McGriddle Muffins
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Servings: 12 muffins
Introduction
Craving that signature sweet-and-savory flavor of a McDonald’s McGriddle but want to skip the drive-thru? Enter: McGriddle Muffins — a homemade, portable, muffin-sized version of the beloved breakfast sandwich that combines maple pancake batter with sausage, egg, and cheese in every bite.
These muffins are soft, fluffy, slightly sweet from maple syrup, and loaded with breakfast favorites. Think: pancakes + sausage + cheese + eggs, all baked together into a single muffin.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or feeding a hungry crowd at brunch, these McGriddle Muffins are convenient, freezer-friendly, and way more satisfying than the fast-food original.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet & savory in every bite
Portable and freezer-friendly
Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved
Meal prep heaven
Customizable (vegetarian, low-carb, etc.)
Ingredients
For the Maple Pancake Batter:
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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2 tablespoons sugar
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1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
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2 tablespoons maple syrup (plus extra for drizzling)
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1 large egg
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¼ cup melted butter or vegetable oil
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
For the Filling:
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6 cooked breakfast sausage patties (or ½ lb ground breakfast sausage)
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4 scrambled eggs (lightly seasoned and cooled)
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¾ cup shredded cheddar or American cheese
Tools You’ll Need
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Muffin tin (12-count)
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Mixing bowls
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Whisk
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Skillet or frying pan
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Cooking spray or muffin liners
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Spatula
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prep the Sausage and Eggs
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Sausage:
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If using sausage patties: Cook them in a skillet and chop into small pieces.
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If using ground sausage: Cook and crumble in a pan until browned. Drain excess grease. Set aside.
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Eggs:
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In a bowl, beat the eggs and scramble them in a nonstick skillet.
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Let them cook fully, then chop or crumble into small chunks. Let cool before adding to batter.
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Tip: Let the sausage and eggs cool before folding into the batter to avoid overcooking during baking.
Step 2: Make the Maple Pancake Batter
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
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In a separate bowl, combine milk, maple syrup, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
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Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir just until combined. Don’t overmix—lumps are okay!
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Gently fold in the cooled sausage, scrambled eggs, and shredded cheese.
Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Grease your muffin tin or line with parchment or silicone muffin liners.
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Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling them about ¾ full.
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For extra maple flavor, drizzle a small amount of maple syrup on top of each muffin before baking.
Step 4: Bake
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
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Let cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 5: Cool, Serve, or Store
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Serve warm for maximum gooey-cheese, maple-sausage flavor.
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For meal prep: Let muffins cool completely before storing in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with a side of fruit or yogurt for a full breakfast
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Drizzle with warm maple syrup or honey before eating
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Pair with coffee, milk, or iced lattes
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Add hot sauce or ketchup if you like a spicy kick
Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions
| Storage Method | Instructions | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge | Store in airtight container | 4–5 days |
| Freezer | Wrap in foil or plastic wrap and freeze | Up to 2 months |
| Reheat | Microwave 30–60 seconds from fridge; 90 sec from frozen | Until warm |
Nutrition Information (Per Muffin – Approximate)
Note: Based on recipe using whole milk, pork sausage, and cheddar cheese.
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Calories: 240 kcal
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Protein: 10g
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Fat: 14g
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Carbohydrates: 18g
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Sugar: 4g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sodium: 390mg
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Cholesterol: 85mg
To reduce calories or fat:
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Use turkey sausage or plant-based sausage
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Use low-fat milk and cheese
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Cut portion size or bake into mini muffins
Recipe Intensities
| Category | Level |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | Easy (20 min) |
| Cooking Time | Moderate |
| Skill Level | Beginner-friendly |
| Effort | Low |
| Time Investment | Under 1 hour |
Variations & Customization Ideas
Spicy McGriddle Muffins
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Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes
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Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist
Ultra-Cheesy Version
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Add extra cheese on top of each muffin before baking
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Mix multiple cheeses (cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella)
Bacon Lover’s Edition
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Replace sausage with chopped cooked bacon
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Or use a combo of bacon + sausage
Vegetarian Version
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Omit meat and add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or plant-based sausage
“Full Stack” Maple Muffins
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Add a dollop of syrup or maple glaze after baking for even more sweetness
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use pancake mix instead of making the batter from scratch?
Yes! Use 2 cups of prepared pancake mix and follow the wet ingredient measurements. Add syrup for extra flavor.
Can I make these as mini muffins?
Absolutely! Reduce bake time to about 12–15 minutes and keep an eye on them.
Can I reheat these in the toaster oven?
Yes. Toast at 350°F for 5–7 minutes for a crispier outside.
Final Thoughts
These McGriddle Muffins are a must-make for anyone who loves a hearty, delicious breakfast but doesn’t have time to sit down with a knife and fork every morning. They’re savory, a little sweet, perfectly cheesy, and absolutely portable. Think of them as a breakfast sandwich—but in muffin form!
Ideal for meal prep, freezer stocking, or feeding a brunch crowd, this recipe is both fun and functional. Once you try them, you’ll never look at a fast-food breakfast the same way again.