Mini McGriddle Bites

Say goodbye to boring breakfasts with these delicious Mini McGriddle Bites! These golden mini muffins are packed with savory sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and a touch of sweet maple syrup—all baked into a soft pancake base. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving a crowd at brunch, these McGriddle-inspired bites bring fast-food flavor with a homemade touch. Best of all, they’re freezer-friendly and easy to reheat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and easy: Just mix, spoon, and bake—no fancy tools needed.
• Kid and adult approved: Sweet, cheesy, and savory all in one bite.
• Freezer-friendly: Perfect for meal prep or make-ahead breakfasts.
• Customizable: Swap the cheese or sausage to match your flavor preference.

Ingredients

• 2 cups Hungry Jack pancake mix
• 1 ½ cups water
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 1 pound Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage, browned and drained

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C). Prepare two mini muffin pans by either lining them with mini muffin liners or greasing them thoroughly with nonstick spray. If using silicone pans, liners are optional due to their nonstick surface.
2. Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain the excess grease and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Mix Batter: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of Hungry Jack pancake mix with 1 ½ cups water. Stir until just combined—some lumps are okay. Do not overmix.
4. Add Mix-Ins: Fold the cooked sausage crumbles, shredded cheddar cheese, and maple syrup into the batter. Stir gently until evenly incorporated.
5. Fill Muffin Pans: Use a spoon to evenly divide the batter among the wells of the prepared mini muffin pans, filling each about ¾ full.
6. Bake: Place the pans into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the bites are lightly golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool & Serve: Let the bites cool slightly in the pans before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm, or cool completely for storage.

Pro Tips and Variations

• No liners? Silicone pans or thorough greasing work best to prevent sticking.
• Cheese swaps: Mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack can add different flavor profiles.
• Alternate meats: Try using crumbled bacon, spicy sausage, or vegetarian sausage.
• Want more maple flavor? Use maple-flavored sausage or drizzle syrup over the top before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced breakfast.
• Serve as part of a brunch buffet alongside scrambled eggs and hash browns.
• Dip in extra maple syrup for added sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store cooled bites in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Store up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Microwave individual bites for 20–30 seconds or bake at 350°F for 5–8 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a different sausage?
Yes! Any fully cooked sausage—mild, spicy, or vegetarian—can be used in place of Jimmy Dean sausage.

Can I omit the cheese?
Yes, they’ll still bake up fine without cheese, though they’ll lose some richness.

Can I make these in regular muffin pans?
Absolutely. Increase the bake time to about 20 minutes, and fill the wells ¾ full.

Can I use another pancake mix?
Yes, any pancake mix works. Just follow the package instructions for liquid ratios if substituting.

Can I prepare them in advance?
Definitely. Store in the fridge or freezer and reheat as needed for a quick breakfast.

Conclusion

Mini McGriddle Bites are the ultimate answer to busy mornings and casual brunches alike. With their irresistible blend of sausage, maple, and cheddar wrapped in fluffy pancake batter, they’re a bite-sized twist on a fast-food favorite—homemade style. Try them once, and they’ll be a permanent addition to your breakfast rotation.

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