McGriddle Bites
Description of this recipe:
These McGriddle Bites are a delightful, bite-sized take on the classic McGriddle sandwich. Imagine the fluffy, slightly sweet pancake enveloping savory sausage and melted cheese, all infused with a hint of maple syrup. These little morsels are incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy mornings, and a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these McGriddle Bites are ready in under 30 minutes.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze them for grab-and-go breakfasts on hectic weekdays.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different cheeses, spices, or even veggies.
- Kid-Friendly: The bite-sized format and delicious flavor combination make these a winner with even the pickiest eaters.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: These are ideal for meal prepping and can be made in advance. Store in the fridge and heat up for a fast meal.
Introduction
In the world of breakfast, convenience and flavor often go hand in hand. We’re always searching for recipes that are quick to prepare, satisfying to eat, and beloved by the whole family. These McGriddle Bites perfectly embody all these qualities. They are inspired by the famous McGriddle sandwich but reimagined in a fun, approachable, and highly customizable format.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover pancake mix or to whip up a batch of pancakes specifically for these bites. The combination of sweet pancake batter, savory sausage, and melted cheese creates a harmonious flavor profile that is both comforting and exciting. And the mini muffin format makes them perfectly portioned and easy to eat on the go.
Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast solution, a fun snack for the kids, or a tasty addition to your brunch spread, these McGriddle Bites are sure to please. So, grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Hungry Jack Pancake Mix (or your favorite pancake mix)
- 1 1/2 cups water (or as directed on pancake mix box)
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (bulk or removed from casings)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Cooking spray or oil, for greasing the muffin pan
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage
Begin by browning the breakfast sausage. If you are using sausage in casings, remove the sausage from the casings and crumble into a skillet. Place the skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is fully cooked and no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. It’s important to ensure the sausage is fully cooked for food safety. Once cooked, drain off any excess grease from the skillet. This prevents the McGriddle Bites from becoming overly greasy. Set the cooked sausage aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Pancake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pancake mix and water according to the directions on the box. Whisk the ingredients together until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough pancakes. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Add the cooked and drained sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and maple syrup to the pancake batter. Gently stir the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense McGriddle Bites.
Step 4: Fill the Muffin Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a mini muffin pan with cooking spray or oil. This will prevent the McGriddle Bites from sticking to the pan and make them easier to remove. Spoon the pancake batter into the prepared mini muffin pan, filling each cup about 3/4 full. This will allow the bites to rise without overflowing.
Step 5: Bake the McGriddle Bites
Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the McGriddle Bites are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cooking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Remove the muffin pan from the oven and let the McGriddle Bites cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from sticking and make them easier to remove. Serve warm with additional maple syrup for dipping, if desired.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: Easy
- Taste: Excellent
- Kid-Friendliness: Excellent
- Freezer-Friendliness: Excellent
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast.
- Dip in extra maple syrup or a creamy yogurt dip.
- Pack them in lunchboxes for a fun and tasty midday snack.
- Serve as part of a brunch spread alongside other breakfast favorites.
- Enjoy them as a quick and easy snack any time of day.
Tips:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the batter.
- Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack.
- Add chopped vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients.
- Experiment with different flavors of sausage, such as maple sausage or Italian sausage.
- To prevent the McGriddle Bites from sticking, ensure the muffin pan is well-greased.
- Store leftover McGriddle Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheat refrigerated McGriddle Bites in the microwave or oven until warm. Reheat frozen McGriddle Bites in the oven for best results.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
15 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate, per McGriddle Bite, may vary based on specific ingredients used)
Calories: 75-100
Protein: 3-5g
Sodium: 75-150mg
Conclusion
These McGriddle Bites are a delightful and convenient way to enjoy the flavors of a classic McGriddle sandwich in a fun, bite-sized format. They are quick to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for busy mornings or on-the-go snacking. With their irresistible combination of sweet pancake batter, savory sausage, and melted cheese, these McGriddle Bites are sure to become a family favorite. So, give this recipe a try and experience the joy of homemade McGriddle goodness!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I make these McGriddle Bites ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These are perfect for meal prepping. You can make them a day or two in advance and store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Reheat them in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to enjoy them. They also freeze incredibly well. Just let them cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Q2: Can I use a different type of sausage?
A: Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage to find your favorite flavor combination. Maple sausage, Italian sausage, or even chorizo would all work well in this recipe. Just be sure to cook the sausage thoroughly before adding it to the pancake batter.
Q3: What if I don’t have a mini muffin pan? Can I use a regular muffin pan instead?
A: Yes, you can use a regular muffin pan, but the baking time will need to be adjusted. Regular-sized muffins will take longer to cook, likely around 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them and test for doneness with a toothpick. Also, consider that the larger muffins will be more filling and the recipe might yield less product.
Q4: Can I make these McGriddle Bites gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free by using a gluten-free pancake mix. There are many excellent gluten-free pancake mixes available in stores. Simply substitute the regular pancake mix with the gluten-free version, and follow the rest of the recipe as written.
Q5: Can I add other ingredients to the batter?
A: Absolutely! These McGriddle Bites are highly customizable. You can add chopped vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack. A little bit of bacon or diced ham would also be a delicious addition. Just be sure not to add too many extra ingredients, as this can make the bites dense and difficult to cook through.
McGriddle Bites
Ingredients
- 2 cups Hungry Jack Pancake Mix or your favorite pancake mix
- 1 1/2 cups water or as directed on pancake mix box
- 1 lb breakfast sausage bulk or removed from casings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or your favorite cheese blend
- 1/4 cup maple syrup adjust to taste
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing the muffin pan
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Sausage
- Begin by browning the breakfast sausage. If you are using sausage in casings, remove the sausage from the casings and crumble into a skillet. Place the skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is fully cooked and no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. It’s important to ensure the sausage is fully cooked for food safety. Once cooked, drain off any excess grease from the skillet. This prevents the McGriddle Bites from becoming overly greasy. Set the cooked sausage aside.
- Step 2: Prepare the Pancake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pancake mix and water according to the directions on the box. Whisk the ingredients together until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough pancakes. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
- Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
- Add the cooked and drained sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and maple syrup to the pancake batter. Gently stir the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense McGriddle Bites.
- Step 4: Fill the Muffin Pan
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a mini muffin pan with cooking spray or oil. This will prevent the McGriddle Bites from sticking to the pan and make them easier to remove. Spoon the pancake batter into the prepared mini muffin pan, filling each cup about 3/4 full. This will allow the bites to rise without overflowing.
- Step 5: Bake the McGriddle Bites
- Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the McGriddle Bites are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cooking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them.
- Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Remove the muffin pan from the oven and let the McGriddle Bites cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from sticking and make them easier to remove. Serve warm with additional maple syrup for dipping, if desired.
