Mini McGriddle Bites Recipe: A Delicious, Bite-Sized Twist on a Breakfast Classic

Craving a delicious breakfast that’s both sweet and savory? Mini McGriddle Bites are the perfect solution! Inspired by the beloved McGriddle from McDonald’s, these bite-sized breakfast treats combine fluffy pancakes, savory sausage, and melted cheese in an irresistible mini version. Whether you’re making them for a brunch gathering, meal prep, or a fun breakfast treat, these mini bites are sure to become a favorite.

Made with simple ingredients, these mini McGriddles pack all the flavor of the classic sandwich but in a more convenient and shareable form. You can make them ahead of time, freeze them, and enjoy them throughout the week for a quick and delicious breakfast or snack.

Why Mini McGriddle Bites Are So Special

What makes Mini McGriddle Bites so special is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The soft, fluffy pancakes with a hint of maple syrup pair perfectly with the savory sausage and melted cheese. They’re a delicious and portable version of the classic McGriddle, and their mini size makes them perfect for snacking, brunch, or meal prepping.

These bites are incredibly versatile, too! You can customize them by swapping out the sausage for bacon, adding scrambled eggs, or even including extra toppings like avocado or hot sauce for a personalized touch.

Key Ingredients for Mini McGriddle Bites

Making Mini McGriddle Bites requires just a few basic ingredients that come together to create a delicious, portable breakfast. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients for Mini McGriddle Bites (Makes 12 mini bites)

For the Pancake Bites:

• 1 1/2 cups pancake mix (or homemade pancake batter)
• 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy, like almond or oat milk)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for a fun twist!)

For the Sausage and Cheese:

• 4 breakfast sausage patties (crumbled or sliced)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
• 1 tbsp maple syrup (for drizzling over the sausage, optional)

For the Assembly:

• Butter or cooking spray (for greasing the mini muffin tin)

How to Make Mini McGriddle Bites

Making Mini McGriddle Bites is easy and quick! Here’s how to make these delicious, bite-sized treats:

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mini McGriddle Bites

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Mini Muffin Tin:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin with butter or cooking spray to ensure the pancake bites don’t stick.

2. Cook the Sausage:

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage patties until they are fully cooked and browned, about 5-7 minutes. If you’re using sausage links, crumble them as you cook. Once cooked, drain any excess fat.
2. If you like a touch of sweetness, drizzle a little maple syrup over the cooked sausage and stir to coat. This will give the sausage an extra flavor boost that mimics the sweetness in the McGriddle.

3. Prepare the Pancake Batter:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, milk, maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. If you want to add a fun twist, fold in the mini chocolate chips to the batter for a touch of chocolate in your bites.

4. Assemble the Mini McGriddle Bites:

1. Spoon a small amount of the pancake batter into the bottom of each cup in the mini muffin tin, filling about halfway.
2. Add a spoonful of the cooked sausage to the center of each batter-filled cup.
3. Sprinkle a little shredded cheddar cheese on top of the sausage. If you want to add more cheese, feel free to layer it!
4. Top each cup with a bit more pancake batter, covering the sausage and cheese completely.

5. Bake the Mini McGriddle Bites:

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. These little bites should rise slightly and puff up, forming a perfect mini pancake bite.

6. Let Cool and Serve:

Once the bites are done baking, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the mini McGriddles cool for a few minutes. Use a butter knife to gently loosen them from the tin, then serve immediately, or store them in an airtight container for later.

Serving Suggestions for Mini McGriddle Bites

These Mini McGriddle Bites are great on their own, but you can pair them with other dishes or toppings for a more complete breakfast or brunch spread.

What to Serve with Mini McGriddle Bites

• Fresh Fruit: Serve with fresh fruit like berries, sliced bananas, or orange slices for a healthy and refreshing contrast to the rich and savory bites.
• Yogurt: Pair with Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt for a creamy, protein-packed addition to your breakfast.
• Maple Syrup or Honey: Drizzle a little extra maple syrup or honey on top of the bites for extra sweetness.

Beverage Pairing for Mini McGriddle Bites

• Coffee: A cup of coffee pairs wonderfully with these sweet and savory bites.
• Fresh Juice: Orange juice, grapefruit juice, or a fruit smoothie complements the flavor of the McGriddle bites and adds a refreshing element to your meal.
• Herbal Tea: If you prefer something lighter, an herbal tea like chamomile or mint would pair well with these bites.

Tips for Perfect Mini McGriddle Bites

• Don’t Overfill the Muffin Tin: Be careful not to overfill the muffin tin when adding the batter. About 1 tablespoon per cup is plenty, as the batter will rise during baking.
• Add More Protein: For an extra protein boost, add a scrambled egg layer in between the sausage and cheese. This will make the bites even more filling and satisfying.
• Customize the Cheese: While cheddar is the most common choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Swiss, pepper jack, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Use Different Meats: If you don’t prefer sausage, you can easily swap it out for bacon, ham, or vegetarian sausage for a different twist.
• For a Make-Ahead Option: These mini McGriddles can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave them for 20-30 seconds or pop them in the oven for a few minutes.

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FAQs

1. Can I make these bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these bites the night before and refrigerate them. Simply bake them the next morning, or warm them up in the microwave or oven for a quick breakfast.

2. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes! You can use bacon, ham, or even turkey sausage instead of regular breakfast sausage. Just be sure to cook and crumble the meat before using it in the recipe.

3. Can I use frozen blueberries or other fruits?

Frozen blueberries work well in this recipe, just be sure to fold them in gently to prevent the batter from turning blue. You can also try adding other fruits like chopped bananas or strawberries.

4. Can I make these bites without maple syrup?

If you prefer a less sweet flavor, you can omit the maple syrup from the batter and use savory fillings like cheese and bacon. You can also substitute the syrup with a little bit of honey or agave syrup for a different sweetener.

5. Can I freeze Mini McGriddle Bites?

Yes, these mini McGriddles freeze very well. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave them for 20-30 seconds or bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

6. Can I make these bites gluten-free?

Yes, you can make these mini McGriddles gluten-free by using a gluten-free pancake mix and gluten-free sausage.

7. Can I add eggs to the filling?

Absolutely! You can scramble a few eggs and add them to the sausage and cheese filling for an even heartier bite.

8. Can I make these mini McGriddles dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free milk (such as almond milk or coconut milk), dairy-free cheese, and vegan sausage to make these bites dairy-free.

9. How can I make these bites spicier?

Add a little hot sauce to the batter or sprinkle some jalapeños or chili flakes on top before baking to add some heat.

10. What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave for 20-30 seconds or bake at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.