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Sweet, savory, and totally addictive, these McGriddle Bites taste just like your favorite McGriddle but in poppable bite-size form! Perfect for meal prep and busy mornings.

Mornings at my house are busy. Like, “someone can’t find their shoes, the baby wants his milk warmed up again, and I’m trying to make sure everyone eats something before we’re out the door” kind of busy. And as much as I’d love to sit everyone down for pancakes and sausage every morning, that just isn’t happening on a weekday.

That’s why these McGriddle Bites have been such a lifesaver. They’ve got everything you love about a McDonald’s McGriddle, the sweet pancake, the syrup, the savory sausage, the gooey cheese, but all baked together into one perfect little poppable bite. No drive-thru, no skillet to clean, no syrup spills all over the table.

I started making these a few years ago when my boys were in that “constantly hungry but never enough time” stage. I’d make a big batch on Sunday night, and all week long they could grab a few before school, heat them up in the microwave, and have a real breakfast that actually filled them up. Even my pickiest eater loves them, and if you’re a mom, you know that’s saying something!

They’re soft and fluffy, with just the right amount of sweetness, and the little bits of sausage make them taste like a full breakfast in one bite. Honestly, they remind me of those mornings when we’d stop at McDonald’s on the way to school, and the car would smell like maple syrup and breakfast sandwiches. But these are even better, they’re homemade, they’re cheaper, and you can make a whole tray of them before your coffee’s even finished brewing.

Plus, they freeze beautifully. So if you’re like me and love having grab-and-go breakfasts ready to heat up on those mornings when nothing goes smoothly, these will quickly become a staple.

What Are McGriddle Bites?

McGriddle Bites are like little bite-sized versions of the classic McDonald’s McGriddle sandwich. Instead of making individual pancakes and stacking everything together, you mix it all up, pancake batter, syrup, sausage, and cheese, and bake them into fluffy, golden mini muffins.

Each one tastes like a perfect little pancake-sausage breakfast in one bite. They’re sweet, savory, and surprisingly filling. And since they’re baked in a mini muffin pan, they’re easy for kids to hold and perfect for meal prepping or freezing ahead.

Why You’ll Love These McGriddle Bites

• They taste like a McGriddle, but easier. No griddle, no mess, no fast food line.

• They’re perfect for busy mornings. Grab a few, heat them up, and breakfast is ready in under a minute.

• They’re freezer-friendly. Bake a big batch and stash them in the freezer for quick breakfasts anytime.

• They’re customizable. Sweet or spicy sausage, maple or sharp cheddar, make them your own.

• The whole family loves them. Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist these soft, syrupy bites.

When to Serve McGriddle Bites

• School mornings when everyone’s rushing out the door.

• Lazy weekend breakfasts when you want something cozy but easy.

• Holiday mornings when the kitchen’s already full of chaos.

• For meal prep, they store so well in the fridge or freezer.

• As an easy breakfast to take on road trips or camping.

Ingredients 

• 2 cups complete pancake mix – I love using the “just add water” kind for simplicity. It’s what keeps these fast and fluffy.

• 1 ½ cups water – Add just enough to make a smooth, pourable batter.

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Adds that salty, melty bite that balances the sweetness.

• ¼ cup maple syrup – The secret ingredient that gives them that true McGriddle flavor.

• 1 pound breakfast sausage – Use whatever your family loves, maple, spicy, or classic pork.

How to Make McGriddle Bites

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.

2. Cook the sausage: In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, brown and crumble the breakfast sausage until fully cooked. Drain the grease and set aside.

3. Mix the batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, water, shredded cheese, and maple syrup until combined.

4. Add sausage: Stir in the cooked sausage until evenly distributed.

5. Fill your pans: Spoon the batter into mini muffin tins. If you’re using metal tins, grease them or line with paper liners. (Silicone works great for easy removal!)

6. Bake: Bake 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

7. Serve: Let them cool slightly, then serve warm, with or without a little extra syrup for dipping.

Substitutions

• Use turkey sausage for a lighter option.

• Try maple sausage if you love that extra touch of sweetness.

• Swap the cheese — Colby Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack all work great.

• Make it gluten-free with a gluten-free pancake mix.

• Dairy-free? Use dairy-free cheese or leave it out altogether, they’ll still be delicious.

Variations

• Spicy McGriddle Bites: Use hot sausage and pepper jack cheese for a bold twist.

• Bacon Lover’s Version: Substitute crumbled bacon for the sausage.

• Mini McGriddle Sandwiches: Slice each bite in half and sandwich with a bit of cheese and sausage patty.

• Extra Maple Glaze: Brush with melted butter and drizzle a bit of maple syrup over the top right out of the oven.

Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overmix the batter, just stir until combined for fluffy bites.

• Use a cookie scoop for even portions.

• If freezing, let them cool completely first.

• To reheat, microwave 20–30 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.

• You can even double the recipe and freeze half, they’ll last up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! These are one of my favorite make-ahead breakfasts. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat as needed.

Can I freeze McGriddle Bites?
Yes! Lay them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the microwave straight from frozen.

Can I make them full-size?
Yep! Just bake them in a regular muffin tin for about 18–20 minutes instead of mini ones.

Do they taste like real McGriddles?
They really do! That little bit of maple syrup and cheese with the sausage gives you the exact sweet-and-savory combo.

Serving Ideas

• Serve with a side of scrambled eggs and fruit.

• Drizzle extra syrup over the top and enjoy with coffee.

• Pack them for kids’ lunches or snack boxes.

• Make them part of a brunch board with fruit, yogurt, and muffins.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 5 days.

• Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months.

• Reheat: Microwave 20–30 seconds or warm in oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.

• Meal prep tip: Make a double batch, you’ll thank yourself later!

If you love breakfast you can grab with your hands, these McGriddle Bites are just the start! Whether you’re feeding a crowd, stocking the freezer, or planning a holiday brunch, these other easy breakfast recipes are just as delicious and family-friendly. Check out these morning favorites next:

• Sausage Gravy & Biscuit Casserole – A hearty breakfast bake with fluffy biscuits, savory sausage, and creamy gravy.

• Ham and Swiss Croissant Bake – Buttery croissants layered with ham, Swiss, and egg for an easy brunch casserole.

• Old English Sausage Muffins – Toasted English muffins topped with cheesy sausage mixture and baked golden.

• Hawaiian Cinnamon Rolls – Soft Hawaiian rolls turned into gooey cinnamon-sugar breakfast perfection.

• Sheetpan Poptart – A giant homemade poptart filled with fruity jam and topped with frosting and sprinkles.

• Blueberry Turnovers – Flaky pastry filled with sweet blueberry filling for an easy handheld breakfast treat.

Final Thoughts

There’s something about a warm, sweet-and-savory breakfast that just feels like home. These McGriddle Bites take that same comforting flavor and make it something you can actually manage on a busy morning. Whether it’s a school day, a weekend breakfast, or a lazy Sunday brunch, these little bites make everyone happy, and that’s the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in my kitchen.

Make a batch this weekend, fill up your freezer, and enjoy a taste of cozy McGriddle magic every morning, no drive-thru required.