Fritz'S Easy Cheese Sausage Squares
Cheesy sausage squares with a tender pancake batter base, infused with herbs and melted cheese, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or casual gatherings with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the Italian sausage with chopped onion in a skillet until cooked through.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well mixed.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pancake mix, beaten eggs, drained sausage and onion mixture, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, sweet basil, and parsley. Mix until well blended.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Sprinkle grated Italian cheese lightly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
- Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, try substituting turkey sausage for Italian sausage. You can also use low-fat ricotta and mozzarella to reduce calories. If you're short on time, pre-cooked sausage can be used; just skip the browning step. Adjust the herbs to your taste; fresh basil can enhance the dish's flavor, making it more vibrant. This recipe is a great way to explore American recipes with a twist.
Serving Suggestions
These cheese sausage squares are perfect for brunch or as a hearty snack. Serve them alongside a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. They also pair beautifully with Cadie Pudding for a delightful finish. Consider offering a dipping sauce, such as marinara or ranch, to add an extra layer of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place squares in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes for a crispier texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fritz'S Easy Cheese Sausage Squares contains roughly 503 calories, with 33g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (163% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (88% of the Daily Value), and potassium (76% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 854mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the cheese sausage squares?
Yes, you can freeze the cheese sausage squares. Allow them to cool completely, then cut into squares and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming them up in the oven or microwave.
What can I use instead of pancake mix?
If you don't have pancake mix, you can make your own using equal parts flour, baking powder, and sugar. For every cup of pancake mix, combine 1 cup of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. This will yield a similar texture and flavor in the final dish.
How can I make these squares spicier?
To add some heat, consider using spicy Italian sausage instead of mild, or mix in some crushed red pepper flakes to the batter. You can also serve the squares with a spicy dipping sauce or top them with jalapeños for an extra kick. Adjust the spice level according to your preference.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).