These Mini McGriddle Bites pack all the sweet and savory magic of your favorite fast-food breakfast sandwich into poppable, golden muffin bites—perfect for meal prep, handheld brunches, or making mornings wildly fun! Imagine maple-kissed pancake batter hugging cheesy sausage in every single fluffy bite—breakfast bliss, ready in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Breakfast, Reinvented: These bites turn classic McGriddle flavors into easy, mess-free minis you can eat on the go or share with a crowd.
- Fast & Foolproof: With just five simple ingredients and quick prep, you’ll have a whole batch of Mini McGriddle Bites ready with almost no effort.
- Meal Prep Magic: They reheat beautifully and freeze like a dream, so you can fuel busy mornings all week long.
- Kid (and Adult) Approved: Sweet, savory, cheesy, and perfectly snackable—trust me, they disappear fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just five everyday staples come together to deliver those unmistakable fast-food flavors in bite-sized form. Every ingredient in these Mini McGriddle Bites plays a role, whether it’s the fluffy base, gooey cheese, or that signature maple syrup touch blending everything into breakfast perfection.
- Hungry Jack pancake mix: The heart of each bite—this complete mix yields a soft, classic pancake texture that’s sturdy enough to hold the fillings.
- Water: Simple and quick, just enough to bring the pancake mix together without making it heavy.
- Cheddar cheese, shredded: For a melty, savory layer in every bite—sharp cheddar gives amazing flavor, but you can swap in your favorite cheese, too.
- Maple syrup: The secret ingredient! This infuses that iconic sweet hint straight into the batter for true McGriddle taste.
- Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage, browned and drained: Crumbled sausage adds the perfect savory, spicy bite—just the right contrast to the sweet pancakes.
Variations
There are a million ways to make these Mini McGriddle Bites your own. Play with flavors, mix-ins, or even dietary swaps—they’re endlessly adaptable! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Swap the protein: Try cooked bacon bits, crumbled ham, or even meat-free sausage for different flavor twists.
- Go cheese crazy: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or Swiss for something new every batch.
- Make them gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pancake mix instead of traditional—just check package instructions for ratios.
- Add a spicy kick: Stir some finely diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce into the batter for extra zing.
How to Make Mini McGriddle Bites
Step 1: Prep Your Oven & Muffin Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F to ensure it’s hot and ready for quick baking. Line two mini muffin pans with paper liners or grease them really well—these little bites love to stick if you skip this step!
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Brown the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Once completely browned, transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease—this keeps your Mini McGriddle Bites perfectly fluffy, not soggy.
Step 3: Mix the Batter
In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the Hungry Jack pancake mix and water until just combined. Don’t overmix—a few lumps are totally fine and keep the bites tender. Fold in the cooked sausage, shredded cheddar, and maple syrup. The batter should be thick but scoopable.
Step 4: Portion and Bake
Evenly spoon the batter into your prepared mini muffin pans, filling each cup almost to the top. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the tops are a beautiful golden brown and spring back lightly to the touch.
Step 5: Cool & Enjoy
Let the Mini McGriddle Bites cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They’re delicious warm or at room temperature, and perfect for dipping in extra syrup or packing in lunchboxes!
Pro Tips for Making Mini McGriddle Bites
- Batter Consistency Matters: Stir the pancake mix just until moistened; overmixing makes the bites tough instead of light and fluffy.
- Fully Drain the Sausage: Take a minute to blot out extra grease—too much fat can cause pockets and make Mini McGriddle Bites greasy instead of satisfying.
- Generous with Cheese: Don’t skimp on the cheese—those gooey, melty pockets are what make these bites irresistible straight from the oven!
- Perfect Mini Muffin Pans: Well-greased pans or parchment liners are your friends here, ensuring every bite releases easily and keeps its cute shape.
How to Serve Mini McGriddle Bites
Garnishes
Mini McGriddle Bites shine on their own, but for a little flourish, sprinkle with extra shredded cheddar, a drizzle of warm maple syrup, or even a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. Fresh chopped chives add a pop of color and a subtle savory note.
Side Dishes
Pair these bites with creamy scrambled eggs, a fresh fruit salad, or crispy hash browns for a sweet-and-savory brunch spread. They also work great with mini yogurt parfaits or smoothies for a well-rounded breakfast plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Mini McGriddle Bites on a tiered brunch tray, serve them on skewers with fruit for brunch parties, or tuck them in parchment bags for adorable grab-and-go treats. Kids especially love when you serve them with a side of syrup for dipping!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any leftover Mini McGriddle Bites to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. They’re just as tasty reheated as fresh, so don’t be shy about making a big batch!
Freezing
For longer storage, arrange cooled bites on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months, and you can grab just a few at a time for a super speedy breakfast.
Reheating
Reheat Mini McGriddle Bites by microwaving on a plate for 20–30 seconds per 4–6 bites, or warm them gently in a low oven (325°F) until heated through. If frozen, microwave straight from the freezer in 30-second intervals until soft and hot.
FAQs
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Can I use another pancake mix besides Hungry Jack?
Absolutely! Any “just add water” pancake or baking mix should work; just make sure to follow the package’s pancake ratio for the best texture. Sometimes you’ll need to adjust the water slightly for different brands, but it’s very forgiving.
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Do Mini McGriddle Bites taste very sweet?
They’re perfectly balanced! The maple syrup gives a gentle sweetness that mimics the original McGriddle, but the savory cheese and sausage keep things from being overly sweet. Of course, if you like them sweeter, serve with extra syrup for dipping.
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Can I make these ahead for brunch parties?
Definitely! Bake the Mini McGriddle Bites the night before, store covered in the fridge, and reheat them right before guests arrive. They stay fluffy and delicious, making party prep a breeze.
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Can I make these in a regular muffin pan?
Yes, but you’ll need to extend the baking time by a few minutes (check at 18–20 minutes). The larger size may be more like a “personal McGriddle muffin,” but the results are just as tasty—just extra hearty!
Final Thoughts
If breakfast is your favorite meal of the day, these Mini McGriddle Bites are a must-try—easy, irresistible, and downright joyful to eat. Whip up a batch soon and watch how quickly mornings become brighter, busier, and more delicious for everyone at your table.
PrintMini McGriddle Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 48 pieces 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mini McGriddle Bites are a delightful twist on the classic fast-food favorite, packed with savory sausage, gooey cheese, and sweet maple syrup. Perfect for a brunch gathering or a fun breakfast treat!
Ingredients
Pancake Mix:
- 2 cups Hungry Jack pancake mix
- 1 1/2 cups water
Other Ingredients:
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 pound Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage, browned and drained
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prep Pans: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place liners into two mini muffin pans or grease well.
- Mix Batter: In a medium bowl, combine the pancake mix and water until just combined. Stir in cooked and drained sausage, cheese, and maple syrup.
- Fill Pans: Spoon the batter evenly into the mini muffin pans.
- Bake: Bake for 15 minutes until lightly browned.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg