If you have ever wished you could wrap up the sweet, savory, and oh-so-comforting flavors of a McGriddle into a bite-sized treat, then this McGriddle Bites Recipe is your new best friend. These little pockets of maple-infused pancake batter, melted cheddar, and savory breakfast sausage deliver all the breakfast joy you crave in a fun, portable form. Perfect for brunches, snack times, or whenever you need a quick hit of breakfast happiness, these bites are irresistibly tasty and surprisingly easy to whip up. Let’s dive into making these delightful morsels that will surely become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this McGriddle Bites Recipe lies in its simplicity and how every ingredient plays a vital role in crafting these flavorful bites. From the fluffy pancake mix to the melty cheddar and savory sausage, each element comes together to create the perfect balance of texture, taste, and warmth.
- 2 cups complete pancake mix: The base of your batter, offering a light and fluffy texture with a familiar sweet undertone.
- 1 1/2 cups of water: Hydrates the pancake mix to just the right consistency, making the batter pourable but thick enough to hold sausage and cheese.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded): Adds a creamy, tangy richness that complements the sausage and syrup beautifully.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup: Infuses a subtle sweetness that echoes the iconic McGriddle flavor, marrying sweet and savory seamlessly.
- 1 pound breakfast sausage: Brings a hearty, spiced meatiness that makes every bite satisfying with that classic sausage breakfast taste.
How to Make McGriddle Bites Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that once your McGriddle Bites go in, they’ll cook quickly and evenly, resulting in a golden-brown exterior and a perfectly cooked center every time.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Place a medium frying pan over medium-high heat and brown the breakfast sausage, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. This step builds the savory foundation of your bites, making sure the meat is fully cooked and flavorful.
Step 3: Drain and Set Aside
Once your sausage is cooked through and nicely browned, drain off any excess grease. Keeping the sausage from being too oily is key to a balanced texture and flavor in the finished McGriddle Bites.
Step 4: Combine the Batter Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, water, shredded cheddar, and maple syrup. This mixture is where the magic happens, blending sweet and savory components digitally before adding in the sausage.
Step 5: Stir in the Sausage
Gently fold the cooked sausage into your batter until everything is evenly incorporated. This ensures every bite will have the perfect amount of sausage balanced with cheesy, syrupy goodness.
Step 6: Prepare Your Mini Muffin Tins
Using silicone mini muffin tins works wonderfully here, but if you’re opting for metal, make sure to spray them well or line with paper liners. This little tip prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze later on.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Spoon your batter evenly into mini muffin cups and pop them into the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bites puff up and their tops turn a gorgeous golden brown. These bites come out warm, perfect, and foolproof every time.
How to Serve McGriddle Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Adding just the right garnish can turn a simple snack into a full experience. Sprinkle chopped fresh chives or finely sliced green onions on top to add a touch of color and fresh bite contrast. A light drizzle of extra maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream cheese also makes these bites even more indulgent and breakfast-worthy.
Side Dishes
Pair your McGriddle Bites with fresh fruit like berry medleys or sliced apples to introduce natural freshness that balances the richness of the sausage and cheese. A side of crispy hash browns or a simple mixed greens salad with a bright vinaigrette complements the savory-sweet profile beautifully and rounds out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
These bites shine at brunch buffets and parties. Serve them on a platter with mini skewers for easy grabbing, or place them inside small paper bags or boxes for grab-and-go enjoyment. You can even arrange them around a small bowl of maple syrup for dipping, turning the presentation into an interactive treat everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover McGriddle Bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and tasty, ready whenever you want a quick breakfast or snack that feels homemade.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze your baked McGriddle Bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container once solid. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, making them a fantastic make-ahead option for busy mornings.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the frozen or refrigerated bites in a preheated 350-degree oven for about 8-10 minutes, or microwave individually for 30-45 seconds. This restores their warmth and crisp edges, almost like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of regular breakfast sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey sausage can be a leaner choice and works wonderfully in this McGriddle Bites Recipe. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess moisture.
Is it possible to make these bites gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the pancake mix for a gluten-free variety, you can make these bites safe for those with gluten sensitivities without sacrificing taste or texture.
Can I add other cheeses besides cheddar?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with mozzarella for a milder flavor or pepper jack for a little kick. Just keep the cheese shredded so it mixes evenly into the batter.
How many McGriddle Bites does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 48 bites—plenty to share at brunch or store for snacking throughout the week, making it perfect for families or entertaining guests.
Can these be cooked in a mini waffle maker?
While you can try, this batter is designed for baking in mini muffin tins for an even, firm texture. Cooking in a waffle maker might work but expect a different shape and texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way this McGriddle Bites Recipe captures the nostalgia of a classic McGriddle in a portable, bite-sized form. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a weekend breakfast, these savory-sweet bites are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels both homemade and indulgent. I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a try and discover how it quickly becomes one of your favorite new breakfast traditions!
Print
McGriddle Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 48 bites
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These McGriddle Bites are a delicious breakfast treat combining fluffy pancake batter, savory breakfast sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and a hint of sweet maple syrup. Perfectly baked in mini muffin tins, they offer a convenient, bite-sized version of a classic breakfast favorite that’s crispy on the outside and soft inside.
Ingredients
Pancake Mixture
- 2 cups complete pancake mix
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
Sausage
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the bites evenly.
- Cook Sausage: In a medium frying pan over medium-high heat, brown and crumble the breakfast sausage until fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Drain Sausage: Once cooked, drain excess fat from the sausage and set it aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, water, shredded cheddar cheese, and maple syrup until you have a smooth, well combined batter.
- Combine Sausage and Batter: Stir the cooked sausage into the pancake batter ensuring even distribution of meat throughout.
- Fill Muffin Tins: Spoon the batter mixture evenly into mini muffin tins. Use silicone tins or spray or paper line metal tins to prevent sticking.
- Bake: Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes or until the bites are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Notes
- Using silicone muffin tins makes removal easier, but if using metal tins, grease the pans well or use paper liners.
- Drain excess fat well from the sausage to avoid greasy bites.
- Serve warm with extra maple syrup for dipping if desired.
- These bites can be refrigerated and reheated for a quick breakfast option.
