If you’re craving a bite-sized breakfast that perfectly captures the magic of sweet and savory in every mouthful, then this Mini McGriddle Bites Recipe is exactly what you need. These little delights marry fluffy pancakes with melted cheddar cheese and savory sausage, all kissed by a touch of maple syrup sweetness. They bake quickly in mini muffin pans, making them an irresistible, crowd-pleasing option for busy mornings or brunch gatherings. Trust me, once you try this Mini McGriddle Bites Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to for an easy, delicious, and fun breakfast treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze and each one plays a crucial role in creating the irresistible flavor and texture of these Mini McGriddle Bites. From the fluffy pancake mix base to the savory sausage and melty cheddar cheese, every component brings something special to the table.
- Hungry Jack pancake mix: This gives you a reliable, fluffy pancake base that’s easy to work with and produces a perfect texture.
- Water: Helps create the batter consistency that keeps the bites light and airy.
- Cheddar cheese, shredded: Adds a sharp, melty goodness that complements the savory sausage perfectly.
- Maple syrup: Infuses the batter with a hint of sweetness that balances out the savory elements beautifully.
- Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage: Cooked and browned for that rich, meaty flavor that makes these bites truly satisfying.
How to Make Mini McGriddle Bites Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep Pans
Begin by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms up, prepare two mini muffin pans by either placing paper liners inside or generously greasing them. This prep ensures your Mini McGriddle Bites come out cleanly and with perfectly shaped little rounds.
Step 2: Mix Batter
In a medium-sized bowl, combine 2 cups of pancake mix with 1 ½ cups of water. Stir just until the mixture comes together — you want to avoid overmixing to keep your bites light and fluffy. Next, fold in the browned and drained sausage along with the shredded cheddar cheese and ¼ cup of maple syrup. This is where the magic starts, as those flavors meld into one irresistible batter.
Step 3: Fill Pans
Using a spoon or small scoop, evenly distribute the batter into your prepared mini muffin pans. Filling each muffin cup almost to the top ensures every bite is packed with all that wonderful sausage-cheese-pancake goodness.
Step 4: Bake
Slide the pans into the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the Mini McGriddle Bites turn a lovely golden brown on top. The baking time locks in moisture and lets the cheese melt perfectly inside.
How to Serve Mini McGriddle Bites Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Mini McGriddle Bites, consider a drizzle of extra maple syrup or a dollop of whipped butter right before serving. Fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley also add a pop of color and a subtle freshness that complements the savory flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these bites with some fresh fruit like berries or sliced oranges for a bright contrast. A side of crispy hash browns or a simple green salad works well if you’re aiming for a heartier meal. They also shine alongside scrambled eggs or a creamy yogurt parfait for balanced breakfast or brunch options.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Mini McGriddle Bites on a pretty platter layered with banana or apple slices for a fun and visually appealing spread. You can even thread them onto skewers alternating with small fruit pieces for a grab-and-go breakfast kabob that’s bound to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be tough!), keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them great for quick breakfasts or snacks during the week.
Freezing
Mini McGriddle Bites freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for about 2 months, ready for you whenever a craving hits.
Reheating
To warm up frozen or refrigerated bites, pop them in the microwave for about 30 to 45 seconds or reheat in a 350-degree oven for 10 minutes. This helps maintain their fluffy texture and gooey cheese inside, almost like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While Jimmy Dean is classic, you can substitute with any breakfast sausage you prefer, whether mild or spicy. Just be sure to cook and drain it before mixing into the batter.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the pancake mix for a gluten-free version and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free, you can enjoy these as a gluten-friendly treat.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with diced peppers, onions, or even cooked bacon bits to customize your Mini McGriddle Bites Recipe to your liking.
How do I prevent the bites from sticking to the pan?
Using liners or greasing the mini muffin pans well is key. This will make removing the bites easy and keep their shape intact.
Are these suitable for meal prep?
For sure! They’re fantastic for prepping ahead and reheating when you need a quick and delicious breakfast.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Mini McGriddle Bites Recipe enough if you’re looking to bring a little joy to your breakfast table with minimal fuss. Bite-sized, packed with flavor, and incredibly easy to throw together, these bites bring a big smile to mornings near and far. So go ahead, try them out, and share the love—it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again.
Print
Mini McGriddle Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 48 mini bites
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Mini McGriddle Bites are a delicious bite-sized breakfast treat combining fluffy pancakes, savory breakfast sausage, melted cheddar cheese, and a hint of sweet maple syrup, baked to golden perfection in mini muffin pans. Perfect for a quick breakfast or brunch, these savory-sweet bites offer a nostalgic taste of McDonald’s McGriddles in a convenient homemade form.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups Hungry Jack pancake mix
- 2 cups Hungry Jack pancake mix (additional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 ½ cups water (additional)
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup maple syrup (additional)
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (additional)
- 1 pound Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage, browned and drained
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prep Pans: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two mini muffin pans with liners or grease them thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Batter: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of Hungry Jack pancake mix and 1 ½ cups of water. Stir just until the batter is combined to avoid overmixing, then fold in the browned and drained breakfast sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and maple syrup, mixing gently to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Fill Pans: Spoon the prepared batter evenly into the two mini muffin pans, filling each muffin cup to the top for nicely sized bites.
- Bake: Place the muffin pans in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the bites are lightly browned on top and cooked through.
Notes
- Ensure the sausage is fully cooked and drained of excess fat before mixing it into the batter to avoid greasy bites.
- If you don’t have mini muffin pans, regular muffin pans can be used but may result in larger portion sizes and longer baking times.
- Maple syrup can be adjusted according to taste preference for sweetness.
- These bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use spicy sausage.
