Mini Sausage Pancake Muffins

Ingredients

• 1 pound pork sausage
• 2 cups pancake mix
• 1.25 cups water
• 1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chives
• 0.25 cups maple syrup , plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons butter , optional

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Coat 36 mini muffin cups with cooking spray or line with paper liners.

2. 2

   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir sausage in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove to drain and cool slightly on paper towels.

3. 3

   Stir together pancake mix and water in a bowl until smooth. Add sausage, cheese, chives, and maple syrup and fold the mixture until well combined. Divide mixture among the prepared muffin cups.

4. 4

   Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned, and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean, about 15 minutes. Brush with melted butter and serve with maple syrup for dipping.