Fluffy Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Sausage and Orange Wedges

These lemon ricotta pancakes are a revelation. The ricotta cheese makes them impossibly light and tender, with an ethereal texture that will have you dreaming of clouds. The bright lemon flavor adds a refreshing bounce, making every bite a delight.

Paired with savory sausage links and fresh orange wedges, this breakfast is a perfect balance of flavors. The sausage brings big, bold, meaty juices that ground the fluffy pancakes, while the orange wedges add a burst of citrusy sweetness. It’s a breakfast that will send you into your day happy and satisfied.

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Ingredients

1 unit LemonView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit OrangeView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce Breakfast SausageView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit EggsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.66 cup MilkView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce Ricotta CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 teaspoon NutmegView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon FlourView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Baking PowderView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

3 tablespoon SugarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Vegetable OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1.5 tablespoon ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Wash and dry all produce. Preheat oven to 300°F. Zest the lemon until you have 1 teaspoon zest, then halve and squeeze the juice into a small bowl. Slice the orange into wedges.
2. Add the breakfast sausage to a medium pan over medium-high heat. Cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, 7-10 minutes. Reduce heat to low to keep warm.
3. While the sausage cooks, crack the eggs into a large bowl. Add 3 tablespoons sugar and whisk vigorously until smooth. Whisk in ⅔ cup milk, then whisk in the ricotta cheese. Add the lemon zest and 3 tablespoons lemon juice, stirring to combine.
4. In a medium bowl, combine ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon salt, flour, and baking powder. Add to the bowl with the egg mixture and stir until just combined. Tip: Do not overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy.
5. Heat 1 teaspoon oil (or butter) in a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Working in batches, pour ¼ cup batter per pancake. Cook until bottoms are golden brown and tops are bubbly, 3-4 minutes. Flip and cook until golden brown on the other side, 2-3 minutes more. Transfer to a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven. Repeat with remaining batter.
6. Divide pancakes among plates. Top each with a bit of butter (about ½ tablespoon per serving). Tip: Add a drizzle of maple syrup if desired. Serve with sausage and orange wedges on the side.

Useful Cookware

A few helpful kitchen tools for this recipe, with relevant Amazon picks for each item.

Small Bowl

Kaytee Stoneware Ceramic Pet Hamster Bowl, Brown, 3-InchView on AmazonDipping Bowls, Soy Sauce Dish Ceramic, 3 OZ Small Serving Bowls for Side Dishes Vintage Blue Stylish Design, Set of 6 Mini Appetizer Plates for Condiment Sushi Ketchup BBQ Party, 4 InchView on AmazonFarielyn-X 3.5in 4oz Small Glass Bowls, Mini Glass Containers, Ramekins, Prep, Pinch Bowl, Stackable Condiment Containers, for Prep, Dips, Nuts, Snacks, Candy Meal Prep Bowls, Dessert BowlsView on Amazon

Zester

Deiss PRO Lemon Zester & Heavy Duty Cheese Grater & Vegetable Grater - Parmesan Cheese Lemon, Garlic, Nutmeg, Chocolate, Fruits, Vegetables, Ginger Grater - Cheese Shredder & Stainless Steel GraterView on AmazonMicroplane Premium Classic Series Zester 18/8, Black - Lemon Zester & Cheese Grater & Vegetable Grater - Citrus, Parmesan Cheese, Garlic, Ginger, Nutmeg, Chocolate - Stainless Steel GraterView on AmazonOXO Good Grips Etched Zester and GraterView on Amazon

Pan

SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, Swiss Granite Coating Omelette Pan, Healthy Stone Cookware Chef's Pan, PFOA Free (9.5 Inch)View on AmazonCAROTE Non Stick Frying Pan Skillet, Omelet Pan, Healthy Non Toxic Granite Chef Pan, Induction Compatible Egg Frying Pan with Heat-Resistant Handle, PFOA-Free,Cream White, 8"View on AmazonTramontina Professional 12-Inch Non Stick Large Frying Pan, Heavy-Gauge Aluminum Skillet with Reinforced Nonstick Coating, Red Handle, Dishwasher and Oven SafeView on Amazon

Large Bowl

Winco , 8-Quart, Stainless Steel (MXB-800Q)View on AmazonFox Run Brands 2.75-Quart Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl, 9 x 9 x 4 inches, MetallicView on AmazonMfacoy 2 Pack Salad Bowl, 8 inch 60 oz Large Serving Bowl Set, Deep Bowl for Kitchen, White Ceramic Bowl Set for Soup, Cereal, Ramen, Pasta, Salad, Dishwasher & Microwave Safe, Easy CleanView on Amazon

Whisk

NileHome Stainless Steel Whisk Set 8" 10" 12" Kitchen Whisk Balloon Whisk Kitchen Wisk Wire Whisks for Cooking, Whisking, Blending, Beating, Stirring-3 Pack…View on AmazonOXO Good Grips 11-Inch Balloon WhiskView on AmazonNileHome Silicone Whisk Set 8" 10" Kitchen Whisk Kitchen Wisk Wire Whisks for Cooking, Whisking, Blending, Beating, Stirring-BlackView on Amazon

Bowl

8PCS Cereal Bowl, Ohola Unbreakable Wheat Straw Cereal Bowls, Microwave & Dishwasher Safe Kitchen Bowls for Cereal, Snack, Soup, Salad and Rice, MultiColors, BPA Free, 26oz (Ser of 8)View on AmazonFox Run Stainless Steel Small Mixing Bowl, 7.25 x 7.25 x 3.75 inches, MetallicView on AmazonDOWAN 22 OZ White Ceramic Bowls Set of 4 - Perfect for Soup Bowls for Kitchen, Cereal Bowl, Ramen Bowl, Microwave Safe for Oatmeal, Fruit,Salad and Rice Bowl - Dishwasher & Microwave SafeView on Amazon

Baking Sheet

GoodCook Everyday Nonstick Baking Sheet Set, 3 Pack Includes Small (13×9) Medium (15×1) and Large (17×11) Pans Carbon Steel Construction Cookie Sheets Bakeware Set, GrayView on AmazonNutriChef 3-Piece Nonstick Kitchen Oven Baking Pans - Premium & Stylish Non-Stick Steel, Commercial Grade Restaurant Quality Metal Bakeware with Red Silicone Handles - Easy to Clean, NCSBS3SView on AmazonNordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet - USA Made Aluminum Commercial Quality Sheet Pan for Baking or Roasting, Encapsulated Galvanized Steel Rim Prevents Warping, 2-PackView on Amazon

Large Pan

SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with Lid, 12 Inch Large Deep Frying Pan, 5 Qt Non Stick Saute Pan with Cover, Induction Pan, Healthy Non Toxic Cooking Pan with Helper Handle, PFOA PFOS FreeView on AmazonFarberware Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Jumbo Cooker Chef's Pan with Lid and Helper Handle, Kitchen Cookware, 6-Quart, BlackView on AmazonSNOWCLAD Frying Pans Nonstick with Lid,Hybrid Non Stick 5 Quart Saute pan,PFOA Free Cookware,Stainless Steel skillet,12 inch Deep Saute Pan,Dishwasher&Oven Safe,Works on All CooktopsView on Amazon

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use regular cheese instead of ricotta?

Ricotta is key for the light and tender texture. Substituting with another cheese may alter the results.

Can I make these pancakes without eggs?

Eggs are essential for structure and fluffiness. We do not recommend omitting them.

What can I serve instead of sausage?

You can serve these pancakes with bacon, ham, or even fresh fruit for a lighter option.