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Corn Griddle Cakes with Sausage

These savoury corn griddle cakes offer a sophisticated twist on a classic high-protein breakfast. Combining the sweetness of charred corn kernels with the salty, spiced notes of breakfast sausage, they provide a satisfyingly textured bite that works just as well for a weekend brunch as it does for a quick midweek supper. The addition of cracked black pepper and a hint of cayenne ensures a gentle warmth that balances beautifully with the moreish buttermilk batter.

To elevate this homemade dish, we serve it with a fragrant orange and honey butter that cuts through the richness of the sausage perfectly. The wholemeal flour and cornmeal add a wonderful depth of flavour and a wholesome, rustic finish. For those looking for a balanced, savoury meal, these cakes provide plenty of energy and can be easily served alongside a fresh leaf salad or some grilled tomatoes.

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Ingredients for Corn Griddle Cakes with Sausage

  • 120ml (1 stick) unsalted butter

  • 120ml honey

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons finely grated orange zest

  • Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

  • 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter

  • 170g (about 200g ) breakfast sausage, casings removed if necessary

  • 350ml fresh (or frozen, thawed) corn kernels

  • 130g yellow cornmeal

  • 60g wholemeal flour

  • 1 tablespoon sugar

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black peppercorns

  • 1/2 teaspoons bicarbonate of soda

  • 1/4 teaspoons baking powder

  • Pinch of cayenne pepper

  • 300ml buttermilk

  • 2 large eggs

  • 6 spring onions, chopped

Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk in honey and orange zest. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and keep warm.

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Spoon milk solids from surface and discard. Pour clarified butter into a small glass measuring cup (there should be about 60ml ), leaving any browned bits behind; set aside. (Alternatively, use 60ml grapeseed oil.)

Cook sausage in a 10" cast-iron skillet or other large heavy nonstick skillet over medium heat, breaking up into small pieces with the back of a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer sausage to a small bowl. Add corn to same skillet and cook over medium-high heat, stirring often, until browned, 5-6 minutes. Transfer corn to bowl with sausage and let cool. Wipe skillet clean and reserve.

Whisk cornmeal and next 7 ingredients in a medium bowl. Whisk buttermilk and eggs in a large bowl; add dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Fold in sausage, corn, and spring onions.

Heat 1 tablespoon clarified butter in reserved skillet; working in batches and adding butter as needed between batches, add batter to pan by tablespoonfuls. Cook until cakes are crisp and golden brown, 2-3 minutes. Turn cakes over and cook until browned, 1-2 minutes longer. Transfer cakes to paper towels to drain. Serve warm drizzled with orange-honey butter.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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