Name: McGriddle Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup pancake mix; 1/2 cup milk; 1 egg; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup maple syrup (plus extra for serving); 8 small breakfast sausage links, cooked and crumbled; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; Butter or oil for greasing

McGriddle Bites are a delightful, handheld version of the classic McGriddle, offering all the irresistible flavors of the popular breakfast sandwich in a bite-sized form. Perfect for breakfast on the go or a fun snack, these mini bites pack a punch with their combination of fluffy pancakes, savory sausage, and melted cheese. Whether for a family breakfast or a brunch gathering, McGriddle Bites are sure to be a hit with everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how McGriddle Bites offer the perfect balance of sweet and savory in each bite. The fluffy pancakes pair so well with the richness of the sausage and the melted cheese. The maple syrup integrated into the pancake bites gives it that signature McGriddle flavor, making them feel indulgent yet fun to eat. These are super versatile too! I can customize them with different fillings or toppings and easily adjust the recipe based on what I have at home. Plus, they’re ideal for meal prepping, so I can have a quick breakfast ready to go whenever I need it.

Ingredients

1 cup pancake mix
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup maple syrup (plus extra for serving)
8 small breakfast sausage links, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Butter or oil for greasing

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin with butter or oil.
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the pancake mix, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the maple syrup until combined.
Add a spoonful of the pancake batter into each muffin tin, filling each cup about halfway.
Top the batter with crumbled sausage and shredded cheddar cheese.
Add another spoonful of pancake batter over the sausage and cheese, covering them completely.
Bake the bites in the oven for about 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the McGriddle Bites to cool slightly before removing them from the tin.
Serve warm with extra maple syrup for dipping, if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes about 12 McGriddle Bites.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian McGriddle Bites: Replace the sausage with crumbled vegetarian breakfast sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a meatless option.
Cheese Variety: Instead of cheddar, try other cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a melty texture.
Sweet Variation: For a sweeter version, I can add chocolate chips or diced fruit like strawberries or blueberries into the pancake batter.
Spicy Twist: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper into the pancake batter or sprinkle over the finished bites for extra heat.

Storage/Reheating

To store, simply place the cooled McGriddle Bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For reheating, I love popping them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warming them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. This keeps them soft and delicious, just like when they were freshly baked.

FAQs

How do I prevent McGriddle Bites from sticking to the pan?

I always make sure to grease the mini muffin tin generously with butter or oil. You could also use silicone muffin cups for easy removal.

Can I freeze McGriddle Bites?

Yes! These McGriddle Bites freeze really well. I wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, just reheat them in the microwave or oven.

Can I make McGriddle Bites without maple syrup?

If I prefer a less sweet flavor, I can leave out the maple syrup in the batter and serve them with syrup on the side for dipping. Or, I can use a savory sauce like ranch dressing or ketchup.

How can I make McGriddle Bites gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, I simply substitute the regular pancake mix with a gluten-free pancake mix. The rest of the ingredients should work just fine with this substitution.

Can I use other meats in McGriddle Bites?

Absolutely! I’ve swapped out the sausage for other cooked meats like ground turkey. Any cooked meat works well, so feel free to experiment with your favorites.

Conclusion

McGriddle Bites are the perfect combination of savory and sweet in a bite-sized form. They’re so easy to make, customizable, and great for meal prep or a fun breakfast treat. Whether I’m enjoying them as part of a lazy weekend breakfast or as a quick on-the-go snack, these bites never disappoint. I love the versatility they offer and how I can change up the fillings to suit my taste. Once you try them, you’ll be hooked!