Step 1

Preheat oven to 400ºF (204ºC). Butter or spray a mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray; set aside and cool slightly.

Step 2

In a 12-inch skillet, over medium-high heat, brown and crumble the sausage (16 ounces) until there's no longer any pink. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, stir together pancake mix (2 cups), water (1 1/2 cups), and maple syrup (1/4 cup) until just combined. Do not over-mix!

Step 4

Add cheddar cheese (1 cup) and sausage then fold in.

Step 5

Spoon batter into prepared mini muffin tin. Bake in preheated oven until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 12-15 minutes.

Step 6

Serve warm with extra syrup for dipping.