If you love the classic McGriddle breakfast sandwich from McDonald’s, you’ll adore these McGriddle Bites! They’re mini, bite-sized pancake sandwiches filled with savory sausage and infused with rich maple flavor—perfect for busy mornings, meal prep, or a fun weekend brunch. These homemade McGriddle Bites capture the delicious balance of fluffy pancakes, smoky sausage, and a hint of sweetness, all in a convenient, poppable form.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick preparation.
- Sweet & Savory Flavor – A perfect blend of fluffy pancakes, maple syrup, and sausage.
- Great for Meal Prep – Make ahead and reheat for busy mornings.
- Kid-Friendly & Fun – Perfect for little hands and breakfast on the go.
- Customizable – Swap the sausage, add cheese, or make them gluten-free!
Ingredients Needed
For the Pancake Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
For the Filling:
- 6 breakfast sausage patties, cooked and cut into small pieces
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
For Cooking & Serving:
- Butter or nonstick spray (for greasing the pan)
- Extra maple syrup for drizzling or dipping
Kitchen Equipment Required
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Griddle or skillet
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mini muffin tin (if using the baked method)
How to Make McGriddle Bites
Step 1: Prepare the Pancake Batter
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and melted butter until combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just mixed (small lumps are okay).
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
- Cook the breakfast sausage patties in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
- Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels and let cool slightly.
- Cut into small, bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Assemble & Cook the McGriddle Bites
Stovetop Method (Classic Pancake Bites)
- Heat a lightly greased griddle or skillet over medium heat.
- Pour small rounds of pancake batter (about 1 tablespoon each) onto the skillet.
- Place a piece of cooked sausage in the center of each pancake round and top with a little more batter.
- Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
Baking Method (Muffin Tin Version)
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
- Spoon a small amount of pancake batter into each muffin cup.
- Add a piece of sausage to the center, then top with a little more batter.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Drizzle with maple syrup or serve with a side of syrup for dipping.
- Pair with scrambled eggs and fruit for a complete breakfast.
Best Cooking Methods
- For Traditional Pancakes: Use a griddle for a fluffy texture and crispy edges.
- For a Hands-Off Option: Baking in a mini muffin tin is perfect for meal prep and easy cleanup.
- For Extra Crispiness: Cook in a lightly buttered cast-iron skillet for a golden-brown crust.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Overmixing the Batter – Stir just until combined; overmixing can make pancakes dense.
🚫 Cooking on High Heat – Use medium heat to ensure the pancakes cook through without burning.
🚫 Not Greasing the Pan Well – A nonstick pan or buttered griddle helps prevent sticking.
🚫 Using Too Much Batter – Keep portions small for easy flipping and a perfect sausage-to-pancake ratio.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
🥞 Stack & Drizzle: Stack McGriddle Bites and drizzle with extra maple syrup.
🍓 Pair with Fruit: Serve with fresh berries or sliced bananas for a balanced meal.
🧀 Add Cheese: Melt cheddar or American cheese between layers for an extra indulgent bite.
🍯 Dipping Sauces: Try with honey butter, cinnamon butter, or a yogurt dip for variety.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat for 20-30 seconds.
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes for a crispier bite.
Variations and Substitutions
🥓 Bacon McGriddle Bites: Swap sausage for crispy bacon pieces.
🧀 Cheesy McGriddle Bites: Mix shredded cheese into the batter for extra flavor.
🥑 Healthier Option: Use turkey sausage and whole wheat flour.
🍏 Sweet Apple Twist: Add diced apples and cinnamon for a fruity variation.
🌿 Gluten-Free Version: Substitute gluten-free pancake mix or almond flour.
FAQ Section
🔹 Can I make these McGriddle Bites ahead of time?
Yes! They store well in the fridge or freezer and reheat quickly for busy mornings.
🔹 What’s the best sausage to use?
Breakfast sausage patties work best, but you can use ground sausage formed into small patties.
🔹 Can I make these without eggs?
Yes! Use a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) as a substitute.
🔹 How do I make them extra fluffy?
Let the pancake batter sit for 5-10 minutes before cooking to allow the baking powder to activate.
conclusion
These McGriddle Bites are a delicious, homemade version of the classic fast-food favorite in a fun, bite-sized form. Whether you’re making them for meal prep, a weekend brunch, or a quick breakfast on the go, they’re sure to be a hit!
Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments! Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and subscribe to our blog for more easy and delicious breakfast ideas.
Print
McGriddle Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
These McGriddle Bites are fluffy pancake bites filled with savory sausage and infused with maple flavor. They’re the perfect grab-and-go breakfast, great for meal prep, and a fun twist on the classic McDonald’s McGriddle!
Ingredients
✅ For the Pancake Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup buttermilk (or regular milk + 1 teaspoon vinegar)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
✅ For the Filling:
- 6 breakfast sausage patties, cooked and cut into small pieces
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
✅ For Cooking & Serving:
- Butter or nonstick spray (for greasing the pan)
- Extra maple syrup for drizzling or dipping
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Pancake Batter
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and melted butter.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (some lumps are okay).
2️⃣ Cook the Sausage
- Cook breakfast sausage patties in a skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked.
- Let them cool slightly, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
3️⃣ Assemble & Cook the McGriddle Bites
🔹 Stovetop Method (Classic Pancake Bites):
- Heat a lightly greased griddle or skillet over medium heat.
- Pour small rounds of pancake batter (about 1 tablespoon each) onto the skillet.
- Place a piece of sausage in the center of each round and cover with a little more batter.
- Cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
🔹 Baking Method (Mini Muffin Tin Version):
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a mini muffin tin.
- Spoon a small amount of batter into each muffin cup, add sausage, then top with more batter.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
4️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Drizzle with maple syrup or serve with a side for dipping.
- Pair with scrambled eggs and fruit for a complete breakfast.
Notes
- Use turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Make gluten-free by using gluten-free pancake mix.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: American
