If I’m craving a sweet and savory breakfast on the go, these McGriddle Muffins are my go-to. Inspired by the popular fast-food version, these homemade sandwiches combine fluffy pancakes, sausage, and melty cheese in a handheld muffin form. They’re perfect for busy mornings or make-ahead meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it brings together everything I enjoy about breakfast—pancakes, sausage, and cheese—in one delicious bite. The maple flavor baked into the pancake muffin adds a nostalgic, comforting sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the salty sausage. It’s also super convenient. I make a batch and freeze them, then just reheat one whenever I need a quick, hearty breakfast.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Sugar
- Salt
- Maple syrup
- Whole milk
- Eggs
- Unsalted butter
- Breakfast sausage patties
- American cheese slices
directions
- I start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a muffin tin with liners.
- In a large bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- In another bowl, I mix the maple syrup, milk, eggs, and melted butter until well combined.
- I combine the wet and dry ingredients and stir just until blended.
- I spoon a bit of the batter into each muffin cup, then place a cooked sausage patty and a piece of cheese in the center of each.
- I top with more batter to cover the fillings.
- I bake the muffins for about 20–25 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
- I let them cool slightly before serving or wrapping for later.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 McGriddle Muffins. I usually prep these in around 15 minutes, and they take 20 to 25 minutes to bake. Altogether, I’m looking at a total time of about 40 minutes from start to finish.
Variations
Sometimes I switch it up by using turkey sausage or even bacon instead of the traditional pork sausage. I’ve also tried it with cheddar or pepper jack cheese for an extra flavor kick. If I’m in the mood for a little spice, I add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the batter.
storage/reheating
I store any leftover muffins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, I freeze them individually wrapped in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top bag. To reheat, I pop one in the microwave for about 1–2 minutes or warm it in a toaster oven until heated through.
FAQs
How do I keep the muffins from getting soggy?
I let them cool completely on a wire rack before storing them. This helps prevent condensation and sogginess.
Can I use pancake mix instead of making the batter from scratch?
Yes, I can absolutely use pancake mix to save time. I just follow the package directions and add a bit of maple syrup to get that signature flavor.
What’s the best cheese to use?
American cheese melts beautifully and gives that classic McGriddle taste, but I’ve had great results with cheddar and even Swiss.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Definitely. I skip the sausage or use a plant-based alternative. I’ve made a batch with veggie sausage patties and it was delicious.
How do I serve these for a crowd?
I like to make a big batch ahead of time and keep them warm in the oven. They’re perfect for brunch spreads or family breakfasts.
Conclusion
These McGriddle Muffins are a comforting, filling, and flavorful way to start the day. Whether I’m meal-prepping for the week or feeding a hungry crew, this recipe always hits the spot. I love how easy it is to customize and how well it holds up to reheating. It’s breakfast made simple—and delicious.
Print
McGriddle Muffins Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Start your day right with these homemade McGriddle Muffins—a sweet and savory breakfast favorite inspired by the fast-food classic. These portable pancake muffins are packed with sausage and cheese, making them the perfect make-ahead breakfast or on-the-go meal.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 12 breakfast sausage patties, cooked
- 6 slices American cheese, halved
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together maple syrup, milk, eggs, and melted butter.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients; stir just until combined.
- Add a spoonful of batter to each muffin cup.
- Place a sausage patty and half a slice of cheese into each cup.
- Cover with remaining batter.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving or storing.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the batter.
- Use cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack cheese for flavor variations.
- Substitute turkey sausage or plant-based patties for dietary preferences.
- Cool muffins completely before storing to avoid sogginess.