McGriddle Bites
My McGriddle Bites are an irresistible take on the classic Sausage McGriddles. These delightful bites are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack any time of the day. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, preparing for a busy morning, or simply craving something sweet and savory, McGriddle Bites deliver on flavor and convenience. They can be made in advance, stored in the fridge or freezer, and enjoyed whenever the mood strikes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these delicious bites in no time.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep; these bites store well in the fridge or freezer.
- Kid-Approved Flavor: The combination of sausage and cheddar cheese makes them a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Versatile Snack: Enjoy them warm for breakfast or as an easy snack throughout the day.
- Easy Cleanup: Using a mini muffin tin minimizes mess and simplifies serving.
Tools and Preparation
To make McGriddle Bites successfully, having the right tools is essential. These items will help you achieve perfect results while making the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mini muffin tin
- 12-inch skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Mini muffin tin: Creates perfectly portioned bites that bake evenly.
- 12-inch skillet: Ideal for browning sausage without overcrowding, ensuring even cooking.
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows for easy combining of ingredients without spills.
Ingredients
For the Sausage Mixture
- 16 ounces breakfast sausage
For the Pancake Batter
- 2 cups Hungry Jack pancake mix
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/4 cup, plus more for dipping maple syrup
For Extra Flavor
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
How to Make McGriddle Bites
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC). Butter or spray a mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat:
1. Brown and crumble the breakfast sausage (16 ounces) until there’s no pink left.
2. Use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
Step 3: Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Stir together Hungry Jack pancake mix (2 cups), water (1 1/2 cups), and maple syrup (1/4 cup) until just combined.
2. Be careful not to over-mix; lumps are okay!
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add:
The cooked sausage
Cheddar cheese (1 cup)
Gently fold them into the batter until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Bake the Bites
Spoon batter into your prepared mini muffin tin:
1. Fill each cup about three-quarters full.
2. Bake in your preheated oven until golden brown, about 12-15 minutes.
3. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when they’re done.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving warm with extra syrup for dipping.
Enjoy your homemade McGriddle Bites fresh out of the oven!
How to Serve McGriddle Bites
McGriddle Bites are a delightful twist on traditional breakfast items. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy brunch at home or a quick snack on the go. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your McGriddle experience.
Sweet and Savory Pairings
- Maple Syrup Drizzle – A classic choice, drizzle extra maple syrup on top for an added sweetness.
- Honey Butter Spread – Mix softened butter with honey for a creamy, sweet spread that complements the savory bites.
Breakfast Platter Ideas
- Fruit Salad – Serve with a colorful fruit salad for a refreshing balance of flavors.
- Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruits for a nutritious side.
On-the-Go Options
- Grab-and-Go Bags – Pack McGriddle Bites with some fruit and nuts in bags for a quick breakfast option.
- Breakfast Burritos – Wrap them in tortillas with scrambled eggs and cheese for an easy handheld meal.
Dipping Sauces
- Spicy Ketchup – Add a kick with spicy ketchup as a unique dip.
- Creamy Ranch – For those who prefer savory dips, ranch dressing offers a creamy contrast.
How to Perfect McGriddle Bites
Perfecting your McGriddle Bites can take them from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure they come out just right every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Always use fresh sausage and cheese for optimal flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overmix Batter – Gently combine ingredients to keep your bites light and fluffy.
- Adjust Oven Temperature – If they’re browning too quickly, reduce the oven temperature slightly to cook evenly.
- Test Doneness Carefully – Use a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when they’re fully baked.
- Cool Before Storing – Allow them to cool completely before refrigerating or freezing to maintain their texture.
Best Side Dishes for McGriddle Bites
Pairing McGriddle Bites with the right side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some suggestions that complement their flavors perfectly.
- Crispy Hash Browns – Golden-brown hash browns add extra crunch and heartiness to your breakfast table.
- Scrambled Eggs – Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and richness alongside the sweet bites.
- Breakfast Sausages – Pair with mini breakfast sausages for an all-out breakfast feast.
- Avocado Toast – Creamy avocado toast offers healthy fats and pairs well with the sweet bites.
- Cottage Cheese – A bowl of cottage cheese adds protein and is perfect for those looking for lighter options.
- Smoothies – Blend up a smoothie using fruits and greens for a refreshing drink that balances out the meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making McGriddle Bites can be a delightful experience, but there are a few common mistakes that can impact your results.
- Overmixing: Overmixing the batter can lead to tough bites. Stir just until combined for light and fluffy muffins.
- Neglecting sausage prep: Not cooking the sausage thoroughly can leave it undercooked. Always ensure it is browned and crumbled before adding to the batter.
- Skipping preheating: Baking in an unpreheated oven can affect cooking time. Always preheat your oven for even baking.
- Ignoring muffin tin preparation: Not greasing the mini muffin tin can cause sticking. Use butter or nonstick spray generously.
- Not checking doneness: Inserting a toothpick only once may not be enough. Check multiple muffins for doneness before removing from the oven.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store McGriddle Bites in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Make sure they are completely cooled before refrigerating to avoid condensation.
Freezing McGriddle Bites
- Place cooled bites in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating McGriddle Bites
- Oven: Preheat to 350ºF (175ºC) and warm bites for about 10-15 minutes for best texture.
- Microwave: Heat individual bites on high for about 30 seconds, checking after each interval.
- Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a skillet, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are McGriddle Bites?
McGriddle Bites are bite-sized versions of the classic Sausage McGriddle, combining flavors of pancake and sausage in a mini muffin form.
Can I customize my McGriddle Bites?
Absolutely! You can add ingredients like diced vegetables, different cheeses, or even spices to suit your taste.
How do I store leftover McGriddle Bites?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze them for longer storage.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! McGriddle Bites are perfect for meal prep. You can make them ahead and store them in the fridge or freezer.
Final Thoughts
These McGriddle Bites are not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to enjoy any time of day. Their sweet and savory flavors make them a fantastic option for breakfast or snacks. Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients, ensuring every bite is delicious!
McGriddle Bites
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 bites 1x
Description
Discover the delightful McGriddle Bites, a bite-sized twist on the classic Sausage McGriddles. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack, these savory-sweet morsels combine crumbled sausage and melted cheddar cheese enveloped in fluffy pancake batter. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or need a convenient meal prep option, McGriddle Bites are sure to please everyone. They can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer, making them an ideal grab-and-go treat. Simply warm them up and enjoy with a drizzle of maple syrup or your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistible flavor experience.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces breakfast sausage
- 2 cups Hungry Jack pancake mix
- 1 ½ cups water
- ¼ cup maple syrup (plus more for serving)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400ºF (204ºC) and grease a mini muffin tin.
- Cook the breakfast sausage in a skillet until browned, then drain excess grease.
- In a mixing bowl, combine pancake mix, water, and maple syrup until just mixed; lumps are fine.
- Fold in the cooked sausage and cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
- Spoon the mixture into the muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite (28g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
