These McGriddle Muffins are a perfect make-ahead breakfast that combines the savory goodness of sausage with the sweet flavor of maple syrup—all in a portable muffin form! Ideal for meal prepping, busy mornings, or a quick snack, these muffins are easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Why Make This Recipe?
✅ Quick & Easy: Made with simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes.
✅ Portable & Convenient: Great for on-the-go breakfasts or school lunches.
✅ Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for meal prep—just reheat and enjoy!
✅ Sweet & Savory Combo: The perfect balance of maple syrup sweetness and savory sausage.
✅ Customizable: Add your favorite cheeses or extra toppings to make them your own.
How to Make McGriddle Muffins
Ingredients:
- 1 pound sausage (cooked and crumbled)
- 2 cups pancake mix (your choice)
- 1 ½ cups water
- ¼ cup maple syrup (for that classic McGriddle flavor)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar works best)
Directions:
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease or line a muffin tin with nonstick spray or paper liners.
2️⃣ Cook the Sausage:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
3️⃣ Prepare the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pancake mix, water, and maple syrup. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix!
4️⃣ Add the Cheese & Sausage:
- Gently fold the cooked sausage and shredded cheese into the batter until evenly distributed.
5️⃣ Fill the Muffin Tins:
- Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tins, filling each about ¾ full.
6️⃣ Bake:
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7️⃣ Cool & Serve:
- Let the muffins cool for a few minutes before removing from the tin. Enjoy warm or let them cool completely for storage!
How to Serve McGriddle Muffins
🍴 On-the-Go Breakfast: Perfect for busy mornings—just grab and eat!
🍴 Dipping Option: Serve with extra maple syrup on the side for dipping.
🍴 Brunch Spread: Pair with fresh fruit, yogurt, or scrambled eggs for a complete meal.
🍴 Snack Time: These savory-sweet muffins make a delicious afternoon snack.
How to Store McGriddle Muffins
Refrigerator:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds before serving.
Freezer:
- Allow muffins to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat directly from frozen by microwaving for 30-45 seconds.
Tips to Make the Best McGriddle Muffins
1️⃣ Use High-Quality Sausage: Adds more flavor—try maple sausage for extra sweetness.
2️⃣ Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to keep the muffins fluffy.
3️⃣ Adjust Sweetness: Add more or less maple syrup depending on your taste.
4️⃣ Grease the Muffin Tin Well: Prevents sticking and makes for easy removal.
5️⃣ Use Fresh Cheese: Shred cheese from a block for better melting.
6️⃣ Add a Topping: Sprinkle extra cheese or a drizzle of maple syrup before baking.
7️⃣ Make Mini Muffins: Use a mini muffin tin and reduce the baking time to 8-10 minutes.
8️⃣ Spice It Up: Add a pinch of black pepper, garlic powder, or cayenne for a kick.
9️⃣ Evenly Distribute Sausage: Ensure each muffin has plenty of sausage for balanced bites.
🔟 Double the Batch: Freeze extras for easy grab-and-go breakfasts later.
Variations of McGriddle Muffins
1️⃣ Bacon McGriddle Muffins: Replace sausage with crumbled cooked bacon.
2️⃣ Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based sausage and dairy-free cheese.
3️⃣ Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese.
4️⃣ Apple Maple Muffins: Add diced apples for a sweet, fruity touch.
5️⃣ Blueberry Twist: Add fresh or frozen blueberries for a fruity-sweet combo.
6️⃣ Turkey Sausage Muffins: Use turkey sausage for a lighter option.
7️⃣ Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pancake mix.
8️⃣ Cheddar & Chive: Swap maple syrup for herbs like chives for a savory-only version.
9️⃣ Breakfast Casserole Muffins: Add diced bell peppers and onions.
🔟 Egg-Stuffed McGriddles: Place a scrambled egg in the center of each muffin for a surprise filling.
FAQs About McGriddle Muffins
1️⃣ Can I use homemade pancake batter?
- Yes! Just use your favorite pancake recipe in place of the mix.
2️⃣ Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
- Absolutely—just chop it up and mix it in.
3️⃣ Can I make these dairy-free?
- Yes, use dairy-free cheese and plant-based milk.
4️⃣ How do I make them fluffier?
- Don’t overmix the batter, and ensure your pancake mix has a leavening agent like baking powder.
5️⃣ Can I freeze these muffins?
- Yes! They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months.
6️⃣ What kind of cheese works best?
- Cheddar is a classic choice, but mozzarella or pepper jack also work well.
7️⃣ Can I add eggs?
- Yes! Scramble an egg and fold it into the batter for extra protein.
8️⃣ How do I reheat frozen muffins?
- Microwave for 30-45 seconds straight from the freezer.
9️⃣ Can I use sugar-free syrup?
- Yes, it works just fine if you want to reduce sugar.
🔟 What’s the best type of sausage?
- Maple sausage complements the sweetness perfectly, but any sausage works.
1️⃣1️⃣ Can I make mini versions?
- Yes, bake mini muffins for 8-10 minutes at the same temperature.
1️⃣2️⃣ How do I prevent sticking?
- Use nonstick spray or silicone muffin liners.
1️⃣3️⃣ Can I add vegetables?
- Yes! Diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach work well.
1️⃣4️⃣ What other toppings can I add?
- Try crumbled bacon, green onions, or shredded hash browns.
1️⃣5️⃣ Can I make these egg-free?
- Yes—just stick with the pancake mix base.
1️⃣6️⃣ Are they toddler-friendly?
- Yes, they are easy to hold and perfect for little hands!
1️⃣7️⃣ Can I use whole wheat pancake mix?
- Yes, though they’ll be denser.
1️⃣8️⃣ Can I make them ahead of time?
- Absolutely! They store and reheat beautifully.
1️⃣9️⃣ How do I make them sweeter?
- Add a touch of brown sugar or extra syrup.
2️⃣0️⃣ Can I meal prep these?
- Yes! Make a batch for easy breakfasts all week long.
These McGriddle Muffins are the perfect mix of savory and sweet, making them a family favorite that’s easy to prepare and enjoy. 🥞🥓 Perfect for meal prepping or quick breakfasts