McGriddle Bites Recipe

Looking for a quick breakfast that's both sweet and savory? McGriddle Bites are the perfect solution! These mini breakfast bites combine fluffy pancake balls with juicy sausage and a hint of maple sweetness, creating a grab-and-go meal that rivals anything from the drive-thru. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or need a fast morning option, McGriddle Bites deliver that perfect balance of convenience and flavor.

This McGriddle Bites recipe belongs to the breakfast and brunch category, and it's about to become your new favorite morning routine. Making McGriddle Bites at home means you control the ingredients, save money, and can customize them to your taste. Plus, they're so simple that even beginners can nail them on the first try!

Why Homemade McGriddle Bites Beat Fast Food Every Time

Fast food breakfast innovation has given us some amazing options, but nothing compares to homemade McGriddle Bites. When you make them yourself, you get fresher ingredients, better nutrition, and that satisfying feeling of creating something delicious from scratch. These mini breakfast bites are cheaper than their restaurant counterparts, and you can make a big batch to last all week.

The beauty of McGriddle Bites lies in their versatility. They're perfect for busy mornings, kid-friendly lunches, or even as a sweet and savory snack during game day. You can pair them with fresh fruit, hash browns, or a simple side salad. They also work great alongside other breakfast favorites, making them an ideal addition to your morning rotation.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• The One Secret That Changes Everything
• FAQ
• Your New Breakfast Favorite Awaits
• Related
• Pairing
• McGriddle Bites

Ingredients

For the Pancake Bites

• all-purpose flour
• granulated sugar
• baking powder
• salt
• milk
• egg
• melted butter
• pure maple syrup
• vanilla extract

For the Filling

• breakfast sausage
• shredded cheddar cheese

Optional Additions

• cooking spray
• extra maple syrup for dipping

Substitutions

• gluten-free baking blend
• protein powder
• plant-based breakfast sausage or crumbled tofu

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Equipment

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the rack in the center
2. Spray a 24-cup mini muffin tin generously with cooking spray
3. Cook the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles
4. Drain the excess fat and set the cooked sausage aside to cool slightly
5. Gather all your dry and wet ingredients in separate bowls

Step 2: Mix the Pancake Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt
2. In a separate bowl, combine milk, egg, melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients
4. Stir gently until just combined; small lumps are perfectly fine
5. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes; this helps create fluffier McGriddle Bites

Step 3: Assemble the Bites

1. Fill each mini muffin cup about one-third full with pancake batter
2. Add a small amount of cooked sausage (about 1 teaspoon) to each cup
3. Sprinkle a pinch of shredded cheese on top of the sausage
4. Cover with more pancake batter until each cup is three-quarters full
5. Gently tap the pan on the counter to remove air bubbles

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

1. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven
2. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the tops are golden brown
3. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean
4. Let the McGriddle Bites cool in the pan for 3 minutes
5. Run a butter knife around the edges and gently remove each bite

Expert Cooking Tips

Getting your McGriddle Bites just right takes a few insider tricks:

• Don't Overmix the Batter Stop stirring as soon as you no longer see dry flour. Overmixing creates tough, dense bites instead of light and fluffy ones. Those small lumps will disappear during baking.
• Temperature Matters Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. Let your melted butter cool slightly before adding it to the batter so it doesn't cook the egg.
• The Resting Trick Letting your batter rest for 5-10 minutes allows the flour to hydrate and the baking powder to activate, resulting in lighter, more tender bites.
• Sausage Prep Secrets
  • Cook sausage until slightly crispy for better texture
  • Break it into very small pieces so every bite gets some
  • Pat the cooked sausage with paper towels to remove excess grease
• Golden Brown Perfection If the tops are browning too quickly, cover the pan loosely with foil for the last few minutes. For extra golden tops, brush them lightly with melted butter right after baking.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Sweet Versions

Transform your McGriddle Bites into dessert by adding chocolate chips and a drizzle of extra maple syrup. Try blueberries or diced apples mixed into the batter for a fruity twist. For a cinnamon roll version, swirl cinnamon sugar into the batter and top with cream cheese glaze.

Savory Alternatives

Skip the maple syrup in the batter and go full savory. Add diced jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and chorizo for a spicy kick. Or try bacon bits, cheddar, and chives for a loaded potato flavor profile. Ham and Swiss cheese make an elegant brunch option.

Dietary Modifications

• Keto McGriddle Bites: Use almond flour and a sugar-free maple-flavored syrup; add extra eggs for binding
• Vegan version: Replace egg with flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water), use plant-based milk and butter, and swap in vegan sausage
• High-protein option: Mix in unflavored whey protein powder and use turkey sausage for leaner protein
• Gluten-free: Substitute 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free certified

Creative Mix-Ins

Customize your sausage McGriddle Bites by experimenting with different cheeses like pepper jack, Swiss, or gouda. Add finely diced onions or bell peppers to the sausage mixture. For a Hawaiian twist, use ham instead of sausage and add a small pineapple chunk to each bite.

Breakfast Sandwich Version

Make larger versions in a regular muffin tin and slice them horizontally to create breakfast sandwich buns. Perfect for holding a fried egg and extra cheese!

Equipment Recommendations

Essential Tools

• 24-cup mini muffin tin ; the right size for perfect bite-sized portions
• Non-stick cooking spray ; prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier
• Medium mixing bowls (2) ; one for wet, one for dry ingredients
• Whisk ; gets your batter smooth without overmixing
• Small cookie scoop (1 tablespoon) ; ensures consistent sizing
• Skillet ; for cooking the breakfast sausage
• Cooling rack ; lets McGriddle Bites cool evenly without getting soggy bottoms

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Refrigerator Storage

Store McGriddle Bites in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat 3-4 bites in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Freezer Storage

Freeze cooled bites on a baking sheet for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the microwave for 60-90 seconds or bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.

Meal Prep Strategy

Make a double batch and portion into grab-bags with 4 bites each. The maple flavor in McGriddle Bites deepens after a day in the fridge!

FAQ

Your New Breakfast Favorite Awaits

Making McGriddle Bites at home isn't just about saving money; it's about creating a breakfast you'll actually look forward to eating. These sweet and savory little bites pack all the flavor of your favorite fast food breakfast into a convenient, customizable package. Whether you're meal prepping for busy weekdays or feeding a hungry family, this McGriddle Bites recipe delivers every single time.

Now that you've mastered McGriddle Bites, why stop there? Try making Pancake Bites Recipe for another creative breakfast option, or experiment with Seasoned Bagel Bites Recipe when you want something different but equally delicious. Give these McGriddle Bites a try this weekend, and I guarantee they'll become a regular part of your morning routine!

These fluffy little bites of breakfast heaven are worth waking up for! 💕; Viola

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this McGriddle Bites recipe: