Mini McGriddle Bites

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I’ve always had a soft spot for those sweet and savory breakfast mashups that somehow manage to feel indulgent and comforting at the same time. That’s exactly why I had to recreate these Mini McGriddle Bites at home—and let me tell you, they’re even better than the drive-thru version. Imagine fluffy pancake-style rounds sandwiched with melty cheese and savory sausage, all with that signature hint of maple sweetness. It’s the ultimate bite-sized breakfast treat that hits every note just right.

What I love most is how versatile and fun these are. I first made them on a whim for a weekend brunch and they disappeared in minutes. Since then, they’ve become my go-to for everything from busy weekday mornings to cozy brunch boards. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make ahead and reheat, which means more calm mornings and fewer breakfast battles.

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Why You’ll Love These Mini McGriddle Bites

• Perfectly portioned: Bite-sized and mess-free, ideal for little hands or quick snacking.
• Sweet & savory combo: That iconic maple flavor meets gooey cheese and savory sausage.
• Great for meal prep: Make a batch, freeze, and reheat all week long.
• Customizable: Switch up the fillings or go vegetarian without losing the magic.
• Fun to make: They’re simple, but feel like a breakfast treat straight from a café.

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What Kind of Pancake Batter Works Best for Mini McGriddle Bites?

The base of a good McGriddle Bite is the pancake batter—it’s what gives you that soft, golden outer layer with a touch of maple-sweet richness. I’ve found that a classic buttermilk pancake batter works beautifully for this recipe. It has just the right amount of fluff and tang to balance the richness of the cheese and sausage. If you want a shortcut, boxed pancake mix is totally fine—just go for one that’s light and fluffy rather than dense or cakey.

Another key element? A drizzle of real maple syrup stirred into the batter. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference and gives you that signature McGriddle flavor that’s sweet but not overpowering.

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Options for Substitutions

These Mini McGriddle Bites are super forgiving, so feel free to swap ingredients depending on what you have or your dietary needs:

• Sausage: Use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or plant-based sausage crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can use American, pepper jack for heat, or even dairy-free slices.
• Maple syrup: Honey or agave can be used in a pinch, though maple gives that iconic flavor.
• Pancake mix: Gluten-free mixes work great. Just make sure to follow the mix’s instructions for consistency.
• Eggs (optional addition): You can add a thin layer of scrambled egg to each bite for more protein.
• Bite shape: Don’t have a biscuit cutter? Use a small mason jar lid or even make square bites using a mini muffin tin.

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Ingredients for Mini McGriddle Bites

• Buttermilk Pancake Batter
  This forms the soft, golden-brown outer layer that holds everything together. A good pancake batter creates that fluffy texture and slight sweetness you want in every bite.
• Breakfast Sausage Patties or Crumbles
  Savory and juicy, sausage is the heart of the flavor here. Whether you shape your own or use pre-made patties, make sure they’re fully cooked before assembling.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  Cheddar melts beautifully and brings a sharp, creamy contrast to the sweetness of the pancake and syrup. You can use slices too, but shredded cheese helps with even layering.
• Maple Syrup
  Stirred into the batter or brushed between layers, maple syrup gives the bites their signature McGriddle flavor. Go for the real deal—it makes a difference.
• Butter or Oil (for cooking)
  A bit of butter or neutral oil helps crisp up the outside of the bites in the pan, giving them that perfect golden crust.
• Salt (optional)
  A pinch in the batter or on the sausage helps balance the sweetness and elevate the savory notes.
• Chopped Fresh Herbs (optional, for garnish)
  Totally optional, but a sprinkle of parsley or chives adds a fresh pop of color and flavor if you’re serving these on a brunch platter.

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Step 1: Make the Pancake Batter

If you’re using a homemade batter, whisk together flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt, an egg, milk (preferably buttermilk), and a drizzle of maple syrup. The batter should be smooth but thick enough to hold shape. If using boxed mix, just follow the package instructions and add a splash of syrup for flavor. Set aside.

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Step 2: Cook the Sausage

Brown your breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat. If using patties, break them into small rounds that’ll fit between the pancake layers. If using crumbles, cook until fully browned and drain any excess grease. Set aside to cool slightly.

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Step 3: Preheat and Grease Your Pan

Use a nonstick skillet or griddle and preheat it over medium-low heat. Add a little butter or oil to coat the surface—this helps give the pancake exterior that golden, crispy edge.

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Step 4: Assemble the Bites

Spoon a tablespoon of batter onto the skillet for each base. Add a small scoop of sausage and a pinch of shredded cheese right in the center. Top with another small spoonful of batter to cover the filling. Use a spatula to gently press the batter down and seal.

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Step 5: Cook Until Golden

Let each bite cook for about 2–3 minutes on the first side, until bubbles form and the edges look set. Flip carefully and cook another 2–3 minutes until both sides are golden and the inside is hot and melty.

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Step 6: Cool and Serve

Transfer the cooked bites to a paper towel-lined plate or baking rack. Let them cool just slightly before serving—they’ll firm up a bit and be easier to handle. Drizzle with extra maple syrup if you’re feeling indulgent!

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How Long to Cook the Mini McGriddle Bites

Each Mini McGriddle Bite takes about 4 to 6 minutes total to cook on the stovetop—roughly 2 to 3 minutes per side. You want the outside to be golden brown and slightly crisp, while the inside stays soft, warm, and melty.

If you’re making a large batch, you can keep them warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven while the rest finish cooking.

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Tips for Perfect Mini McGriddle Bites

• Don’t overfill: A small scoop of sausage and cheese goes a long way—too much can cause the filling to spill out while flipping.
• Chill your filling: Let sausage and cheese cool slightly before assembling. It keeps the batter from thinning or running too quickly.
• Use low to medium heat: This helps the batter cook through without burning the outside.
• Grease between batches: A quick swipe of butter or oil in between rounds keeps them from sticking and ensures a consistent golden crust.
• Even sizing: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to keep all bites the same size, so they cook evenly.
• Add syrup to the batter—not on top (unless serving): This gives that signature maple flavor inside the bite, not just on the outside.
• Keep them warm: If serving a crowd, pop them in a warm oven on a baking sheet to keep them soft and ready to serve.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using too much batter: It’s tempting to go big, but overloading leads to uneven cooking and makes flipping tricky. Stick to about a tablespoon per layer.
• High heat cooking: Cranking the heat too high will brown the outside before the inside finishes—resulting in raw batter around the sausage. Medium-low is your friend.
• Skipping the grease: Whether butter or oil, a lightly greased pan is essential for that beautiful golden crust and easy flipping.
• Not sealing the edges: Make sure the top layer of batter touches the bottom layer around the edges. That’s what keeps the filling sealed inside.
• Undercooked sausage: Always pre-cook your sausage! The bites cook quickly, and raw sausage won’t have enough time to fully cook inside.
• Overfilling with cheese: Too much cheese can ooze out and burn, so a small pinch is all you need.
• Flipping too early: Wait until you see bubbles forming and the edges look set before flipping to avoid breaking the bite apart.
• Stacking when hot: Let them cool slightly on a wire rack or paper towel—stacking immediately makes the bottoms soggy.

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What to Serve With Mini McGriddle Bites?

Scrambled Eggs

A classic combo that adds fluff and extra protein to the plate.

Crispy Bacon

The salty crunch pairs perfectly with the soft, sweet-savory bites.

Fresh Fruit Salad

Bright, juicy fruit brings freshness and balances out the richness.

Hot Coffee or Cold Brew

No breakfast is complete without your favorite caffeine fix.

Orange Juice or Apple Cider

Something tangy and refreshing really rounds out the meal.

Mini Pancakes

Keep the mini theme going! Serve alongside with syrup for a fun brunch spread.

Hash Brown Casserole

Comfort food heaven—crispy, cheesy, and filling.

Yogurt Parfaits

Layered with berries and granola, it’s a light, creamy contrast to the bites.

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Storage Instructions

Mini McGriddle Bites store beautifully, making them ideal for prepping ahead. Once they’ve cooled completely, place them in an airtight container or resealable bag. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To freeze, lay the bites in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid (about 1 hour), then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay good in the freezer for up to 2 months.

To reheat:

• Microwave: 30–40 seconds for refrigerated, 60–90 seconds for frozen (flip halfway through).
• Oven or toaster oven: 350°F (175°C) for about 8–10 minutes until heated through.
• Air fryer: 350°F for 4–5 minutes (frozen), or 2–3 minutes (refrigerated) for a crispier finish.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Mini McGriddle Bite – Approximate)

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Sugar: 4g
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fiber: <1g

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on sausage type, cheese, and pancake mix used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Mini McGriddle Bites ahead of time?

Absolutely! These are perfect for meal prep. You can cook a batch, let them cool, and store them in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat when you’re ready to eat.

Do I need to use real maple syrup?

While you can use pancake syrup or alternatives like honey, real maple syrup gives the most authentic McGriddle flavor. It’s worth it for that sweet, rich depth.

Can I make these without meat?

Yes! You can skip the sausage or use plant-based options like veggie sausage crumbles. They’re still delicious and satisfying.

How do I keep the bites from falling apart while flipping?

Make sure the edges of the top and bottom layers of batter touch and seal together. Also, wait until the underside is golden and set before flipping.

Can I bake them instead of pan-frying?

You can! Use a mini muffin tin and layer the batter, sausage, and cheese. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden and set.

What size should each bite be?

A tablespoon of batter for each side works best. Think mini pancake size—bite-sized but still hearty.

Can I add eggs into the mix?

Totally. You can scramble eggs and layer a small amount inside each bite with the sausage and cheese for an all-in-one breakfast bite.

How do I reheat them without drying out the pancake?

The microwave works well with a damp paper towel on top to retain moisture. Or use the air fryer for a crispier finish without overcooking the inside.

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Conclusion

Mini McGriddle Bites are everything I love about a satisfying breakfast—warm, gooey, sweet, savory, and completely craveable. They bring all the classic McGriddle flavors into a fun, bite-sized form that’s perfect for busy mornings, brunch parties, or just treating yourself. Once you’ve tried them fresh off the skillet with that golden crisp and melty center, you’ll never look at drive-thru breakfast the same way again. Whether you stick to the classic or make it your own with swaps and add-ins, these bites are guaranteed to be a hit.

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