McGriddles Bites

These adorable mini muffins pack all the sweet-savory magic of McDonald's famous McGriddles into bite-sized morsels you can make at home. The combination of maple-infused pancake batter, savory breakfast sausage, and melty cheese creates that unmistakable McGriddle flavor we crave, but in a convenient, make-ahead form that's perfect for busy mornings. These viral TikTok-inspired treats deliver fast-food satisfaction without the drive-thru wait or price tag.

I first made these on a rainy Sunday when my kids were begging for McDonald's breakfast but I didn't want to drag everyone out in the downpour. The moment they took their first bites, their eyes widened with that "this tastes EXACTLY like it" expression. Now they actually prefer my homemade version, and I love knowing exactly what's going into our breakfast while saving a small fortune in the process.

Perfect Ingredients for McGriddles Bites

• Pancake mix: The just-add-water variety creates the perfect base for these muffins; the premixed ingredients ensure consistent results every time
• Breakfast sausage: Ground pork breakfast sausage brings that classic McDonald's flavor; look for one with sage and maple notes for the most authentic taste
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds the perfect savory element and gooey texture; freshly shredded melts better than pre-packaged
• Real maple syrup: This is what gives McGriddles their distinctive sweet flavor that somehow works perfectly with savory ingredients
• Water: The simplicity of just adding water to pancake mix keeps this recipe quick and easy; no need for eggs or milk

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I've found that splurging on real maple syrup makes a noticeable difference in the final flavor, though the pancake-flavored syrup works in a pinch. The beauty of this recipe is how forgiving it is – even when I'm barely awake, I can still throw these together successfully.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1:

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 pound of ground breakfast sausage. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, creating small, even crumbles. Cook until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. This thorough cooking ensures food safety and the best texture in your finished bites.

Step 2:

Once the sausage is fully cooked, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate or use a fine-mesh strainer to remove excess grease. This step prevents your McGriddle bites from becoming too oily or greasy. Allow the sausage to cool slightly while preparing the batter.

Step 3:

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of just-add-water pancake mix with 1½ cups of water, ¼ cup of maple syrup, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can make the muffins tough. The batter should be thick but pourable, similar to a thick pancake batter.

Step 4:

Add the cooled sausage crumbles to the pancake batter and gently fold them in until evenly distributed. The sausage should be coated with batter but still visible throughout the mixture, ensuring you get that perfect sweet-savory balance in every bite.

Step 5:

Lightly spray a 24-cup mini muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. This gives them room to rise while baking without overflowing.

Step 6:

Place the muffin tin in a preheated 400°F oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The bites are done when they're golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The tops should spring back slightly when touched.

Step 7:

Allow the McGriddle bites to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This brief cooling period allows them to set up properly, making them easier to remove without falling apart. Then, use a butter knife to gently loosen the edges before removing from the pan.

Step 8:

For the full McDonald's experience, serve warm with a small dish of maple syrup for dipping. The contrast between the warm, fluffy muffin and the cool maple syrup creates that iconic McGriddle taste sensation.

Perfect Make-Ahead Breakfast Solution

These McGriddle bites have completely transformed our morning routine. Before discovering this recipe, weekday breakfasts were a stressful rush of cereal or granola bars eaten in the car. Now, I make a batch on Sunday afternoon, and we have delicious, satisfying breakfasts ready to go all week.

My husband, who normally skips breakfast altogether, now grabs two of these on his way out the door. He says they're substantial enough to keep him full until lunch, which never happened with his former coffee-only morning routine. Even my pickiest eater requests these in her lunchbox as a special treat.

Beyond Breakfast: Creative Serving Ideas

While these were designed as a breakfast solution, I've found they're incredibly versatile throughout the day. They make perfect after-school snacks that keep hungry kids satisfied until dinner. For weekend brunches, I serve them alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a complete meal that always impresses guests.

One of my favorite discoveries was how well they work for entertaining. I've served these as appetizers at parties (just warm them up and stick a decorative toothpick in each), and people absolutely rave about them. The sweet-savory combination seems to appeal to everyone, and they're always surprised when I tell them how simple they are to make.

My teenage son was skeptical when I first mentioned making "homemade McGriddles," rolling his eyes at another of mom's copycat attempts. After his first bite, he immediately asked if I could pack some in his lunch for the next day. Coming from a teen who normally avoids bringing homemade anything to school (too embarrassing, apparently), I consider this the ultimate endorsement!

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I still remember the first time I made these for my morning carpool group. I was running late and grabbed a container of these bites to share in the car. My fellow carpoolers were so impressed they asked for the recipe, and now our morning drives include discussions of different variations we've tried. Something so simple has created this unexpected little breakfast club that makes Monday mornings something to look forward to rather than dread.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I freeze these McGriddles Bites?

Yes! These freeze beautifully. Cool them completely, then place in a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.

→ Can I use a regular muffin tin instead of a mini muffin tin?

Absolutely. If using a standard muffin tin, you'll get about 8-10 muffins instead of 18 mini ones. Increase the baking time to 18-20 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center.

→ What can I substitute for breakfast sausage?

You can use cooked bacon, ham, or even plant-based meat alternatives. For a vegetarian version, sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and onions would work well. Just make sure any substitutions are fully cooked before adding to the batter.

→ My pancake mix requires eggs and oil. Should I add those too?

This recipe is designed for the "just add water" type of pancake mix. If your mix requires eggs and oil, follow the mix instructions for liquid quantities, then add the cheese, syrup, and sausage as directed in this recipe.

→ How can I make these McGriddles Bites even more like the McDonald's version?

For an even closer copycat, add a small cube of cooked egg in the center of each muffin before baking. You can also add a small piece of cooked bacon along with the sausage for that breakfast sandwich flavor combination.