Easy 5-Minute McGriddle Recipe for Meal Prep Mornings Recipe
If you’re anything like me, mornings can get hectic, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a delicious, comforting breakfast. This Easy 5-Minute McGriddle Recipe for Meal Prep Mornings is your new best friend when you want that perfect bite of sweet and savory without all the fuss. Imagine fluffy griddled pancakes brimming with maple syrup, wrapped around sizzling bacon, melty cheese, and perfectly cooked eggs—all assembled quickly and ready to fuel your day. It’s a joyful breakfast classic that feels indulgent but comes together faster than you’d expect, making it ideal not just for weekends but busy weekday mornings too.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Easy 5-Minute McGriddle Recipe for Meal Prep Mornings lies in a handful of simple ingredients that play vital roles in texture, flavor, and that golden-brown appearance. Each component is easy to find and pulls together effortlessly to create that signature sweet and savory harmony.
- 1 cup pancake mix: Provides the fluffy base for the griddle cakes, making them tender and light.
- ¾ cup milk: Adds moisture to the batter and keeps the pancakes soft and delicate.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder and enriches the batter for extra flavor.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Ensures the pancakes stay moist and create a tender crumb.
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup: The star sweetener that gives these pancakes their signature McGriddle flavor.
- 2 tablespoons maple sugar or brown sugar (optional): Boosts the sweetness and adds depth to the maple essence.
- 4 large eggs: Cooked just right to complement the savory layers of the sandwich.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances the flavor of the eggs, balancing sweetness and savoriness.
- 4 slices American cheese: Melts perfectly between the warm eggs and pancakes, adding creaminess.
- 8 strips bacon, cooked until crispy OR 4 sausage patties: Provides that irresistible salty, crispy contrast integral to the breakfast sandwich.
- Butter or cooking spray: For greasing your skillet or griddle to perfectly cook pancakes and eggs.
How to Make Easy 5-Minute McGriddle Recipe for Meal Prep Mornings
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Start by whisking together your pancake mix, milk, 1 egg, and vegetable oil just until combined. Don’t worry if there are some small lumps—they keep the pancakes tender. Then gently fold in your maple syrup and maple sugar if you’re using it. Let this batter rest for about 5 minutes to let everything meld and thicken slightly for better texture.
Step 2: Cook the Pancakes
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and grease lightly with butter or spray. For perfectly uniform pancakes, place a 3.5-inch round cookie cutter or mason jar ring on the surface and pour about 3 tablespoons of batter into each. As bubbles form and edges set after 2 to 3 minutes, carefully remove the rings and flip. Cook another 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown. Repeat the process until you have 8 pancakes, then keep them warm under a towel.
Step 3: Cook the Eggs
In the same skillet, use the ring molds again to cook your eggs. Crack each egg into a ring, break the yolks gently if you prefer them set, and season with salt and pepper. Adding a few drops of water before covering the pan helps steam the eggs to perfection. Cook about 1 to 2 minutes for softly set whites or 3 to 4 minutes for firmer yolks, depending on your preference.
Step 4: Prepare the Bacon or Sausage
Cook your bacon strips in a separate pan until crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. If you prefer sausage patties, heat them according to the package instructions until browned and thoroughly cooked. These savory proteins add the irresistible crunch and flavor that make this Easy 5-Minute McGriddle Recipe for Meal Prep Mornings truly stand out.
Step 5: Assemble the McGriddles
Place one pancake on your plate, top with a slice of American cheese, then add the cooked egg, followed by two bacon strips or one sausage patty. Crown your sandwich with a second pancake and press gently to hold everything together. For that authentic touch, lightly brush the tops with warm maple syrup just before serving. And there you have it—breakfast bliss ready in no time.
How to Serve Easy 5-Minute McGriddle Recipe for Meal Prep Mornings

Garnishes
While these McGriddles are flavorful all on their own, adding a sprinkle of fresh chives or a dash of smoked paprika can elevate the eggs with a pop of color and depth. A few fresh berries on the side add a bright, fresh contrast that complements the maple sweetness perfectly.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, pair your McGriddles with a refreshing fruit salad or a crunchy, lightly dressed green salad for balance. Crispy hash browns or roasted breakfast potatoes are also excellent companions, giving you that satisfying mix of textures and warmth to start your day right.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or just switch things up? Cut the sandwiches in halves or quarters and serve them on mini plates with toothpicks for an appetizing brunch platter. You could even turn these into sliders for a fun finger-food experience or wrap them in parchment paper for easy on-the-go breakfasts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, these sandwiches store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them wrapped preserves moisture without making the pancakes soggy, so they stay ready to reheat with minimal fuss.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap each assembled McGriddle tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When properly stored, they retain their wonderful flavor and texture, making your meal prep even easier on busy mornings.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the sandwiches and warm them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through. Microwave reheating works too but be cautious; wrap in a damp paper towel to keep the pancakes from drying out and heat in short bursts to avoid overheating the cheese.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pancake mix with homemade batter?
Absolutely! A simple homemade pancake batter with flour, baking powder, sugar, milk, and eggs works beautifully and allows you to control what goes into your pancakes.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Cheddar, pepper jack, or even Swiss cheese can add unique twists, but American cheese melts the most smoothly, giving that classic McGriddle feel.
What if I’m vegetarian? Any suggestions for the bacon or sausage?
Try plant-based bacon or breakfast patties. You can also add sautéed mushrooms or avocado slices to keep that savory balance without meat.
Is this recipe suitable for freezer meal prep?
Definitely! Assembling and freezing these McGriddles makes busy mornings easier. Just thaw overnight and reheat gently for a quick, satisfying breakfast.
How do I make sure the eggs are fully cooked but still tender?
Using the ring molds helps the eggs keep their shape, and steaming them by adding water and covering the pan softly cooks the whites while keeping the yolks creamy or firm, depending on your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Easy 5-Minute McGriddle Recipe for Meal Prep Mornings is the perfect way to bring joy and ease to your breakfast routine. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or craving a comforting start, these sweet and savory sandwiches hit every note just right. Give it a whirl—you’ll wonder how you ever got out the door without them!
Print
Easy 5-Minute McGriddle Recipe for Meal Prep Mornings Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Easy 5-Minute McGriddle Recipe is perfect for quick meal prep mornings, delivering the sweet and savory flavors of the classic McGriddle sandwich at home. Featuring fluffy maple-infused pancakes, savory eggs, melty American cheese, and crispy bacon or sausage, it’s a satisfying breakfast sandwich ready in minutes.
Ingredients
Pancake Batter
- 1 cup pancake mix (e.g. Bisquick)
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons maple sugar or brown sugar (optional, for extra maple flavor)
Eggs
- 4 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Meat and Cheese
- 4 slices American cheese
- 8 strips bacon, cooked until crispy OR 4 breakfast sausage patties
Other
- Butter or cooking spray for greasing skillet
- Extra maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Pancake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, milk, 1 egg, and vegetable oil until just combined. Small lumps are okay. Gently fold in 3 tablespoons maple syrup and the optional maple sugar or brown sugar. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes to allow it to thicken slightly.
- Cook Pancakes: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or cooking spray. For uniform pancakes, place a 3.5-inch round cookie cutter or mason jar ring on the cooking surface and pour about 3 tablespoons of batter into each ring. Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set. Remove the ring carefully, flip the pancake, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Repeat to make 8 pancakes total. Keep the cooked pancakes warm under a towel.
- Cook Eggs: In the same skillet, use the ring molds if desired to cook eggs uniformly. Crack an egg into each ring, break the yolk gently, and season with salt and pepper. Add a few drops of water to the pan and cover it to steam cook. Cook for 1-2 minutes for set whites or 3-4 minutes for fully cooked yolks according to your preference.
- Prepare Meat: Cook bacon strips over medium heat until crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Alternatively, cook breakfast sausage patties according to package instructions until browned and fully cooked through.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Place one pancake on a plate, add a slice of American cheese, then a cooked egg, and top with 2 strips of bacon or one sausage patty. Crown with a second pancake and press gently to create a sandwich.
- Add Final Touch: For extra authentic flavor, lightly brush the tops of each assembled sandwich with warm maple syrup before serving.
- Serve or Keep Warm: Serve immediately while warm, or keep the sandwiches warm by placing them in a 200°F oven until ready to eat.
Notes
- Using a ring mold helps create uniformly sized pancakes and eggs for the perfect sandwich shape.
- Maple sugar or brown sugar enhances the maple flavor but is optional.
- You can substitute bacon with sausage patties or any preferred breakfast meat for variety.
- To make the eggs runny, reduce cooking time accordingly.
- Keep assembled sandwiches warm in a low oven if preparing for a group or meal prep.
- Store leftover sandwiches wrapped in foil in the refrigerator and reheat gently for a quick breakfast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Griddle and Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 230mg
Keywords: McGriddle, breakfast sandwich, maple pancakes, meal prep breakfast, quick breakfast, bacon sandwich, sausage sandwich