McGriddle Bites

McGriddle Bites are the ultimate bite-sized breakfast treat that combines the sweet and savory flavors we all crave in the morning. Inspired by the famous McDonald’s McGriddle sandwich, these mini pancake bites pack the rich maple syrup flavor of fluffy pancakes with a savory twist, featuring bits of sausage, egg, and even cheese. Whether you’re prepping a grab-and-go breakfast, whipping up a brunch spread, or making kid-friendly snacks, McGriddle Bites are a guaranteed hit. They’re portable, customizable, and perfect for any time of day. This recipe takes all the deliciousness of a traditional McGriddle and reimagines it in a convenient, fun-to-eat form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Sweet and Savory Combo: The maple pancake base pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of sausage and eggs, giving you the best of both worlds.
• Bite-Sized and Portable: These mini treats are great for on-the-go breakfasts, lunchboxes, or party platters.
• Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults will love these tasty bites, and they’re easy to make in bulk for meal prep.
• Customizable: You can switch up the fillings, add cheese, or even make them vegetarian.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dish that looks and tastes like a gourmet breakfast.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 McGriddle Bites
• Serving Size: 3 bites

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 190
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 5g

Ingredients

For the Pancake Batter:

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for added flavor)

For the Fillings:

• ½ cup cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled
• ½ cup scrambled eggs (about 2 large eggs)
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

For the Maple Syrup Glaze (Optional):

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon milk (adjust for consistency)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fillings

1. Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked. Crumble into small pieces and set aside.
2. Scramble the Eggs: Whisk 2 large eggs with a pinch of salt and cook in a nonstick skillet until fluffy. Break the eggs into small pieces and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Pancake Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the egg, buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Whisk until well blended.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light and fluffy.

Step 3: Assemble the McGriddle Bites

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin with nonstick spray or butter.
2. Fill each muffin cup about halfway with pancake batter.
3. Add a small spoonful of sausage, scrambled eggs, and shredded cheese (if using) to each cup.
4. Cover the fillings with a little more pancake batter, filling the cups almost to the top.

Step 4: Bake the McGriddle Bites

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Allow the bites to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 5: Make the Maple Syrup Glaze (Optional)

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the warm McGriddle Bites for an extra touch of sweetness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the McGriddle Bites warm with extra maple syrup on the side for dipping, or enjoy them on their own as a quick breakfast or snack!

Ingredient Background

Maple Syrup

Maple syrup is the signature flavor of the classic McGriddle, and it’s what gives these bites their sweet breakfast charm. Look for pure maple syrup for the best taste, as it’s richer and more natural than imitation syrups.

Breakfast Sausage

The savory sausage balances the sweetness of the pancake batter. You can use pre-cooked sausage patties or links and crumble them into small pieces. For a healthier option, opt for turkey sausage or vegetarian sausage crumbles.

Buttermilk

Buttermilk creates tender, fluffy pancakes with a slight tang that enhances the overall flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Technique Tips

1. Avoid Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can result in dense McGriddle Bites. Mix the batter until just combined for a light texture.
2. Even Filling Distribution: Make sure to evenly distribute the sausage, eggs, and cheese in each muffin cup for consistent bites.
3. Prevent Sticking: Grease your mini muffin tin thoroughly to ensure the bites come out easily after baking.
4. Check for Doneness: Test the bites with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, they’re ready.
5. Custom Muffin Tins: If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, a regular muffin tin can work. Just increase the baking time by 5-7 minutes.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Breakfast Sliders: Cut the McGriddle Bites in half and sandwich them with extra sausage or scrambled eggs for a mini slider.
• Skewers: Thread a few McGriddle Bites onto skewers with fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries for a fun brunch presentation.
• Bite Bowls: Serve McGriddle Bites in a bowl alongside extra syrup, fresh fruit, and whipped cream for a deconstructed breakfast option.
• Appetizer Tray: Arrange McGriddle Bites on a platter with toothpicks for a party-friendly snack.

Additional Tips for Success

• Meal Prep: McGriddle Bites can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Freezing: These bites freeze well! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and transfer to a zip-top bag. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
• Cheese Options: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese for a twist on the classic cheddar.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian McGriddle Bites: Skip the sausage and add diced vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a meatless version.
• Bacon Bites: Swap the sausage for crispy bacon bits for a smoky flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the pancake batter for a spicy twist.
• Protein Boost: Add a scoop of unflavored protein powder to the batter to increase the protein content.
• Sweet Only: Skip the savory fillings and add chocolate chips, blueberries, or diced bananas for a purely sweet treat.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover McGriddle Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, place frozen bites on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes.
• On-the-Go Breakfasts: Wrap individual McGriddle Bites in parchment paper or foil for easy grab-and-go options.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Whole Wheat Flour: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber and nutrients.
• Low-Fat Cheese: Substitute regular cheese with low-fat or dairy-free alternatives.
• Turkey Sausage: Use turkey sausage instead of pork for a lower-fat option.
• Sugar-Free Syrup: Replace maple syrup with a sugar-free alternative to reduce sugar content.
• Egg Whites: Use egg whites instead of whole eggs for a lighter filling.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Brunch Party: Pair McGriddle Bites with a fruit salad, yogurt parfaits, and fresh juices for a full brunch spread.
• Holiday Breakfast: Serve alongside cinnamon rolls, coffee, and hot chocolate for a festive morning feast.
• Kids’ Parties: These bites are a hit with kids, especially when paired with a side of syrup for dipping.
• Breakfast Board: Create a breakfast charcuterie board featuring McGriddle Bites, mini waffles, fresh fruit, and toppings like syrup and whipped cream.

Special Equipment

• Mini Muffin Tin: Essential for achieving the perfect bite-sized shape.
• Piping Bag: Helpful for filling the muffin cups evenly, but a spoon works too.
• Cooling Rack: Allows the bites to cool evenly and prevents sogginess.
• Whisk: To ensure a smooth and lump-free batter.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use premade pancake mix for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the homemade pancake batter with your favorite store-bought mix. Just adjust the consistency if needed.

2. Can I make these bites without eggs?

You can replace the scrambled egg filling with diced vegetables or cheese. For eggless batter, use a flax egg as a substitute.

3. How do I prevent the fillings from sinking to the bottom?

Spoon a small amount of batter into the muffin cups before adding the fillings, then cover them with more batter.

4. Can I use turkey bacon instead of sausage?

Absolutely! Turkey bacon works great as a lower-fat alternative.

5. How do I keep McGriddle Bites warm for a crowd?

Keep them in a warm oven (around 200°F/90°C) until ready to serve.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles easily. Just use multiple muffin tins or bake in batches.

7. What’s the best way to reheat McGriddle Bites?

Reheat in the oven for a crisp exterior or in the microwave for a softer texture.

8. Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, the glaze is optional. The bites are flavorful enough to enjoy without it, especially if served with syrup.

Conclusion

McGriddle Bites are a versatile, easy-to-make breakfast option that combines the best parts of sweet and savory breakfasts into one delicious bite. Perfect for busy mornings, family brunches, or even meal prep, these portable bites are a guaranteed hit for any occasion. With simple ingredients, endless customization options, and a foolproof recipe, you’ll find yourself making these McGriddle Bites again and again. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the magic of these mini breakfast delights!

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