Introduction
We’ve all had those busy mornings where breakfast feels like a distant dream. Rushing to get the kids dressed, packing lunches, and finding time for yourself can leave little room for a satisfying meal. That’s where McGriddle Bites come into play! These delightful little muffins are a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, making them an irresistible breakfast option. Not only can you whip them up in no time, but they also allow for easy meal prep—ideal for those hectic mornings when you need something delicious on the go. Their popularity has soared, and for good reason: they are versatile, customizable, and can be made ahead of time for a quick grab-and-go breakfast. Let’s dive into how you can make these delicious bites yourself!
Ingredients
Making McGriddle Bites requires a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- For the Pancake Batter:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for added flavor)
- For the Fillings:
- ½ cup cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled
- ½ cup scrambled eggs (about 2 large eggs)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- For the Maple Syrup Glaze (Optional):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon milk (adjust for consistency)
Feel free to customize your McGriddle Bites! You can add different meats such as bacon or ham, use a gluten-free pancake mix, or even swap out the cheese for a plant-based alternative. For those looking to elevate the flavor, consider adding spices or herbs to the batter.
Consider adding some sides like our Cheesy Sausage Hash Brown Egg Cups to complement your McGriddle Bites.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your McGriddle Bites:
- Prepare the Fillings:
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked. Crumble into small pieces and set aside.
- Scramble the Eggs: Whisk 2 large eggs with a pinch of salt and cook in a nonstick skillet until fluffy. Break the eggs into small pieces and set aside.
- Make the Pancake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the egg, buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Whisk until well blended.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light and fluffy.
- Assemble the McGriddle Bites:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin with nonstick spray or butter.
- Fill each muffin cup about halfway with pancake batter.
- Add a small spoonful of sausage, scrambled eggs, and shredded cheese (if using) to each cup.
- Cover the fillings with a little more pancake batter, filling the cups almost to the top.
- Bake the McGriddle Bites:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bites to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Make the Maple Syrup Glaze (Optional):
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm McGriddle Bites for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the McGriddle Bites warm with extra maple syrup on the side for dipping, or enjoy them on their own as a quick breakfast or snack!
Meal Prep Variations
One of the best parts of McGriddle Bites is their adaptability! You can easily prepare larger batches to enjoy throughout the week. Here are some ideas:
- Consider adding veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or even diced tomatoes to the batter for an extra nutritional boost.
- Experiment with different cheeses such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- After baking, let the bites cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days, or freeze them for longer storage.
- To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds or in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
These variations allow families to customize their McGriddle Bites according to their preferences, making them a hit with even the pickiest eaters!
Healthy Substitutions
For those looking to enjoy McGriddle Bites without the guilt, there are plenty of healthy alternatives you can consider:
- Swap regular pancake mix for whole grain or protein pancake mix to increase fiber and protein content.
- Use turkey sausage or plant-based sausage as a leaner meat option.
- Opt for sugar-free maple syrup or a homemade fruit compote as a topping to reduce sugar intake.
These substitutions can help lower the calorie count without sacrificing the delicious flavors that make McGriddle Bites so enjoyable.
Serving Suggestions
While McGriddle Bites are delicious on their own, why not elevate your breakfast experience with some fun serving ideas?
- Pair them with fresh fruit salads or smoothies for a refreshing contrast.
- Try dipping them in unique sauces like spicy maple syrup or honey mustard for an unexpected flavor twist.
- For a seasonal touch, serve them with our delicious Pumpkin Whipped Feta Dip for a delightful flavor combination.
- Enhance your breakfast experience by serving your McGriddle Bites with our delicious Slow Cooker Apple Butter.
These suggestions can help turn a simple breakfast into a delightful meal experience that the whole family will love.
Dietary Adaptations
It’s important to cater to various dietary needs, so here’s how you can adapt McGriddle Bites:
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pancake mix to make these bites safe for those with gluten intolerances.
- Vegan: Substitute the egg with flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacer, use plant-based milk, and choose vegan sausage and cheese.
- Always double-check that any additional ingredients used comply with these dietary needs.
By making these adaptations, you can enjoy McGriddle Bites while accommodating different dietary preferences in your household.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make McGriddle Bites ahead of time?
Yes! McGriddle Bites can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for a quick breakfast option later.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Are there any healthy substitutes for the ingredients?
Absolutely! Consider using whole grain pancake mix, turkey sausage, or sugar-free syrup to make a healthier version.
Can I freeze McGriddle Bites?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be reheated directly from the freezer.
What variations can I try for the fillings?
Feel free to get creative with the fillings! You can use bacon, ham, or even add veggies like spinach or bell peppers. The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
McGriddle Bites are not just a breakfast; they are a versatile, customizable, and delicious way to start your day. Their easy preparation makes them a fantastic choice for busy mornings, while their potential for variations means there’s something for everyone. We encourage you to try making them at home and share your unique variations in the comments below. Enjoy the joy of family breakfasts together with these delightful bites!
Print
Irresistible McGriddle Bites: Quick & Healthy Breakfast Muffins!
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious bite-sized McGriddle Bites filled with breakfast sausage, scrambled eggs, and cheese, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for added flavor)
- ½ cup cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled
- ½ cup scrambled eggs (about 2 large eggs)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook breakfast sausage until browned. Crumble and set aside.
- Whisk 2 large eggs with a pinch of salt and scramble until fluffy. Break into small pieces and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine egg, buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Whisk until blended.
- Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.
- Fill each muffin cup halfway with pancake batter.
- Add sausage, scrambled eggs, and cheese (if using) to each cup. Cover with more batter.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Cool in pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm bites.
- Serve warm with extra maple syrup for dipping.
Notes
- Adjust milk in glaze for desired consistency.
- Can be made ahead and reheated.
- Try adding different fillings like ham or vegetables for variety.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: McGriddle, Breakfast, Snack, Bites, Sausage, Eggs, Maple Syrup
