If you love the comforting flavors of breakfast packed into a fun, bite-sized treat, you are absolutely going to adore this McGriddle Bites Recipe. These little gems combine the fluffy sweetness of pancakes with savory sausage and melted cheese, all wrapped up in a perfectly portable, mini muffin shape. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping for a busy morning, or craving a nostalgic fast-food-inspired snack, these McGriddle Bites bring that iconic flavor combination right into your kitchen with simple ingredients and effortless steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to making these morsels shine — each component plays an important role in balancing sweet and savory while delivering a satisfying texture and rich flavor.
- 1 cup pancake mix: Provides the perfect fluffy base with a subtle sweetness that mimics those classic McGriddle pancakes.
- ½ cup milk: Adds moisture and smoothness to the batter, creating a tender crumb.
- 1 egg: Binds everything together for structure and a nice golden finish.
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (plus more for dipping): Infuses the batter with that warm, sweet maple flavor and doubles as the perfect dipping sauce.
- ½ cup cooked breakfast sausage, finely chopped: Brings savory spice and heartiness, a delicious contrast to the sweetness.
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional): Adds smoky, salty crunch that elevates the flavor complexity.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts throughout, adding gooey richness and a sharp bite.
- Nonstick cooking spray or oil for greasing: Essential for easy removal and keeping the bites intact.
How to Make McGriddle Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Mini Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing your mini muffin tin. This step is key to making sure your McGriddle Bites come out effortlessly without sticking or losing their shape.
Step 2: Whisk Your Batter
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, milk, egg, and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. This creates the fluffy, sweet pancake base that’s the hallmark of the McGriddle flavor profile.
Step 3: Fold in Savory Goodness
Now for the fun part — gently fold in your cooked sausage, bacon if you’re using it, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mixing these savory ingredients evenly throughout the batter ensures each bite is perfectly balanced with all the flavors packed inside.
Step 4: Fill and Bake
Spoon the batter evenly into each cup of your prepared mini muffin tin, filling them about three-quarters full to leave room for expansion. Pop the tin into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the bites are golden on top and cooked through. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Let the McGriddle Bites cool in the pan for a few minutes so they firm up slightly, then carefully remove them. Serve warm with extra maple syrup for dipping — that final drizzle really brings the whole experience together.
How to Serve McGriddle Bites Recipe
Garnishes
While these bites are delicious on their own, adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley can brighten the dish visually and add a fresh contrast to the rich cheesiness. A light dusting of powdered sugar also echoes that classic McGriddle sweetness if you want to emphasize the dessert-like side.
Side Dishes
Pair your McGriddle Bites with fresh fruit such as berries or sliced apples to cut through the richness and add natural sweetness. A side of scrambled eggs or a crisp green salad also makes for a balanced breakfast or brunch that’s both hearty and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these bites on a wooden board with cute little ramekins of maple syrup, ketchup, or spicy mustard for dipping. For a kid-friendly twist, thread a toothpick or small skewer through two or three bites to create easy-to-handle finger snacks perfect for brunch parties or lunchboxes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any McGriddle Bites left over, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and ready for a quick breakfast or snack when you’re in a hurry.
Freezing
These bites freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. This makes them an excellent option for meal prep or busy mornings when you want a homemade treat in minutes.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave the McGriddle Bites for about 30 seconds or warm them in a toaster oven until hot and slightly crispy on the edges. Don’t forget to serve with a little maple syrup to revive that signature sweetness and make every bite taste like fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I make McGriddle Bites without bacon?
Absolutely! The bacon is optional and you can easily leave it out or substitute with cooked ham, turkey sausage, or even a vegetarian alternative. The sausage and cheese still provide plenty of savory flavor to keep them delicious.
Are McGriddle Bites gluten-free?
Traditional pancake mix contains gluten, but you can use your favorite gluten-free pancake mix instead. Just make sure the other ingredients are gluten-free as well to keep it safe and tasty.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the batter and fold in the sausage, bacon, and cheese, then refrigerate it overnight. Just give it a gentle stir before filling the muffin tin and baking the next day.
What’s the best way to serve McGriddle Bites for kids?
Kids love these bites because they’re small, easy to eat, and packed with familiar flavors. Serving with a fun dipping sauce like maple syrup or even honey mustard can encourage little hands to dig in happily.
Can I add vegetables to the McGriddle Bites Recipe?
Definitely! Try adding finely chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to sneak in some extra nutrients and add another layer of flavor and texture to these savory pancake bites.
Final Thoughts
Making this McGriddle Bites Recipe feels like bringing a bit of morning magic right into your own kitchen, with an irresistible mix of sweet and savory that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re sharing with family or packing them up for a quick snack on the go, these bites are sure to become a beloved favorite in your breakfast rotation. Go ahead, give them a try, and watch how these small treats make a big impact on your morning routine!
Print
McGriddle Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini bites
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
McGriddle Bites are a delicious and convenient breakfast snack combining fluffy pancake batter with savory sausage, bacon, and melted cheddar cheese. Baked in a mini muffin tin, these bite-sized treats are perfect for meal prep, quick breakfasts, or on-the-go snacking, served warm with maple syrup for dipping.
Ingredients
Batter
- 1 cup pancake mix
- ½ cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (plus more for dipping)
Fillings
- ½ cup cooked breakfast sausage, finely chopped
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Other
- Nonstick cooking spray or oil for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare muffin tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin using nonstick cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
- Mix batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, milk, egg, and maple syrup until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Add fillings: Gently fold in the finely chopped cooked sausage, crumbled bacon if using, and shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Fill muffin cups: Spoon the batter mixture evenly into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full for proper rise and cooking.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Let the McGriddle Bites cool slightly before removing them from the tin. Serve warm with additional maple syrup for dipping to enjoy the perfect sweet and savory combination.
Notes
- These bites are perfect for breakfast meal prep or grab-and-go snacks throughout the week.
- Swap in cooked ham, turkey sausage, or veggies to customize flavors to your liking.
- They freeze well; simply reheat in the microwave for about 30 seconds for a quick snack.
- Ensure the muffin tin is well greased to prevent sticking and allow easy removal.
