• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Cotter Crunch

Cotter Crunch

Delicious Healthy Gluten Free Recipes

  • Recipes
    • By Diet
      • Dairy Free
      • Gluten Free
      • Grain Free
      • Low Carb
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
      • Whole 30
    • By Type
      • Breakfasts
      • Casseroles
      • Condiments
      • Desserts
      • Drinks
      • Sides and Salads
      • Slow Cooker & Instant Pot
      • Snacks and Appetizers
      • Stews and Soups
    • Quick Meals
    • Videos
  • Meal Plans
  • Shop
    • Cookbook
    • Favorite Products
    • eBooks
    • Printables
  • About
  • Start Here
Home › Recipes › By Type › Breakfasts

Easy Apple Sausage Breakfast Bake

by Lindsay Cotter · 09/06/2016

GF
Jump to Recipe
★★★★★ 5 from 2 reviews

Apple sausage is KEY for making this sweet and savory, healthy breakfast bake! Gluten free chicken apple sausage combined with maple syrup, gluten free pancake mix, eggs, and more. It’s a wholesome breakfast bake that’s a meal in itself. Great for breakfast on the go, holiday brunch, or breakfast for dinner. Easy, protein packed, and DELICIOUS! 

*This Apple Sausage Breakfast Bake recipe is sponsored by my friends over at Al Fresco All Natural. Thank you for allowing me to share their healthy gluten free chicken breakfast sausage products! 

Healthy breakfast bake made with gluten free chicken sausage

Well, I think I’m officially ready. I’ve put the Summer season behind me (even though it’s 90F today) and shifted my mind in into baking mode. I’d like to thank Al Fresco All Natural for the apple maple breakfast inspiration. Yes, time to bust more yummy warm breakfast bake dishes!

It’s like “no wearing white after labor” rule but with food.  Cool creamy frozen tropical treats out (except my banana soft serve, that’s the exception. Mmmm k?).  All the red, orange, and warm colored foods in. Not to mention ALL THE BAKING. Did I say that already? Haha yes, baked Apples, Pears, and Pumpkins galore. BRING IT ON!

baked apple slices

Okay I lied. I might a few more cool salad type dishes to share, but they involve Fall fruit. So…. I’m good, right?

But let’s back up the baking train for a moment. You see, part of the reason we all love Summer is for simplicity. Fresh meals made in one bowl or pan. Yep, done. Let’s eat,  fork or hands allowed.

pan of apple-maple chicken sausage baked egg casserole topped with apple slices

Why not keep this concept going through Fall and Winter. One dish. One meal. Healthy. Nourishing. Ahhh yes, the breakfast bake. Protein, veggie/fruit, carbs, and more goodness BAKED to perfection.

Hence this Apple Sausage Breakfast Bake. A breakfast bake that looks like bread or dessert, but actually can substitute for a FULL meal. And with minimal ingredients I might add.

gluten free baked breakfast casserole made with eggs and apple sausage

Think of it as Dutch apple pancakes and a side of maple chicken sausage COMBINED! Butter and syrup included.

Except this Breakfast Bake can be made ahead of time. It can be frozen for later. Use it for brunch, breakfast, or dinner. Yes, a breakfast bake that takes the cake. —> I know, corniness factor slipped in. Go with it.

slice of apple sausage breakfast bake topped with a slice of baked apple

How do you make breakfast bake?

How long does this apple sausage breakfast bake take to make?

Really, we all look at the time commitment first, don’t we?

Well, I know I do. I love to cook, but when it comes to baking, I want make it in an hour or less.

This Apple Sausage Breakfast bake will fit that criteria. Duh! I made my rules, I must follow.

All you need to do is combine your favorite gluten free buttermilk pancake mix (or other flavor of choice), diced apples, and then pre cooked maple chicken sausage.

The sausage is of course KEY here. Today I’m using Al Fresco Natural Breakfast Chicken Apple Sausage.

What is chicken apple sausage made of?

The kiwi and I LOVE chicken apple sausage. For one,they are sweet and savory, the best of both worlds.

These Chicken Apple sausages (in particular) are just made for breakfast. Hence the whole breakfast casserole idea. But what I also love about Al Fresco’s apple sausage is the real food ingredients. Ahhh, makes me feel so good just reading the simple ingredient list.

Al Fresco gluten free chicken sausage links, cooked

They’re casein free, gluten free, dairy free, and made with pure Vermont maple syrup and unsulphured apples.  Which makes them great for those who are intolerant to casein or have a sulphite sensitivity!

Light in calories and made with lean, skinless chicken meat. Oh and the fact that they are FULLY cooked to begin with is super duper handy, don’t you think?

Which is what makes this apple sausage breakfast bake EVEN MORE super duper easy. Oh yea people, we are combing convenience with healthy delicious WHOLESOME food!

pouring maple syrup over a healthy baked egg casserole

Alright, ready to rock and roll this fall inspired breakfast?

I should *note* –> this apple sausage breakfast bake is so easy to make PALEO.

Just use your go to paleo pancake mix or flour (almond/coconut).

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
slice of gluten free apple sausage breakfast bake

Easy Apple Sausage Breakfast Bake (gluten free)


★★★★★

5 from 2 reviews

  • Author: Lindsay Cotter
  • Total Time: 58 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

Gluten free chicken apple sausage combined with maple syrup, gluten free pancake mix, eggs, and more. This breakfast bake recipe makes a healthy breakfast casserole for breakfast on the go, brunch, or breakfast for dinner!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 oz (about 1 cup chopped) gluten free maple or apple sausage (we use Al fresco fully cooked chicken sausage breakfast links)
  • 2–3 tsp butter or non dairy butter (divided)
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup plus 1 tsp maple syrup for cooking sausage.
  • 1 apple, chopped and cored
  • 2 cup gluten free apple or buttermilk pancake mix (See notes for substitutions)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 2 tbsp -3 tbsp walnuts (to be chopped)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • melted butter and additional maple syrup for topping.
  • Optional apple slices on top

Instructions

  1. First brown your your sausages in a skillet with 1 tsp butter and maple syrup. If you are using fully cooked sausage then this will only take a few minutes on medium heat until they brown.
  2. If you are using uncooked, then be sure to brown and check the internal temperature to reach 160F (uncooked takes about 10-12 minutes).
  3. Once cooked, remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Next preheat oven to 350F.
  5. Chop your apple. Leave skin on if desired. Feel free to save a few thin apple slices for the top of the bake. See pictures.
  6. Next chop your walnuts or whatever nut you are using.
  7. Once sausage is cooled, chop it into smaller pieces to mix.
  8. Place pancake mix, spices, apple, and nuts in a small bowl. In another bowl, whisk your egg, 1/3 cup maple syrup, milk, and extracts together.
  9. Pour your egg mixtures in with the pancake/apple mix and then fold in your sausage.
  10. Let this sit for about 5 minutes if you are using pancake mix.
  11. While that is sitting, grease a 8×8 baking dish.
  12. Then after 5 minutes pour the mix into the baking dish.
  13. Place optional apple slices on top. Drizzle a little melted butter on top and extra cinnamon if desired.
  14. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until center comes out clean.
  15. Let cool for 5 minutes.
  16. Slice and serve with butter/maple syrup for a breakfast bake.
  17. You can also let this cool and keep for later. Just wrap with foil and store in fridge. Warm in oven when ready to serve.

Notes

  • If you don’t have pancake mix, feel free to use a gluten free multipurpose flour or a paleo flour mix. Be sure to add in 1-2 tsp baking powder if the mix doesn’t have it already in there. Baking times might need to be adjusted. Check at 30 minutes to be safe.

Additional Toppings:

  • You can serve this with baked apple slices on top instead of fresh unbaked slices. Just slice apples, sprinkle with cinnamon and bake on a greased baking sheet at 350F for 20 minutes.
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 43 min
  • Category: breakfast
  • Method: oven
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 10.5g
  • Sodium: 649.1mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.1g
  • Carbohydrates: 31.6g
  • Fiber: 2.5g
  • Protein: 7.7g
  • Cholesterol: 64.6mg

Keywords: apple sausage, gluten free breakfast, breakfast bake, breakfast casserole

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @cottercrunch on Instagram and hashtag it #cottercrunch

 

Yes, this is one EPIC FALL WHOLE MEAL breakfast bake! I mean, what’s not to like? Sweet, savory, easy, protein packed, and of course…. portable.

I wasn’t lying when I said it’s like breakfast sausage and apple pancakes all wrapped up into one dish.

Booya!

slice of baked egg casserole with apple sausage

Ever tried apple sausage or any other breakfast style chicken sausage? Favorite way to eat it. Do tell! mmk?

Cheers!

signature1

Apple Sausage is KEY for making this sweet and savory Healthy breakfast bake! Gluten Free chicken Apple sausage combined maple syrup, gluten free pancake mix, eggs, and more. It's a wholesome breakfast bake that's a meal in itself. Great for breakfast on the go, brunch, and more. Easy, protein packed, and DELICIOUS! @COTTERCRUNCH #alfrescogourmet

374 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

Categories: Breakfasts, Casseroles, Gluten Free, Grain Free Tags: baked, Chicken, easy, gluten free breakfasts, kid friendly

You May Also Like...

Roasted Hatch Green Chile Egg Casserole
Green Chile Breakfast Egg Casserole
4 ingredient paleo pancakes - flourless protein pancakes (Keto)
4-Ingredient Low Carb Pancakes
egg casserole with utensils on table
Tex-Mex Egg & Cauliflower Casserole
three almond flour banana muffins with coconut stacked on top of each other
Almond Flour Banana Muffins with Coconut
Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

Hi, y'all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

About · Studio · Shop · Contact
Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter YouTube

Have a question? Use ctrl+f or ⌘+f on your computer or the “find on page” function on your phone browser to search existing comments!

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Rate & Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Bri says

    12/09/2018 at 2:13 PM

    This came out super dry. Like too dry to eat. What did I do wrong?

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      12/09/2018 at 2:27 PM

      Oh no! That’s not good. What pancake mix did you use?

      Reply
  2. Fran says

    02/09/2018 at 12:13 AM

    So good!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  3. Christy says

    11/10/2016 at 12:16 AM

    In the ingredient list under the almond milk, you have 2 TBSP — of what?

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      11/10/2016 at 8:22 AM

      oh thanks for catching that! It’s 2 table walnuts. or more if you’d like. Then you chop for the mix. YOu can use pecans or almonds if you don’t have walnuts.

      Reply
  4. Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says

    09/11/2016 at 6:56 AM

    I want to make this this week… I think it would be a hit with the whole family! I’m feeling breakfast for dinner lately..

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      09/11/2016 at 7:32 AM

      Yes! it was soo good! I had it with butter and maple syrup on top with eggs on side. haha. LOVE! keep me posted.

      Reply
  5. Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine says

    09/10/2016 at 10:44 PM

    I’ve been buying those exactly sausages for Xander– we both love them! I love the idea of a sweet/savory bake! This looks amazing.

    Reply
  6. Jess @hellotofit says

    09/07/2016 at 8:10 PM

    Okay, you are REALLY getting me excited for fall!! I love sweet and savory things like this. PERFECTION. Thank you!!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      09/07/2016 at 9:59 PM

      thanks friend! I love me some maple. … and buttah

      Reply
  7. Cassie says

    09/07/2016 at 2:17 PM

    I’d love to try this with a vegan sausage! Who knew that sausages could belong in pancakes?!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      09/07/2016 at 5:47 PM

      Yes! totally! Let me know if you give this combo a whirl Cassie!

      Reply
  8. Sarah- A Whisk and Two Wands says

    09/07/2016 at 11:19 AM

    I bet my family would be in heaven with this, well at least my husband and oldest daughter but A might eat sausage (I’ve seen her eat it once or twice). Sounds amazing Lindsay!

    Reply
  9. Alisa Fleming says

    09/07/2016 at 10:31 AM

    Oh I love Alfresco Sausage and this is such an amazing fresh way to use it! I really need to mix up our breakfasts and this looks like a good one to start with. Thanks Lindsay!

    Reply
  10. Bam's Kitchen says

    09/07/2016 at 10:20 AM

    Sweet and savory always hit a home run in our family. This would be the perfect make ahead brunch idea. Hope you are having a super day. Sharing!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      09/08/2016 at 7:33 AM

      thanks friend! been thinking about you! xxoo

      Reply
  11. Jenn says

    09/07/2016 at 8:18 AM

    I love breakfast bakes! So easy to make ahead of time and warm when ready. I would love the try this with Field Roast vegan sausages.

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      09/08/2016 at 7:39 AM

      yes, great idea!!

      Reply
  12. Julie @ Running in a Skirt says

    09/07/2016 at 7:03 AM

    What a great combination of flavors! Love the apples you put on top. Just perfection! I would love to serve this the next time I have company.

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      09/07/2016 at 8:01 AM

      Thanks friend! Let me know if you try it.

      Reply
  13. Kristy from Southern In Law says

    09/07/2016 at 1:19 AM

    This looks INCREDIBLE! I wish we had maple or apple sausages here as this is something Jesse would LOVE!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      09/07/2016 at 7:05 AM

      I know! I don’t think i ever saw these types of sausages in NZ. Just pies. Haha!

      Reply
  14. Amanda @ .running with spoons. says

    09/06/2016 at 10:56 PM

    I’m SO ready for fall and putting delicious breakfasts like this into my belly. Bring on All the easy and healthy comfort foods 😀

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      09/08/2016 at 7:40 AM

      I’m so ready.. but still sweating. LOL! ugh. texas

      Reply
  15. Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says

    09/06/2016 at 7:06 PM

    Such an awesome bake. Love it. The apples on top make it.

    Reply
  16. Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says

    09/06/2016 at 4:22 PM

    I thought this WAS cake at first! Then I saw the sausage (TWSS). Either way, I’d eat it and ask for seconds. Strange but good, for the win!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      09/06/2016 at 4:45 PM

      yep, thought of you bro. Next time, I’ll serve it with irish coffee. K?

      Reply
  17. Erin @ Erin's Inside Job says

    09/06/2016 at 4:12 PM

    YES PLEASE. Bring on fall. I’m done sweating into all my clothes and swimming in humidity. Now if only I could tan in fall it would be PERFECT.

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      09/06/2016 at 4:39 PM

      OMG can you invent that without a tanning bed. LOL! do it! haha.

      Reply
  18. Britt says

    09/06/2016 at 12:51 PM

    This looks so beautiful and like the perfect start to fall! I cannot wait to make it this weekend! Thanks, Lindsay!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      09/06/2016 at 7:18 PM

      thanks Britt!

      Reply
  19. Sonali- The Foodie Physician says

    09/06/2016 at 12:04 PM

    Ok, this is pretty amazing! A combination of so many of my favorite breakfast eats!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      09/06/2016 at 9:44 PM

      thanks friend!

      Reply
  20. Trainer Paige says

    09/06/2016 at 11:49 AM

    That’s genius including the sausage links. Yum!!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      09/06/2016 at 9:44 PM

      right? so good!

      Reply
  21. Sam @ PancakeWarriors says

    09/06/2016 at 8:53 AM

    I need to come up with a good vegetarian sausage recipe (without all those crazy unnecessary ingredients that come in the frozne kind), because this sounds amazing! Love the one pan/pot meal, I need to make more of these as we get crazier and crazier with the gym here in Austin. Oh I wanted to ask you, do we get fall here in Austin?

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      09/06/2016 at 11:18 AM

      Have you tried tempeh sausage? There is a good Austin brand. It’s at wholefoods. And austin gets fall for like a week. LOL!

      Reply
  22. Laura says

    09/06/2016 at 8:19 AM

    I absolutely LOVE dipping sausage in maple syrup! It’s one of my favorite breakfast foods! This recipe totally cuts out the dipping step and combines pancakes…I’m sold!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      09/06/2016 at 11:18 AM

      you know it!

      Reply
  23. Shashi at RunninSrilankan says

    09/06/2016 at 7:26 AM

    One of my college roommates would often run out the door with a sausage wrapped in a microwaved frozen pancake – she’d die if she saw this and would most definitely agree that this “breakfast bake that takes the cake!” 🙂

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      09/06/2016 at 8:11 AM

      haha your roommate is genius! love that!

      Reply
  24. rachel @ athletic avocado says

    09/06/2016 at 6:12 AM

    I love al fresco’s chicken apple sausage, it’s so good! Loved that you used pancake mix in here too, it makes things so much easier! I wouldn’t mind eating this for dinner too 🙂

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      09/08/2016 at 7:40 AM

      isn’t it the best?! i’m hooked!

      Reply
  25. Susie @ Suzlyfe says

    09/06/2016 at 5:30 AM

    I LOVE AL FRESCO. Tell them that if they need a spokesperson and a spokesdoctor I know a couple who would gladly help them out.

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      09/06/2016 at 7:04 AM

      Totally! we both can be. LOVE LOVE LOVE them. CHicken meatballs are also DELISH!

      Reply
  26. Blair says

    09/06/2016 at 5:08 AM

    This is the true definition of fall comfort food. I love that sausage (especially at this time of year), so thanks for the reminder to pick some up. I love this sound of this casserole…and the sausage is also great in a frittata. Adding it to my shopping list!

    Have a great week ahead, Lindsay!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      09/08/2016 at 7:41 AM

      great idea! i must make a frittata next! or I will just come to your house. haha

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

Hi, y'all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

About · Studio · Shop · Contact
Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter YouTube

Reader Favorites

  • photo collage of dairy-free gluten-free anti-inflammatory meal plan recipes
    Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan {Dairy Free, Gluten-Free Recipes & Tips}
  • cinnamon bites in bowl - no bake protein bites
    Cinnamon Vanilla Protein Breakfast Bites + Video
  • bowl of vegan kale soup with curried vegetables
    Curried Cauliflower Rice Kale Soup {Vegan, Whole30}
  • gluten free roux pin
    How to Make Gluten Free Roux for Keto Sauces + Soups
  • stack of dried orange slices on white background
    Dried Orange Slices (Oven or Dehydrator)
  • overhead photo: cranberry balsamic chicken on a baking sheet with serving spoon
    Cranberry Balsamic Roasted Chicken {Paleo} + VIDEO
Cotter Crunch
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
Twitter
YouTube
About · Studio · Shop · Contact

Recipes by Diet

  • Dairy Free
  • Gluten Free
  • Grain Free
  • Low Carb
  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian
  • Whole 30

Recipes by Type

  • Breakfasts
  • Casseroles
  • Desserts
  • Drinks
  • Main Dishes
  • Sides & Salads
  • Snacks & Appetizers

More

  • Meal Plans
  • Quick Meals
  • Recipes with Video
  • Recipe Round Ups
  • Recipes
  • Meal Plans
  • Shop
  • About
  • Start Here

Copyright © 2022 · Cotter Crunch · Disclaimer & Terms · Privacy Policy

374 shares