Name: McGriddle Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound breakfast sausage (regular pork sausage); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (from block); 1/4 cup diced jalapeños; 2 cups Hungry Jack Pancake Mix (only requires water); 1 cup water (filtered or tap water); 1/4 cup pure maple syrup; 1/2 cup blueberries

Jump to Recipe

If you have ever wished for a delicious breakfast snack that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and a little hint of spice, these McGriddle Bites are your new best friend. Combining fluffy pancake batter infused with maple syrup, hearty breakfast sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and unexpected pops of jalapeño and blueberries, these bite-sized delights are ready to revolutionize your mornings. They deliver all the warm comfort of classic McGriddles but in a fun, easy-to-make mini form that’s perfect for sharing or quick on-the-go snacks. Once you try these McGriddle Bites, you’ll wonder how you ever started your day without them.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of McGriddle Bites lies in using a handful of simple yet impactful ingredients. Each component plays a vital role—whether it’s the rich flavor of sausage, the sweet undertones of maple syrup, or the mild heat from jalapeños—all contributing to a perfect balance of tastes and textures.

Breakfast sausage: Use regular pork sausage for juicy, seasoned bites that bring savory depth.
Hungry Jack Pancake Mix: Opt for the kind that only needs water to keep things easy and light.
Water: Filtered or tap water works fine to combine with the pancake mix seamlessly.
Maple syrup: Pure maple syrup is preferred to naturally sweeten and add authentic flavor.
Cheddar cheese: Shredded from a block, it melts perfectly and adds a creamy, sharp note.
Diced jalapeños: Just a quarter cup provides a subtle kick that elevates every bite.
Blueberries: Half a cup offers a juicy, fruity contrast that surprises the palate.

How to Make McGriddle Bites

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF (204ºC) and thoroughly greasing a mini muffin tin. Proper greasing is key here as it helps your McGriddle Bites release easily after baking, keeping them intact and looking perfect for serving.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

Next, cook the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat until it’s browned and crumbled evenly—about 5 to 7 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess grease to keep your bites from getting too oily, allowing the sausage’s delicious flavor to shine.

Step 3: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the pancake mix, water, and maple syrup. Stir just until the ingredients are blended. This keeps your batter light and fluffy, providing the ideal base for all the savory and sweet add-ins that follow.

Step 4: Fold in the Flavors

Gently fold the cooked sausage together with the shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, and blueberries into your batter. Make sure everything is distributed evenly so that every McGriddle Bite bursts with a little bit of that hearty, spicy, cheesy goodness paired with juicy fruity pops.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Fill each mini muffin cup about three-quarters full with the batter mixture. Bake the bites for 12 to 15 minutes until they turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures they’re cooked through and perfectly moist inside.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow your McGriddle Bites to cool slightly in the tin before carefully removing them. Serve warm, and if you like, offer a little extra maple syrup on the side for dipping—because why not add even more of that sweet maple goodness?

How to Serve McGriddle Bites

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley can add a vibrant color contrast along with a fresh brightness to complement the richness. For the adventurous, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot honey can play beautifully against the layers of sweet and spicy.

Side Dishes

These bites are wonderfully versatile as a main or snack, but serve them alongside crispy hash browns or a simple fruit salad to round out your meal with textures and flavors that brighten your plate and wake up your taste buds.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack McGriddle Bites on a platter for a fun finger-food brunch party, or skewer them with fresh fruit chunks to create portable, playful breakfast kabobs. They also work brilliantly as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your McGriddle Bites have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, you can easily grab a quick breakfast or snack without any fuss, while keeping all the flavors intact.

Freezing

To freeze, place the McGriddle Bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. This is perfect for meal prep or saving treats for busy mornings ahead.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated McGriddle Bites in a toaster oven or microwave until warm throughout. To retain their crisp edges, the toaster oven is ideal, but the microwave works well for a quick warm-up when you’re short on time.

FAQs

Can I substitute turkey sausage for pork sausage in McGriddle Bites?

Absolutely! Turkey sausage can be a leaner alternative and will still bring plenty of flavor to your McGriddle Bites. Just keep an eye on cooking time as it might cook a bit faster.

Are the blueberries necessary, or can I leave them out?

You can leave out the blueberries if you prefer a purely savory bite, but they add a lovely fruity contrast that balances the heat and richness. If you want a different twist, try diced apples or dried cranberries.

Can I make McGriddle Bites gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the pancake mix for a gluten-free variety that only requires water. Just make sure the rest of your ingredients are gluten-free, and you’re set.

What’s the best way to dice jalapeños for even heat distribution?

Remove the seeds if you want milder bites and dice finely so the heat is evenly spread without overwhelming any single bite. Use gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid irritation.

Can I add other cheeses besides cheddar?

Definitely! Cheddar is classic, but feel free to experiment with pepper jack for extra spice, mozzarella for stretchiness, or even a sharp gouda for a smoky twist.

Final Thoughts

Making McGriddle Bites at home is an absolute joy that brings together such a beautiful blend of flavors and textures. They’re easy to whip up, perfect for sharing, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether for breakfast, brunch, or anytime snacking. Dive in and give these bites a try—you might just find your new favorite breakfast treat that everyone will be begging for again and again.

McGriddle Bites Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 17 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 mini McGriddle Bites 1x
Diet: Low Salt

Print Recipe

Description

McGriddle Bites are a delicious, bite-sized breakfast treat combining savory sausage, melted cheddar cheese, and a hint of sweetness from pancake batter and maple syrup. These mini muffins are perfect for busy mornings or on-the-go snacking, featuring a delightful mix of spicy jalapeños and sweet blueberries for a unique flavor twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Sausage Mixture

1 pound breakfast sausage (regular pork sausage)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (from block)
1/4 cup diced jalapeños

Pancake Batter

2 cups Hungry Jack Pancake Mix (only requires water)
1 cup water (filtered or tap water)
1/4 cup pure maple syrup

Add-ins

1/2 cup blueberries

Instructions

Preheat and prepare tin: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC) and grease a mini muffin tin thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Cook sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease to keep the bites from being too oily.
Mix batter: In a large bowl, combine the pancake mix, water, and maple syrup. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and ensure fluffy bites.
Add sausage and cheese: Fold the cooked sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, and blueberries gently into the batter until evenly distributed.
Fill muffin cups: Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the bites are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Allow the McGriddle Bites to cool slightly before removing from the tin. Serve warm with extra maple syrup for dipping if desired.

Notes

Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor; pancake syrup can be substituted but the taste will differ.
Adjust jalapeño quantity according to your spice preference or omit for a milder version.
Blueberries add a fruity contrast but can be replaced with chopped apples or omitted if preferred.
Make sure to grease the muffin tin well to avoid sticking.
These bites freeze well; store in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave or oven.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American