McGriddle Bites Recipe

If you’re ready to bring the iconic breakfast sandwich into finger food territory, these McGriddle Bites are the answer to all your brunch dreams. Soft, golden mini muffins packed with savory sausage, fluffy pancake batter, melted cheddar, and a decadent touch of maple syrup, these bites encapsulate everything you love about a classic fast-food favorite in a poppable, shareable form. Whether you’re prepping for a brunch party, need something fun for weekend breakfast, or simply crave McGriddle Bites on the go, this recipe delivers big flavor in every little bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here brings something essential to the McGriddle Bites party, creating a magical balance of sweet, savory, and cheesy. Stick to the list, and don’t overlook the syrup — it’s what makes these bites unmistakably McGriddle-inspired!

• Breakfast sausage (16 ounces): Go for your favorite variety; crumbled and browned sausage brings hearty, savory depth to every muffin.
• Hungry Jack pancake mix (2 cups): This mix gives you fluffy results with just the right amount of sweetness and structure.
• Water (1 1/2 cups): Blends everything together for a smooth, easy batter; use cold water for best results.
• Maple syrup (1/4 cup plus more for dipping): Adds that signature McGriddle Bites flavor — use pure maple syrup for a rich finish.
• Cheddar cheese, shredded (1 cup): Melts into the muffins for gooey, cheesy pockets in every bite; sharp cheddar gives extra punch.

How to Make McGriddle Bites

Step 1: Prepare the Mini Muffin Tin and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF (204ºC). Give a mini muffin tin a thorough coating with either butter or nonstick cooking spray — this helps those little bites pop right out later without sticking. Let the tin cool slightly while you work on the rest.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Grab a 12-inch skillet and set it over medium-high heat. Crumble in all your breakfast sausage and cook, stirring and breaking it up, until there’s no pink remaining. When everything is browned and fragrant, use a slotted spoon to move the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate. The draining step keeps your McGriddle Bites from turning greasy.

Step 3: Mix the Pancake Batter

In a large bowl, gently mix together the Hungry Jack pancake mix, water, and 1/4 cup of that glorious maple syrup. Stir until just combined — don’t over-mix or you’ll end up with tough muffins! The batter should be thick but pourable, shot through with streaks of sweetness from that syrup.

Step 4: Fold in Sausage and Cheddar

Now stir the shredded cheddar and browned sausage into the batter. Use a flexible spatula and fold gently to distribute the goodies evenly while keeping the batter fluffy. This step ensures every McGriddle Bite gets a bit of everything in each mouthful.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Spoon the batter into your prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cavity nearly to the top. Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing as the maple and sausage mingle in the heat.

Step 6: Dip and Serve

When the McGriddle Bites are fresh from the oven, let them cool a few minutes in the tin before popping them out. Serve warm and offer plenty of extra maple syrup for dipping — it’s the ultimate finishing touch!

How to Serve McGriddle Bites

Garnishes

For an extra pop of color and flavor, try sprinkling a little chopped fresh parsley or chives over your platter of McGriddle Bites. A light dusting of flaky sea salt or an extra drizzle of warm maple syrup just before serving can make every bite sing.

Side Dishes

Pair your McGriddle Bites with classic breakfast sides like fresh fruit salad, crispy hash browns, or a batch of fluffy scrambled eggs. The savory-sweet flavors also match perfectly with a strong cup of coffee, fresh orange juice, or even a mimosa for a festive touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your McGriddle Bites on a wooden board with little ramekins of maple syrup for dipping. Or, skewer them for an appetizer tray at brunch gatherings. Stack them high on cake stands for an eye-catching (and delicious) centerpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers, keep McGriddle Bites fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, making for quick breakfasts or snacks all week long.

Freezing

Want to save some for busy mornings? Let your McGriddle Bites cool completely, then flash freeze on a tray before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last 2 to 3 months and reheat beautifully from frozen.

Reheating

To warm up McGriddle Bites, pop them in a 350ºF oven or toaster oven for 5 to 7 minutes. In a pinch, a quick zap in the microwave works too — just 15 to 20 seconds should bring them back to their tender, melty best.

FAQs

Can I use a different pancake mix?

Absolutely! Any complete (just add water) pancake mix will work, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly. Just keep the liquid measurements the same and you’ll still get delicious McGriddle Bites.

Can I add extras like bacon or veggies?

Definitely! Crumbled cooked bacon or finely diced peppers and onions can be stirred in with the sausage and cheese. Just be sure not to overload the batter so each bite holds together well.

What’s the best way to make these gluten-free?

Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pancake mix for the regular one, and double-check that your sausage is gluten-free. The rest of the recipe stays exactly the same.

Do McGriddle Bites work at room temperature?

They’re tastiest served warm, but McGriddle Bites are still soft and flavorful after cooling. They’re awesome for packing in lunchboxes or serving on brunch buffets where oven space is tight.

Can I make regular-sized muffins instead of minis?

Yes! This exact batter can be baked in a standard muffin tin. Just increase the baking time to 18-22 minutes, and test for doneness with a toothpick. Bigger McGriddle Bites, same delicious flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving breakfast comfort in snackable form, you have to give these McGriddle Bites a try. They’re fun to make, a guaranteed crowd pleaser, and even better to eat. Next time you want to upgrade your breakfast spread, these bites are your new secret weapon!

Print