01 -
Set oven to 190°C and allow to fully preheat for even baking results.
02 -
Lightly grease a 23 x 33 cm baking dish with nonstick spray or softened butter, ensuring the corners are coated.
03 -
Heat a large skillet over medium. Break up sausage into crumbles and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
04 -
In a large bowl, whisk together pancake mix, milk, egg, vanilla extract, melted butter, maple syrup (if using), and cinnamon (if using) until just combined. Batter should remain slightly lumpy; do not overmix.
05 -
Pour half the pancake batter into the prepared dish. Scatter cooked sausage evenly over the surface. If using, sprinkle cheese atop the sausage. Cover with the remaining batter.
06 -
Position dish in the center of the oven. Bake 25–30 minutes until puffed, deep golden, and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
07 -
Remove from oven and allow to rest 5 minutes for easier slicing.
08 -
Cut into squares. Serve warm, optionally drizzled with extra maple syrup.