Name: High Protein McGriddle Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb breakfast sausage (cooked and cooled); 2 cups protein pancake mix (such as Kodiak Cakes); 1.5 cups water; 1/4 cup sugar-free maple syrup; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar preferred)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 6 reviews

I am absolutely thrilled to share my High Protein McGriddle Bites Recipe with you! These little bursts of savory and sweet flavor have quickly become one of my favorite breakfast treats. Combining fluffy, protein-packed pancakes with hearty sausage and sharp cheddar cheese, then kissed with a hint of sugar-free maple syrup, these bites are the perfect handheld indulgence to fuel your day. I love how they balance comfort and nutrition, making them ideal for busy mornings or anytime you crave a satisfying snack.

Why You’ll Love This High Protein McGriddle Bites Recipe

What makes this High Protein McGriddle Bites Recipe truly stand out, for me, is the delicious harmony of flavors and textures. The sharp cheddar cheese melted throughout the tender, protein-rich pancake batter paired with savory sausage bits gives each bite a wonderful depth. Touched with just the right sweetness from maple syrup, it feels like breakfast and comfort food all rolled into one. Every time I bite into one, I get that perfect combo of salty, sweet, and cheesy that keeps me coming back for more.

Aside from the incredible flavor, I have to say how easy these McGriddle bites are to prepare. The ingredients are simple, and the process mostly involves mixing and baking, so there’s little fuss involved. I appreciate a recipe that fits well into my busy schedule without sacrificing taste or quality. Plus, they’re perfect for a crowd with 12 servings, making them a winner for family breakfasts, brunches, or meal prep. Honestly, once you try these, they’ll quickly become a staple you want to share with everyone.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with a thick, creamy batter that is light beige in color with small dark brown and orange specks mixed in evenly. The batter coats the sides of the bowl, showing a smooth texture with some thicker bits. A metal whisk with a wooden handle is partially dipped in the batter, held by a woman's hand in the bottom right corner. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are beautifully straightforward yet essential to creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in your High Protein McGriddle Bites. Each item plays a specific role in bringing these bites to life with their unique contributions.

Breakfast sausage (1 lb, cooked and cooled): Adds savory depth and a satisfying meaty texture that contrasts nicely with the softness of the batter.
Protein pancake mix (2 cups, such as Kodiak Cakes): The star ingredient for fluffy, protein-packed pancake goodness that forms the base of the bites.
Water (1.5 cups): To hydrate the pancake mix and create a smooth batter that rises beautifully in the oven.
Sugar-free maple syrup (1/4 cup): Brings a touch of sweetness while keeping the recipe healthier and lower in sugar.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup, sharp preferred): Infuses sharp, melty richness into every bite, making these McGriddle bites irresistible.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and help with easy removal.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, prepare the protein pancake batter according to package instructions. For the Kodiak Cakes mix I use, this means combining the mix with water until the batter is smooth and lump-free.

Step 3: Add the cooked breakfast sausage to the batter. Make sure your sausage has completely cooled beforehand, as warm sausage can make the batter too runny or affect the texture.

Step 4: Fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and sugar-free maple syrup gently into the batter. Mix everything until just combined — be careful not to overmix to keep the bites tender and light.

Step 5: Spoon the batter into each muffin cup, filling them about 3/4 full. This gives the bites enough room to rise without overflowing during baking.

Step 6: Bake for 18-23 minutes, or until the McGriddle bites are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Let the bites cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before removing them. This resting time helps them set so they don’t fall apart when you take them out.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 12 servings, making it a great choice for sharing or prepping ahead for an entire week. The prep time is minimal, just about 10 minutes, since the batter comes together quickly and the sausage should already be cooked and cooled. Baking time ranges between 18 to 23 minutes, depending on your oven. The five-minute cooling period ensures the bites hold together perfectly before serving. Overall, you’ll have a wholesome, protein-packed meal ready in around 30 minutes from start to finish.

How to Serve This High Protein McGriddle Bites Recipe

Three sausage muffins stand stacked on a white marbled surface with small pieces of shredded orange cheese scattered around. Each muffin shows a golden-brown crust on top and sides with visible bits of sausage inside the soft, light beige dough. The muffins have a slightly rough texture from baking, and the top muffin shows a crumbly, uneven peak. In the background, there is a white plate blurred out, adding depth to the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these protein McGriddle bites warm, right out of the oven, when the cheese is still melty and the sausage is savory and tender. They pair wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad or a crisp green smoothie for a balanced breakfast. You can also top them with a little extra sugar-free maple syrup or a small pat of butter for added decadence. For a brunch spread, they are perfect alongside scrambled eggs or avocado slices, offering a rich variety of textures and flavors on the table.

Presentation-wise, I like arranging them on a rustic wooden platter garnished with fresh herbs like chives or parsley. This little finishing touch adds a pop of color and a hint of fresh aroma that really elevates the dish. If I’m making these for guests, I sometimes serve them with small bowls of dipping sauces such as honey mustard or spicy aioli to add an unexpected twist that makes the experience extra special.

When it comes to beverages, I’m a fan of pairing these bites with a hot cappuccino or a cold, refreshing iced green tea depending on the season. For weekend brunches or holiday mornings, a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or a mimosa complements the rich flavors beautifully. These bites are great for any occasion where you want something that’s warming, filling, and bursting with protein and flavor.

Variations

One of the joys of this High Protein McGriddle Bites Recipe is how easily it adapts to your personal preferences or dietary needs. For instance, if you prefer to avoid pork, swapping the breakfast sausage for turkey sausage or even crumbled vegetarian sausage works beautifully without losing the savory element. I have also experimented with adding cooked bacon for an extra smoky kick.

If you’re looking to make this recipe gluten-free, look for a protein pancake mix labeled gluten-free, and double-check the sausage and cheese labels to ensure they meet your needs. For those on a vegan diet, there are excellent plant-based sausage alternatives and vegan cheese that can be substituted with good results, though I recommend adjusting the liquid amounts slightly to account for differences in batter consistency.

Flavor variations can be as simple as swapping the sharp cheddar for other cheeses like pepper jack for some heat or mozzarella for a milder taste. Adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the batter gives a lovely aromatic boost. Alternatively, you might try cooking the batter in a skillet as small pancakes instead of muffin bites for a different texture that’s just as tasty.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover McGriddle bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out. They will keep well for up to 4 days, making them perfect for easy breakfasts throughout the workweek. To avoid any moisture buildup, I sometimes place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb excess condensation.

Freezing

These bites freeze wonderfully, which is a huge plus if you want to meal prep or save them for later. I place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze first, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They keep well for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or reheat directly from frozen with a little extra baking time or in the microwave.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I find reheating the McGriddle bites in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes works best to restore their original crispness and melty cheese texture. If microwaving, heat in 30-second intervals to avoid sogginess, but know that the texture won’t be quite as good as oven reheating. Avoid overheating as it can dry out the bites and toughen the pancake base.

FAQs

Can I use regular pancake mix instead of protein pancake mix?

Yes, you can use any pancake mix you like, but using a protein pancake mix helps boost the protein content, making these bites more filling and balanced nutritionally. Regular pancake mix will work but may not be as dense or savory, so you might want to increase the sausage or cheese slightly to maintain the flavor.

Is it necessary to use sugar-free maple syrup?

Using sugar-free maple syrup helps keep the recipe lower in sugar and calories, which I love for everyday indulgence. However, regular maple syrup or even honey can be used if you prefer more natural sweetness—just be mindful of the added sugar and adjust portions accordingly.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?

Absolutely! These McGriddle bites are fantastic for meal prep. You can bake them, store them refrigerated or frozen, and quickly reheat them in the morning for a nutritious breakfast or snack on the go. Just make sure to cool them completely before storing and follow proper reheating methods for best taste.

What if I don’t have a muffin tin? Can I make these differently?

If you don’t have a muffin tin, you can try making these as mini pancakes on a griddle or skillet. Keep the batter quantities smaller to mimic the bite-sized portion. The texture will be slightly different without the baking format but still delicious and easy to enjoy.

How can I make this High Protein McGriddle Bites Recipe vegan?

To veganize the recipe, choose plant-based breakfast sausage alternatives and non-dairy cheeses that melt well. Replace the protein pancake mix with a vegan pancake mix or make your own with oat flour and plant protein powders. Also, consider using maple syrup or another vegan sweetener. Some trial and error with liquid ratios might be necessary, but it’s completely doable!

Conclusion

I genuinely hope you’ll give this High Protein McGriddle Bites Recipe a try because it has brought so much joy and delicious energy to my mornings. It’s easy to make, satisfying to eat, and versatile enough to adapt to your tastes and lifestyle. Whether for a quick breakfast, a family brunch, or meal prepping for busy days, these bites will quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen, just like they did in mine.