What is a Pancake and Sausage on a Stick Called? An In-Depth Look at This Delicious Breakfast Treat

Pancakes and sausage on a stick have become an extremely popular breakfast item over the years. This delicious combination of fluffy pancakes and savory sausage wrapped around a stick is not only tasty but also fun and convenient to eat. But what exactly are these decadent treats called? Let’s take an in-depth look at pancakes and sausage on a stick and the various names used to describe this breakfast favorite.

A Brief History of Pancakes and Sausage on a Stick

The exact origins of pancakes and sausage on a stick are unknown but this dish likely emerged in the last few decades as a play on traditional breakfast favorites and classic fair foods like corn dogs. The pancake and sausage combination brings together the best of both sweet and savory breakfast foods into one handheld meal that is easy to eat on the go.

While pancakes and sausage had long been popular breakfast items, the method of skewering them onto a stick for easy portability and no utensils required seems to have come about more recently. The earliest references to pancakes and sausage on a stick indicate they were sold as novelty foods at fairs, amusement parks and concession stands in the 1970s or 1980s.

Since then, they have exploded in popularity at home breakfast tables as well. Many brands now sell packaged pancake and sausage on a stick products in grocery store freezer sections for quick and convenient at-home breakfasts. The dish has also become a staple menu item at family restaurants and diners serving breakfast all day.

Common Names for Pancakes and Sausage on a Stick

When searching for recipes or ordering pancake and sausage sticks at a restaurant, you may encounter a variety of different names used to describe this breakfast item. Some of the most common names include

• Pancake and sausage on a stick
• Pancakes and sausage on a stick
• Pancake sausage on a stick
• Pancake wrapped sausage sticks
• Pancake sticks
• Breakfast sticks
• Pastry wrapped sausage sticks
• Sausage pancake sticks
• Pancake skewers
• Breakfast skewers
• Pancake pops
• Breakfast pops

Brand name versions may also use proprietary names like Jimmy Dean’s Original Pancakes & Sausage on a Stick. But in general, most people refer to them simply as pancakes and sausage on a stick or some minor variation of this. The word “pancake” always comes first, while “sausage” and “stick” are the other key terms.

Describing the Components

To understand the makeup of pancakes and sausage on a stick, let’s break it down into its two main components:

The Pancake

The pancake outer wrapping can be made from scratch, but many pre-made frozen varieties use a store-bought pancake batter or puff pastry for ease. The pancake batter is thinned out slightly to make it easy to coat the sausage. It cooks quickly once fried to form a soft, golden brown, and slightly crispy pancake exterior. The cooked pancake covering lends a hint of sweetness and also keeps the sausage juicy and warm.

The Sausage

The sausage inside is typically a breakfast sausage link made of ground pork and spices. Popular seasoning blends include sage, black pepper, maple, and brown sugar flavors. The sausage link is pre-cooked before being coated in pancake batter and fried or baked again to warm through. This ensures the interior is fully cooked and safe to eat.

The Assembly Process

To assemble pancakes and sausage on a stick:

• Breakfast sausage links are cooked in a skillet or oven until browned and cooked through.
• The sausage links are then threaded onto short wooden skewers.
• The skewered sausages are dipped into a thin pancake batter to coat them fully.
• Finally, the batter-coated sausages on sticks are fried in hot oil or baked until the pancake coating is perfectly browned and crispy.

The end result is a clever take on breakfast classics all wrapped up into a fun, portable, and easy-to-eat finger food you can enjoy anytime.

Cooking Methods

There are a few different cooking methods used to prepare the pancake and sausage sticks:

• Deep frying – Dipping battered sausage skewers into hot oil results in an evenly browned and crispy pancake exterior. This is the most common method used for fair and street foods.

• Baking – For a slightly healthier version, pancake and sausage sticks can be placed on a baking sheet and baked in the oven. This still yields a nice crisp exterior.

• Microwaving – Pre-made frozen pancake and sausage sticks are often heated up by simply microwaving them for a minute or so. This allows for quick on-the-go breakfasts.

No matter which cooking method you choose, the end result is a hot, crispy, and delicious breakfast in stick form!

Typical Serving Styles

Pancake and sausage on a stick are commonly served in the following ways:

• By themselves as a convenient handheld breakfast
• Dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with maple syrup for added sweetness
• Alongside other breakfast foods like scrambled eggs, hash browns, or fresh fruit
• On a platter for buffet-style breakfasts or brunch
• Wrapped in foil or paper for easy on-the-go eating
• Served on a paper plate or wrapped in a paper napkin to catch drips

Part of the appeal of pancake and sausage sticks is they are neat, portable, and easy to eat on the go without utensils. So they are most often served in handheld style as a grab and go breakfast.

Popular Brands

Several brands offer pre-made frozen pancake and sausage on a stick products that can be heated up and served easily right at home. Some of the most popular include:

• Jimmy Dean – The Jimmy Dean brand first introduced pre-packaged Original Pancakes & Sausage on a Stick in the 1980s. Their version features mini pancakes wrapped around maple sausage links.

• Pillsbury – Pillsbury offers a Mini Pancakes and Sausage on a Stick product combining their fluffy homestyle mini pancakes with savory sausage.

• State Fair – State Fair is known for their corndogs but also sells breakfast versions including Pancake & Sausage on a Stick.

• Tyson – The Tyson Fun Nuggets line includes a Pancakes & Sausage on a Stick variety that comes ready to heat and eat.

• Kirkland – Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand has its own Pancakes & Sausage on a Stick that comes in a convenient bulk pack.

• Kellogg’s – For a limited time, Kellogg’s sold Eggo Minis Pancakes & Sausage on a Stick featuring bite-sized pancake wrapped sausages.

Trying all the different frozen brands of pancake sausage sticks can be fun to compare and find your favorites!

Nutrition Information

A typical pancake and sausage on a stick will provide approximately:

• Calories: 250-300 per stick
• Carbs: 20-30g
• Protein: 5-10g
• Fat: 10-15g
• Sugar: 5-10g

Since these contain refined carbohydrates from the pancake coating and high fat from the sausage filling, they are considered more of an indulgent occasional treat rather than an everyday breakfast. Moderating portion sizes is important.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Here are some of the benefits and potential drawbacks of pancakes and sausage on a stick:

Benefits:

• Fun, unique breakfast idea that feels special
• Portable and easy to eat on the go
• Convenient pre-made options save time
• Appealing to kids and adults alike
• Satisfying combination of sweet and savory

Potential Drawbacks:

• High in refined carbs, fat, sodium, and sugar
• Not as nutritious as whole food breakfast options
• Can lead to a sugar crash later
• Easy to overeat due to indulgent taste
• May cause greasy fingers eating by hand

Overall, in moderation, pancakes and sausage on a stick can be an enjoyable breakfast or snack with fairly broad appeal. Just be mindful of portions and keep an eye on overall nutrition and hunger/fullness cues when indulging.

Uses as an Appetizer or Party Food

While pancake and sausage on a stick are best known as a breakfast item, their handheld, dipable format also lends itself well to appetizer-style serving. Some creative ways they can be used include:

• Appetizers for brunch parties or celebratory occasions
• Game day finger foods and tailgating snacks
• Additions to breakfast buffet spreads
• Party tray platters for showers or birthdays
• Movie night finger foods for kids and adults
• Fair or carnival themed party foods

For appetizer use,