McGriddle Bites Recipe: Mini Muffin-Sized Breakfast Magi
If you’re like me, you love a good breakfast combo—savory sausage, fluffy pancakes, gooey cheese, and a drizzle of sweet maple syrup. These McGriddle Bites are everything I love about breakfast, wrapped into a warm, satisfying mini muffin.
Perfect for busy mornings, brunch parties, or meal prepping, they’re a hit with both kids and adults. You’ll get all the flavors of a breakfast sandwich—without the mess. Pair it with Easy Breakfast Quesadillas Recipe for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a look at what goes into these crave-worthy mini bites. Each ingredient brings something special to the mix:
- 2 cups pancake mix – I used Hungry Jack for its classic flavor and fluffy texture.
- 1 1/2 cups water – Mix with the pancake mix to form the perfect batter.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded – Use sharp cheddar for a bold, melty flavor.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup – Adds a hint of sweetness that ties everything together.
- 1 lb breakfast sausage – Browned and drained; Jimmy Dean is my go-to for that iconic flavor.
Note: This recipe makes about 48 mini bites, perfect for sharing or freezing for later!
Cooking Time
These come together surprisingly fast, making them a great option for weekday breakfasts or weekend brunch prep:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Equipment You’ll Need
Gather these simple tools before starting:
- Mini muffin pan – Essential for getting that perfect bite-sized shape.
- Mixing bowl – For combining the batter and ingredients.
- Whisk or spoon – To gently mix the pancake batter.
- Skillet – For browning the sausage before adding it to the mix.
- Cooking spray or muffin liners – To prevent sticking in the muffin tin.
How to Make McGriddle Bites at Home
These bites are simple to whip up and bake beautifully. Here’s how I do it every time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line your mini muffin tins with liners or lightly grease them with cooking spray. This helps ensure the bites pop out easily after baking.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix the Batter
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the pancake mix with water. Stir just until blended—don’t overmix! Then fold in the browned sausage, shredded cheese, and maple syrup. Mix gently until everything is evenly combined.
Step 4: Fill and Bake
Using a spoon or small scoop, fill each muffin cup with the batter mixture. Don’t overfill—just enough to fill each cavity to the top. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and firm to the touch.
Tips for Better McGriddle Bites
Over time, I’ve figured out a few tricks that make this recipe even better:
- Use real maple syrup for best flavor—it’s worth it!
- Don’t overmix the batter or the texture will turn out dense.
- Let the sausage cool slightly before mixing so the cheese doesn’t melt too early.
- Use silicone muffin pans for easier cleanup and release.
- Make a double batch and freeze half for later!
Serving Suggestions
These bites are super versatile! Serve them warm with a little extra maple syrup for dipping, or pack them into lunchboxes for an easy grab-and-go meal. You can even turn them into a fun brunch board with fresh fruit, Sloppy Joe Casserole, yogurt, and mini muffins.
Nutritional Information
Each bite delivers a satisfying balance of protein, carbs, and fat, all in under 100 calories:
- Calories: 90
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fat: 5g
How to Store McGriddle Bites
- Restoring: Store cooled bites in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They last up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Microwave for 20–30 seconds for a quick, hot breakfast. Or pop them in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
Why You’ll Love These McGriddle Bites
Here’s why I think these are a must-make for every breakfast lover:
- All-in-one flavor – Savory, sweet, cheesy, and fluffy all in one bite.
- Quick & easy – Done in under 30 minutes with just one bowl.
- Kid-approved – Perfect size and taste for little hands and picky eaters.
- Freezer-friendly – Make ahead and enjoy whenever you want.
- Portable – Great for school mornings, road trips, or office snacks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the muffin tin – They rise more than you expect!
- Skipping the grease or liners – These bites will stick without it.
- Using low-fat cheese – It doesn’t melt as well or taste as rich.
- Underbaking – Make sure the tops are golden and fully set before removing.
- Overmixing the batter – This makes them dense instead of fluffy.
McGriddle Bites Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line your mini muffin tins with liners or lightly grease them with cooking spray. This helps ensure the bites pop out easily after baking.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease and let it cool slightly.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the pancake mix with water. Stir just until blended—don’t overmix! Then fold in the browned sausage, shredded cheese, and maple syrup. Mix gently until everything is evenly combined.
- Using a spoon or small scoop, fill each muffin cup with the batter mixture. Don’t overfill—just enough to fill each cavity to the top. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and firm to the touch.