McGriddle Bites (Sweet Sausage Mini Muffins)

The Ultimate Grab-and-Go Breakfast You’ll Want to Meal Prep Every Week

If you’ve ever wished you could capture the magic of a McGriddle—that unbeatable combo of sweet pancake flavor + savory sausage + melty cheese + maple syrup—but in a homemade, easy-to-prep way… these McGriddle Bites (Sweet Sausage Mini Muffins) are about to become your new favorite breakfast.

These mini breakfast muffins are warm, fluffy, and perfectly portable. They bake in a mini muffin tin and come out with golden edges, soft pancake centers, and irresistible sweet-and-salty flavor in every bite. And the best part? They’re ready in about 25 minutes, freeze beautifully, and taste like something you’d buy from a breakfast café (but cheaper, healthier, and more convenient).

Whether you’re planning weekday breakfasts, school mornings, brunch trays, or road-trip snacks, McGriddle Bites are an easy win. The batter is simple (especially when using a just-add-water pancake mix), and you can customize them endlessly—spicy, cheesy, fruity, or even extra protein-packed.

This post includes foolproof tips, variations, storage and reheating instructions, and everything you need to master the best McGriddle Bites (Sweet Sausage Mini Muffins) at home.

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McGriddle Bites (Sweet Sausage Mini Muffins)

These McGriddle Bites are the perfect grab-and-go breakfast for busy mornings! They’re made with fluffy pancake batter, savory breakfast sausage, melty cheddar cheese, and a touch of maple syrup for that classic McGriddle-inspired flavor—baked into adorable mini muffin bites that kids and adults love.

They’re warm, comforting, and meal-prep friendly—perfect for school mornings, road trips, brunch boards, or quick weekday breakfasts.

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✅ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons this recipe becomes a repeat in most kitchens:

• Tastes like a homemade McGriddle without needing sandwiches or griddles

• Sweet + savory combo that’s seriously addictive

• Bakes in mini muffin tin (easy portion control)

• Ready in 25 minutes from start to finish

• Freezer-friendly = meal prep dream

• Fun and kid-friendly (tiny bites they can hold and dip!)

• Customizable with jalapeños, blueberries, different cheeses, and more

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⭐ What Are McGriddle Bites?

McGriddle Bites are mini muffins made from:

• pancake batter

• cooked breakfast sausage

• cheddar cheese

• maple syrup

Instead of making pancake sandwiches (which take more time and assembly), everything is mixed into one batter and baked. That means:

✅ less mess
✅ less flipping
✅ faster cleanup
✅ perfect portable bites

It’s basically a pancake sausage breakfast sandwich—turned into a muffin.

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⏱ Recipe Info

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

• Servings: 12 mini muffins

• Course: Breakfast

• Cuisine: American

• Calories: ~150 per muffin (approx.)

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🛒 Ingredients for McGriddle Bites (Sweet Sausage Mini Muffins)

One of the best things about this recipe is how simple the ingredient list is.

For the Muffins

• 1 pound breakfast sausage (regular pork sausage works best)

• 2 cups Hungry Jack Pancake Mix (must be the “just add water” type)

• 1 cup water (filtered or tap)

• ¼ cup maple syrup (pure maple syrup preferred)

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (best from block cheese)

Optional Add-Ins

• ¼ cup diced jalapeños (spicy kick!)

• ½ cup blueberries (sweet fruity contrast)

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🧠 Ingredient Tips (So They Turn Out Perfect)

Pancake Mix Matters

Use pancake mix that only needs water. If your mix requires eggs or milk, it can change the texture and thickness of the batter. If that’s what you have, you can still use it—just follow the package directions and keep the batter a little thicker than normal.

Maple Syrup = Signature Flavor

Maple syrup isn’t just sweetness—it’s what creates the “McGriddle vibe.”
Use:

• pure maple syrup (best)

• OR pancake syrup if needed (still tasty, just sweeter)

Shred Cheese Yourself (Recommended)

Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents and won’t melt as smoothly. Shredding from a block gives you:

• better melt

• more flavor

• creamier texture

Sausage Choice

You can use:

• classic pork breakfast sausage

• maple sausage (even more McGriddle-style!)

• turkey sausage (lighter option)

• spicy sausage (adds heat)

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🍴 Equipment Needed

Keep it simple—no special tools required.

• Mini muffin tin

• Skillet

• Mixing bowl

• Spoon or cookie scoop (optional but helps portion batter)

• Measuring cups

✅ Optional: parchment liners made for mini muffins (they help with sticking).

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👩‍🍳 How to Make McGriddle Bites (Step-by-Step)

These steps are beginner-friendly and fast.

1) Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
Grease a mini muffin tin with:

• nonstick spray

• OR butter

• OR oil

✅ Don’t skip greasing—pancake batter can stick.

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2) Cook the Sausage

In a skillet over medium heat:

• cook breakfast sausage until browned and crumbled (5–7 minutes)

Drain excess grease and set aside.

✅ Tip: Let sausage cool 2–3 minutes so it doesn’t melt the cheese instantly.

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3) Make the Batter

In a large mixing bowl combine:

• pancake mix

• water

• maple syrup

Stir just until combined.

⚠️ Don’t overmix. Pancake batter gets tough if you stir too much.

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4) Add Sausage & Cheese

Fold in:

• cooked sausage

• shredded cheddar cheese

• optional add-ins (jalapeños or blueberries)

Mix gently so everything is evenly distributed.

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5) Fill Muffin Tin

Spoon batter into each muffin cup until about ¾ full.

✅ Tip: A mini cookie scoop is the easiest and cleanest way.

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6) Bake

Bake 12–15 minutes, or until:

• tops are golden brown

• toothpick comes out clean

• centers feel set

Let cool 5 minutes before removing from pan.

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7) Serve & Enjoy

Serve warm as-is, or add:

• extra maple syrup for dipping

• butter

• hot sauce (sounds strange… tastes amazing)

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🍯 Best Ways to Serve McGriddle Bites

These are delicious on their own, but if you want to make them feel like a café breakfast, try:

Dipping Sauces

• maple syrup (classic)

• honey butter

• spicy maple syrup (maple + pinch cayenne)

• sriracha-maple (sweet heat!)

Breakfast Sides

• fruit salad

• hash browns

• yogurt parfait

• scrambled eggs

• iced coffee / latte

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🔥 Pro Tips for Foolproof McGriddle Bites

If you want bakery-level perfect bites, use these tips:

✅ 1) Drain Grease Well

Too much grease in the sausage can make bites soggy.

✅ 2) Don’t Overmix Batter

Overmixing makes the muffins dense instead of fluffy.

✅ 3) Use the Right Oven Temp

400°F gives:

• golden tops

• quick rise

• fluffy center

✅ 4) Fill Only ¾ Full

If you overfill, they spill over and lose shape.

✅ 5) Let Them Rest Before Removing

Mini muffins are delicate when hot. Resting helps them hold together.

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🌶️ Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is super flexible. Here are the best tested variations:

1) Spicy McGriddle Bites

Add:

• diced jalapeños

• pepper jack cheese

• pinch of cayenne

2) Blueberry McGriddle Bites

The sweet + savory combo is surprisingly good. Use:

• blueberries

• cheddar

• sausage

✅ Tip: Toss blueberries with 1 tsp pancake mix before adding so they don’t sink.

3) Bacon Version

Swap sausage for:

• cooked crumbled bacon

Or do half sausage + half bacon for extra flavor.

4) Ham & Swiss

Use:

• diced ham

• shredded Swiss

• drizzle of maple syrup

5) Vegetarian McGriddle Bites

Use:

• plant-based sausage crumbles

• cheese

• pancake mix

Still delicious and meal-prep friendly.

6) Extra Protein Version

Add:

• 1 egg into the batter (only if your mix can handle it)

• OR use turkey sausage

• OR add a scoop of unflavored protein powder (small amount)

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❄️ Meal Prep + Freezing Instructions

These are AMAZING for meal prep.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezer Storage

Let cool completely, then place in:

• freezer bag

• or airtight freezer container

Freeze up to 2 months.

✅ Tip: Freeze in a single layer first so they don’t stick together.

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♨️ How to Reheat McGriddle Bites

Microwave (Fastest)

• 20–30 seconds for refrigerated

• 45–60 seconds for frozen

Air Fryer (Best Texture)

• 330°F for 3–5 minutes
  Perfect for crispy edges.

Oven

• 350°F for 8–10 minutes

Print

 Nutrition (Estimated)

Per 1 mini muffin (may vary by brand and sausage type):

• Calories: ~150

• Protein: ~6g

• Carbs: ~11g

• Fat: ~9g

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these in a regular muffin tin?

Yes! You can—just bake longer:

• 18–22 minutes at 375–400°F

What if my batter is too thick?

Add 1–2 tablespoons water until spoonable.

What if my batter is too runny?

Add 1–2 tablespoons pancake mix until it thickens slightly.

Can I make these ahead for a party?

Yes. Bake them earlier, then warm them in the oven at 350°F for 8 minutes right before serving.

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Final Thoughts

If you love sweet-and-savory breakfasts (or if your family is always rushing out the door in the morning), McGriddle Bites (Sweet Sausage Mini Muffins) are one of the smartest recipes you can keep in your rotation.

They hit that comfort-food breakfast craving in a way that feels nostalgic and fun—like a homemade version of a fast-food favorite—but they’re actually better because you control the ingredients, the quality, and the portion size. No soggy sandwiches, no long wait in the drive-thru, and no expensive breakfast orders.

What I personally love most about these bites is how effortlessly they fit into real life. You can bake a batch in under 30 minutes, store them in the fridge, and suddenly breakfast becomes easy for the next few days. And when you freeze them? They turn into that “future-you will be grateful” meal prep magic—especially on those mornings when you need something warm, filling, and satisfying.