Mini McGriddle Bites Recipe

If you crave the classic sweet-and-savory combo of pancakes, sausage, and a drizzle of maple syrup, these Mini McGriddle Bites are about to become your new breakfast obsession. They capture all the flavor of your favorite drive-thru treat in one irresistible, poppable bite, and they’re incredibly easy to whip up—perfect for hectic mornings or laid-back brunches with friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how just a few staple ingredients come together for an irresistibly delicious breakfast treat. Each plays a starring role—ensuring that your Mini McGriddle Bites are tender, cheesy, savory, and perfectly sweet on every single bite.

• Hungry Jack pancake mix (2 cups): The base of our bites, delivering that iconic fluffy pancake flavor without any fuss.
• Water (1 ½ cups): Brings the mix together—just enough to keep the batter thick and scoopable.
• Cheddar cheese, shredded (1 cup): For rich, melty pockets of salty goodness in every bite; sharp cheddar adds the most flavor punch.
• Maple syrup (¼ cup): Just the right amount of sweetness and that classic breakfast maple aroma—pure maple syrup is best, but use your favorite!
• Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage, browned and drained (1 pound): That signature breakfast sausage flavor is key—brown it up for caramelized edges and bold taste.

Variations

One of the best things about Mini McGriddle Bites is how ridiculously flexible they are—swap out a protein, add extra cheese, or sneak in veggies to fit your cravings or dietary needs. Here’s how to make each batch truly your own:

• Turkey or Plant-Based Sausage: Swap breakfast sausage for turkey or veggie crumbles to lighten things up or keep it vegetarian.
• Add-ins Galore: Try stirring in chopped green onions, diced bell peppers, or even jalapeños for a pop of color and extra flavor.
• Syrup Swirl: Drizzle a bit more maple syrup right into the muffin cups before baking for gooey pockets of maple goodness.
• Alternative Cheeses: Smoked gouda, pepper jack, or mozzarella all work beautifully if you want to mix up the flavor profile.

How to Make Mini McGriddle Bites

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (205°C). Either line two mini muffin pans with paper liners or give them a generous spritz of nonstick spray—you want those adorable bites to release easily after baking.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage. Make sure to break it into small crumbles and cook until browned and no pink remains. Drain well to avoid greasy muffins—this step adds those savory, caramelized edges we all love.

Step 3: Make the Pancake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Hungry Jack pancake mix and water just until combined. Don’t worry if it’s a bit lumpy—that’s better than overmixing, which could make your Mini McGriddle Bites tough instead of fluffy.

Step 4: Mix In the Good Stuff

Gently fold the cooked and drained sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and maple syrup into the batter. You want all that gooey cheese and sweet syrup to be evenly distributed—every bite should have a bit of everything!

Step 5: Portion and Bake

Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to fill the mini muffin cups evenly with batter. Bake at 400°F for about 15 minutes, or until the tops are just turning a gorgeous golden brown. The kitchen will smell incredible!

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let your Mini McGriddle Bites cool in the pan for a few minutes (they’ll be piping hot!) before transferring them to a wire rack. Now comes the best part—serve warm and watch them disappear.

How to Serve Mini McGriddle Bites

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little more shredded cheddar over the Mini McGriddle Bites just as they come out of the oven for extra color and melt, or dust them with a touch of freshly cracked black pepper. For the ultimate treat, serve with a small bowl of warm maple syrup for dipping and dunking!

Side Dishes

Pair these savory-sweet bites with a fresh fruit salad, creamy Greek yogurt, or crispy hash browns for a brunch spread that everyone will rave about. Coffee, cold brew, or even a smoothie are delicious sips on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange Mini McGriddle Bites on a big platter with fun toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties, tuck them into lunchboxes for a protein-packed “breakfast for lunch,” or serve them stacked high with mini flag picks for showers and brunch celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mini McGriddle Bites can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Let them cool completely before packing, and separate layers with parchment if you need to stack them.

Freezing

Let the bites cool, then freeze on a baking sheet until firm before transferring to a freezer bag—this keeps them from sticking together! They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to two months, ready for those busy mornings or unexpected guests.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave the bites for about 20-30 seconds straight from the fridge, or 1-2 minutes from frozen. For the best texture, you can also pop them in a 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes until hot and slightly crisp around the edges.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you love the flavor of a classic fast-food breakfast but crave something even easier (and more fun!), you’re going to fall for these Mini McGriddle Bites. Whether you’re sharing them with family or meal-prepping to make your mornings smoother, give them a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

Print