McGriddle Bites
Sweet Sausage Muffins for Quick Mornings
If you love the iconic flavor of a McGriddle—where fluffy pancakes meet savory sausage and a hint of maple syrup—these McGriddle Bites will quickly become a breakfast staple in your kitchen. Designed for busy mornings, these bite-sized muffins deliver everything you crave in a single handheld bite: sweet, buttery pancake batter, juicy sausage, and pockets of maple-infused goodness.
They’re perfect for meal prep, school mornings, brunch spreads, or even late-night snacks. Best of all, they’re made with simple ingredients, no special equipment, and can be frozen and reheated in minutes.
Ingredients (Makes 18–20 mini muffins)
For the sausage filling
- 250 g (½ lb) breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon sage or thyme (optional, classic McGriddle flavor)
For the sweet muffin batter
- 200 g (1 ⅔ cups) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 240 ml (1 cup) milk
- 1 large egg
- 60 g (¼ cup) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional add-ins
- 80 g (¾ cup) shredded cheddar cheese
- Maple sugar crystals or maple extract (for extra maple flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the sausage
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage and break it up into small crumbles using a wooden spoon. Sprinkle in the black pepper, garlic powder, and sage if using.
Cook the sausage until fully browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. You want the pieces to be small so they distribute evenly through the muffins. Once cooked, transfer the sausage to a plate lined with paper towels and let it cool slightly. Cooling is important so it doesn’t melt the batter or cook the egg prematurely.
Making the sweet McGriddle-style batter
2. Mix the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. This combination gives the muffins their light, fluffy texture with just the right amount of sweetness to balance the sausage.
3. Combine the wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth. The maple syrup is the soul of this recipe—it brings that unmistakable McGriddle flavor without overpowering the savory elements.
4. Create the batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon just until combined. Do not overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins instead of light, fluffy bites.
Assembly
5. Fold in the sausage (and cheese)
Gently fold the cooled sausage crumbles into the batter. If using shredded cheddar cheese, fold it in now as well. The batter should be thick but scoopable.
Baking the McGriddle Bites
6. Prepare the pan
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a mini muffin tin generously or line it with mini paper liners. These muffins have a bit of sugar, so proper greasing prevents sticking.
7. Fill and bake
Spoon the batter into each muffin cup, filling them about ¾ full. For an extra McGriddle touch, drizzle a few drops of maple syrup on top of each muffin before baking.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooling and texture
Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. As they cool, the flavors settle and the texture becomes perfectly soft with slightly crisp edges.
Serving suggestions
These McGriddle Bites are delicious:
- Warm, straight from the oven
- Drizzled with extra maple syrup
- Served with scrambled eggs or fruit
- Paired with coffee or a breakfast latte
They’re ideal for kids’ breakfasts, road trips, or post-workout fuel.
Meal prep, storage, and reheating
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Once completely cooled, place the muffins in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- Microwave: 20–30 seconds (from fridge) or 45–60 seconds (from frozen)
- Oven: 160°C (325°F) for 8–10 minutes
Tips for perfect McGriddle Bites
- Use real maple syrup for authentic flavor. Pancake syrup won’t give the same depth.
- Mini size works best: they heat faster and are easier to eat on the go.
- Balance is key: don’t overload with sausage or the muffins may become heavy.
- Let sausage cool before mixing to keep the batter light.
Delicious variations
- Spicy version: use spicy breakfast sausage or add a pinch of chili flakes
- Chicken sausage for a lighter option
- Vegetarian: substitute sausage with plant-based crumbles
- Stuffed center: freeze small maple syrup cubes and tuck one into each muffin before baking
Why these muffins are a morning game-changer
These McGriddle Bites combine the comfort of pancakes, the satisfaction of sausage, and the convenience of a muffin. They’re portable, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable—everything a modern breakfast should be.
Whether you’re rushing out the door or enjoying a slow weekend brunch, these Sweet Sausage Muffins for Quick Mornings deliver bold flavor in every bite 🍁🧁