McGriddle Bites Recipe

Imagine the best parts of a McGriddle — fluffy, sweet pancakes, savory sausage, melty cheddar, and a touch of maple — all snuggled together in the palm of your hand. That’s what you’ll get with these McGriddle Bites, an irresistible make-at-home breakfast that captures everything you love about the iconic sandwich but in an easy, poppable, muffin-tin treat. Whether you need a portable breakfast for busy mornings or a brunch snack that’s sure to disappear fast, these bites blend comfort, convenience, and big flavor in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pulling together a batch of McGriddle Bites couldn’t be simpler — and each ingredient plays an important role. From the rich sausage to the sweet hint of maple, these bites are all about that classic combination. Here’s what you’ll need (and why!):

• Breakfast Sausage (16 ounces): Choose a good quality sausage for the best savory flavor; browning and crumbling it ensures every bite has just the right touch of meaty goodness.
• Hungry Jack Pancake Mix (2 cups): This shortcut brings the signature pancake fluffiness without any fuss or mess.
• Water (1 1/2 cups): Measured just right to keep the batter light and pourable, never dense.
• Maple Syrup (1/4 cup, plus more for dipping): Adds that classic McGriddle sweetness; don’t skip the extra for serving!
• Cheddar Cheese, shredded (1 cup): Melts into gorgeous pockets, balancing out the maple and sausage with creamy sharpness.

How to Make McGriddle Bites

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC) and grease a mini muffin tin with butter or nonstick spray. These mini muffin wells are the perfect size for classic McGriddle Bites, creating those bite-sized portions that are just so hard to resist!

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium-high and brown the breakfast sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. Let all that fat render out until there’s no more pink. When it’s ready, use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a paper towel–lined plate. This keeps your bites flavorful, not greasy.

Step 3: Mix the Pancake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, add the pancake mix, water, and maple syrup. Gently stir until just combined. Don’t overmix — a few lumps keep the batter tender and fluffy, just like the best pancakes.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Sausage

Fold the shredded cheddar and your browned, cooled sausage into the batter. The cheese will melt into mouthwatering melty specks, and the sausage infuses every bite with savory depth. This is where the signature McGriddle Bites flavor comes together!

Step 5: Fill & Bake

Spoon the batter evenly into your prepared mini muffin tin, filling each well about three-quarters full. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown on top and a toothpick comes out clean. The kitchen will smell like the world’s best breakfast!

Step 6: Serve Hot, Dip & Enjoy

Let the McGriddle Bites cool just a bit, then pop them out of the tin. Serve them warm, with extra maple syrup on the side for dipping. They’re sweet, savory, and totally addictive — perfect for sharing (or not!).

How to Serve McGriddle Bites

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or green onions adds a pop of color and a subtle onion note that pairs beautifully with the sausage and cheddar. For extra sweetness, dust the warm bites with a tiny bit of powdered sugar or drizzle with more maple syrup right before serving.

Side Dishes

For a cozy brunch, pair McGriddle Bites with creamy scrambled eggs, fresh fruit salad, or crispy hash browns. If you’re serving a crowd or planning a breakfast spread, try them alongside a bowl of yogurt and some freshly brewed coffee or juice for a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile McGriddle Bites onto a platter with tiny flags for party-ready finger food, or offer them in paper cones for a grab-and-go breakfast bar. For a fun twist, set up a “dip station” with warm maple syrup, spicy honey, or even herbed butter so guests can mix and match their flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra McGriddle Bites (lucky you!), let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep nicely for up to three days, making them a great make-ahead breakfast or snack.

Freezing

For long-term storage, freeze the cooled bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag once solid. They’ll freeze beautifully for up to three months — just grab a few whenever you need a quick and hearty breakfast fix.

Reheating

To reheat, pop McGriddle Bites in a 300ºF oven for about five minutes until warmed through, or microwave for 20-30 seconds per serving. A quick warm-up brings that melty cheese and savory sausage flavor right back to life.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! Try spicy breakfast sausage for a zing, turkey sausage for a lighter twist, or even plant-based sausage crumbles to make your McGriddle Bites vegetarian-friendly.

Can I substitute a different cheese?

Definitely! Cheddar creates that classic flavor, but Colby, Monterey Jack, or a sharp white cheddar would all work beautifully here — experiment with your favorites, or use a blend.

Do I have to use Hungry Jack pancake mix?

While Hungry Jack works great for that sweet, fluffy texture, you can substitute your favorite complete pancake mix. Just follow the package instructions and measurements for liquid, then add the maple syrup as directed.

How do I keep the bites from sticking to the pan?

Generously grease your mini muffin tin with butter or nonstick spray, and let the bites cool for a few minutes before unmolding — this makes it much easier to pop them out cleanly.

Can I make these in a regular muffin tin?

You can! Just increase the baking time by 3-5 minutes and check with a toothpick for doneness. Larger bites work well for a more substantial breakfast or brunch offering.

Final Thoughts

There’s really nothing like the joy of pulling a tray of warm, golden McGriddle Bites fresh from the oven — your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll have breakfast (or brunch, or snack time) covered in the most delicious way. Seriously, give them a try; each bite is pure comfort and guaranteed to make even an ordinary morning feel a little bit special!

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