Mini McGriddle Bites Recipe
If you are searching for an irresistible breakfast treat that blends sweet and savory in every bite, look no further than this Mini McGriddle Bites Recipe. These little pockets of delight combine fluffy pancake batter infused with maple syrup, savory sausage, and melty cheddar cheese baked to golden perfection. Perfect for mornings when you want something fun, flavorful, and easy to eat, these bites will quickly become a household favorite and a go-to for feeding a crowd or simply indulging yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating these Mini McGriddle Bites. Each ingredient plays a starring role—whether it’s adding fluffy texture, oozing cheesiness, or that unmistakable maple sweetness that ties everything together.
- Hungry Jack pancake mix: This forms the light, fluffy base for the bites and makes prep quick and simple.
- Water: Combines with the pancake mix to create a perfectly smooth batter.
- Cheddar cheese, shredded: Adds a sharp, creamy contrast that melts beautifully inside each bite.
- Maple syrup: Infuses a touch of sweetness that balances the savory sausage.
- Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage, browned and drained: Provides hearty, savory flavor with a satisfying texture that makes each bite truly irresistible.
How to Make Mini McGriddle Bites Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep Pans
Let’s start by heating up your kitchen the right way. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure a hot environment where these bites will bake evenly and develop a beautiful golden color. Then, either grease two mini muffin pans thoroughly or line them with muffin liners to prevent these sweet-savory treasures from sticking. Proper pan prep means clean edges and easy removal later.
Step 2: Mix Batter
Next, in a medium bowl, whisk together the pancake mix and water until just combined. Resist overmixing so that your bites stay tender rather than tough. Now it’s time for the magic: gently stir in the cooked and drained sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and a generous splash of maple syrup. These additions transform ordinary pancake batter into a flavor-packed batter ready for baking.
Step 3: Fill Pans
Grab a spoon and start filling each cavity of your mini muffin pans with the batter, making sure to distribute the sausage, cheese, and syrup mixture evenly. Each mini muffin cup becomes a delightful bite-sized bundle of sweetness and savory goodness. Be careful not to overfill to avoid messy overflow during baking.
Step 4: Bake
Slide your pans into the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they turn just lightly browned on top, signaling that the inside is cooked through but still wonderfully moist. Once baked, remove the pans and let the Mini McGriddle Bites cool slightly so they’re easy to remove and eat without losing their shape.
How to Serve Mini McGriddle Bites Recipe
Garnishes
While these bites are amazing on their own, finishing touches elevate the experience. A light drizzle of extra maple syrup on top or a sprinkle of powdered sugar gives a charming sweet sparkle. For those who love a little freshness, a scattering of chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley adds a pop of color and herbaceous note.
Side Dishes
Complement your Mini McGriddle Bites Recipe with traditional breakfast staples like a side of crispy bacon or fresh fruit salad. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a fresh berry compote also pairs beautifully, introducing some creaminess or tart contrast that brightens the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy or planning a brunch? Serve these bites on a wooden board with small bowls of syrup, honey, and mustard mayo for dipping. You can also skewer them with toothpicks and present them as fun finger food at a weekend gathering, impressing guests with a portable twist on breakfast classics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days, making it easy to grab a quick, delicious bite in the morning or as a snack.
Freezing
For longer storage, Mini McGriddle Bites freeze incredibly well. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will maintain their taste and texture for up to three months, ready to satisfy breakfast cravings anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop the frozen or refrigerated bites in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through and lightly crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving if possible, to preserve that delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage for the Mini McGriddle Bites Recipe?
Absolutely! While Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage offers great flavor and convenience, you can substitute it with any fully cooked breakfast sausage or even turkey sausage for a leaner option. Just be sure it’s well browned and drained before mixing into the batter.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the pancake mix for a gluten-free alternative that works well for pancakes. Check that all other ingredients, like sausage and syrup, are gluten-free as well. This way, you won’t miss out on any of the deliciousness.
Can I prepare these bites the night before?
You can mix the batter and even cook the sausage in advance, then assemble and bake in the morning for the freshest bites. Alternatively, bake them the night before, store in the fridge, and reheat when ready to serve.
How spicy are these Mini McGriddle Bites?
The standard recipe is mildly savory with just a hint of sweetness from the maple syrup, so it’s not spicy at all. Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños if you want a little kick.
Can I make these without maple syrup?
While maple syrup brings a signature sweetness essential to the Mini McGriddle Bites Recipe, you can substitute with honey, agave, or even a touch of brown sugar mixed into the batter for a slightly different flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about a bite-sized breakfast that marries sweet pancakes, savory sausage, and melty cheese all at once. This Mini McGriddle Bites Recipe brings that joy right to your kitchen in an effortless way. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or just treating yourself, these tasty morsels deliver warm, hearty comfort with every mouthful. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear—trust me, your mornings will thank you!
Print
Mini McGriddle Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 48 mini bites 1x
Description
Mini McGriddle Bites are a delicious and easy breakfast treat combining fluffy pancake batter with savory breakfast sausage, melted cheddar cheese, and a hint of sweet maple syrup. Perfectly baked in mini muffin pans, these bite-sized delights are ideal for breakfast on the go, brunch parties, or a comforting homemade snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups Hungry Jack pancake mix
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups water
- ¼ cup maple syrup
Other Ingredients
- 1 pound Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage, browned and drained
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prep Pans: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare two mini muffin pans by either lining them with mini muffin liners or greasing them well to prevent sticking.
- Mix Batter: In a medium-sized bowl, combine 2 cups of Hungry Jack pancake mix with 1 ½ cups of water. Stir just until the ingredients are combined, ensuring not to overmix so the batter remains light and fluffy. Next, fold in the cooked and drained breakfast sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, and maple syrup to distribute evenly.
- Fill Pans: Spoon the prepared batter evenly into the mini muffin pans, filling each cup adequately to ensure a good bite-sized portion.
- Bake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake the mixture for 15 minutes, or until the tops are lightly browned and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Notes
- You can substitute the sausage with any other cooked breakfast meat like bacon or ham if preferred.
- For a sweeter variation, drizzle additional maple syrup on top before serving.
- If you don’t have mini muffin pans, regular muffin pans can be used, but adjust baking time accordingly.
- Ensure the sausage is fully cooked and drained to avoid excess grease in the batter.
- These bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
