If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy the iconic flavor of McDonald’s breakfast sandwich in a fun, bite-sized form, you’re going to love this McGriddle Bites Recipe. These little morsels pack all the savory goodness of breakfast sausage, the melty richness of cheddar cheese, and the sweet touch of maple syrup, all wrapped up in a fluffy pancake exterior. Perfect for brunch, snacking, or even a quick breakfast on the go, these McGriddle bites are simple to make yet impressively satisfying. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to make a big batch every weekend.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a key role, combined to create that perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the pancake mix providing a tender base to the sharp cheddar adding gooey richness, and the sausage bringing savory depth—all touched by a whisper of maple syrup to keep things delightfully sweet and nostalgic.
- Hungry Jack Pancake Mix: This is your fluffy pancake base that makes the bites tender and light.
- Water: The essential liquid to bring the pancake mix to life and achieve the perfect batter consistency.
- Breakfast Sausage: Provides the savory and smoky flavor that’s key to mimicking the classic McGriddle experience.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts inside the bites for a creamy, cheesy surprise with every mouthful.
- Maple Syrup: Adds the signature sweet element that beautifully balances the savory ingredients.
How to Make McGriddle Bites Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Start by browning your breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook it until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked through. This step develops a rich, savory base flavor. Be sure to drain the grease well so your bites aren’t greasy but still packed with meaty goodness.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
Next, make your pancake batter by following the package instructions for the Hungry Jack Pancake Mix, using 1 ½ cups water. Once smooth, fold in the cooked sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and a generous drizzle of maple syrup. This combination infuses your batter with layers of flavor that will shine through once baked.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a mini muffin pan—this is important to prevent sticking and help each bite keep its shape. Spoon the batter evenly into each muffin cup, filling almost to the top. Bake the McGriddle Bites for 12 to 15 minutes until they’re golden brown and springy to the touch. This baking step locks in all those delicious ingredients, creating bite-sized pockets of breakfast bliss.
How to Serve McGriddle Bites Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your McGriddle Bites, consider sprinkling a bit of extra shredded cheddar on top when they come out of the oven. A light drizzle of pure maple syrup before serving adds that classic sweetness. Fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley can bring a pop of color and a hint of freshness to balance the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
These McGriddle Bites shine best alongside simple sides like fresh fruit salad or crispy hash browns. A tangy yogurt parfait or a small green salad with a citrus vinaigrette adds contrast and rounds out the meal beautifully, making breakfast both fun and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these bites on a platter with toothpicks for easy sharing at brunch parties or family gatherings. You can even serve them in mini breakfast sandwich style by slicing them in half and adding a fried egg or a smear of cream cheese for extra indulgence. The bite-sized charm makes them ideal for dipping into maple syrup bowls, turning every bite into a little celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks during busy mornings.
Freezing
McGriddle Bites freeze exceptionally well. Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They keep best for up to 1 month, so you can always have a batch ready for those hectic days.
Reheating
When you want to revive your McGriddle Bites, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or microwave for 30-45 seconds until warmed through. They maintain their fluffy texture and melty cheese goodness, making reheated bites just as satisfying as fresh ones.
FAQs
Can I use a different pancake mix for this McGriddle Bites Recipe?
Absolutely! While Hungry Jack Pancake Mix works wonderfully, any good-quality pancake mix should do the trick. Just make sure to follow the package’s liquid ratio for best results.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute a gluten-free pancake mix to accommodate dietary needs. The texture might differ slightly, but the flavor combination will still be delicious.
Can I swap the cheddar cheese for another type?
Feel free to use your favorite cheese! Mozzarella will offer a milder melt, while pepper jack can add a little kick. Choose cheese that melts well for the best texture.
How long do these bites keep after baking?
Stored properly in the fridge, they last about 3 days. Beyond that, the texture might change, so freezing is a better option for longer storage.
Are McGriddle Bites suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! These bites are fantastic for meal prepping breakfast or brunch. Make a big batch, freeze some, and enjoy a quick, satisfying option anytime you want.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly wonderful about a recipe that feels both nostalgic and fresh, and this McGriddle Bites Recipe does just that for me. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to whip up and packs incredible flavor into every bite. I can’t wait for you to make it, share it, and fall in love with this delightful twist on a breakfast favorite.
Print
McGriddle Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 48 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious homemade McGriddle Bites combining fluffy pancake batter with savory breakfast sausage, melted cheddar cheese, and a touch of sweet maple syrup, baked into mini muffin-sized bites perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups Hungry Jack Pancake Mix
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups water
- ¼ cup maple syrup
Other Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook Sausage: Brown the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain off the grease thoroughly and set the sausage aside to cool slightly.
- Make Batter: Prepare the pancake batter by mixing 2 cups of Hungry Jack Pancake Mix with 1 ½ cups of water according to the package instructions. Then stir in the cooked sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and ¼ cup maple syrup to combine all flavors well.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a mini muffin pan to prevent sticking. Fill each muffin cup with the prepared batter mixture. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the bites are golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the McGriddle Bites from the oven and allow them to cool briefly. Serve warm with additional maple syrup on the side for dipping to enhance the sweet and savory flavor combination.
Notes
- For crispier sausage, drain the grease well before mixing into the batter.
- You can substitute the cheddar cheese with your favorite type of cheese for different flavors.
- Use a non-stick mini muffin pan or grease the pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- These bites freeze well; store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Adjust maple syrup quantity to taste for sweeter or less sweet bites.
