak Cakes also offers a gluten-free blend.
- Milk. The moisture creates a tender texture. I usually opt for Fairlife 2% for added protein, but regular milk will work too.
- Spices. Since sausage is already flavorful, I kept it simple with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
How to Prepare Pancake Sausage Bites
Step 1: Preheat your oven. Set your oven to 350℉, and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the ingredients. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl using your hands (I prefer using food-safe gloves lightly coated with olive oil spray to minimize stickiness) or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment.
Step 3: Shape and bake. Form the mixture into golf ball-sized balls, place them on the parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake until they turn golden and are fully cooked.
Step 4: Serve and enjoy. Move the sausage bites to a serving platter, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Recipe Tips
- Craft your own sausage. Instead of relying on store-bought sausage, season a pound of your favorite ground meat with delicious sausage spices, like the herb and spice blend I use in this sausage recipe.
- Avoid overmixing. Treat the mixture similarly to meatballs: gently combine the ingredients to prevent overmixing, which can lead to a dry, dense outcome.
- Uniformity matters. Ensure consistent sizes when rolling the mixture to guarantee even cooking and balanced flavors and textures. If available, use a cookie or ice cream scoop.
- Check doneness. Stay vigilant with the cooking time to prevent drying out. The bites are done when they’re golden brown outside and reach an internal temperature of 165℉. Mine were just right at 22 minutes.
Variations
Feel free to tweak these pancake sausage bites to tailor them to your taste:
- Add-ins – Blend in spicy minced jalapeños, sweet corn, or crispy bacon bits for a personalized flair.
- Cheese options – Besides cheddar, experiment with other melting cheeses such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or feta.
- Incorporate eggs – For a lighter texture, add beaten eggs to the batter, ensuring they are well blended.
- Pair with dips – Serve your pancake sausage bites with a zesty dipping sauce like maple-mustard, honey mustard, or a creamy garlic aioli.
Storage & Freezing
Storage: Keep leftover pancake sausage bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freezing: Once cooled, lay the bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store in the freezer for 2-3 months. You can reheat them directly from frozen in the oven.
FAQ
Absolutely! 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 fully cooked (taking about 10-12 minutes).
Sausage balls can become dry if you overmix the batter, choose a sausage lacking sufficient fat, or cook them too long. To keep them moist and tasty, avoid excessive mixing and monitor the oven closely.
To avoid burnt bottoms, space the balls evenly on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking pan and flip them midway through the baking time. Alternatively, bake them on a greased wire rack over a baking sheet to allow air circulation around all sides.
Discover More Quick Snacks and Apps
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients either by hand (using gloves to keep it clean) or with a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Mix until everything is well combined.
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Scoop the mixture into golf ball-sized portions and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes (they are just right at 22 minutes for me), or until they are golden brown and fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F.
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Serve warm and, if desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Cooking Tips:
- Make your own sausage. Instead of opting for store-bought sausage, consider seasoning a pound of your preferred ground meat with flavorful sausage spices similar to those in my recipe.
- Avoid overmixing the batter. With meatballs, gently fold the mixture together to avoid a dry, tough texture.
- Consistency is important. Keep your meatballs uniform in size for even cooking and harmonious flavors and textures. A cookie or ice cream scoop can assist with this.
- Check for doneness. Monitor the cooking time to prevent overcooking. The sausage balls are done when they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. I found 22 minutes to be perfect.
Calories: 71kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 210mg | Potassium: 53mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 89IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 0.3mg
I’m Amee, and I have a passion for fitness, recipe hackery, and crafting quick, delicious recipes. Born and raised in South Carolina, I hold a special admiration for southern cuisine. I am a Certified Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach, Cancer Exercise Specialist, recipe developer, and freelance content creator. I believe everyone can be a fantastic home cook, and there’s no joy greater than sharing meals with family!