Say hello to your new favorite breakfast upgrade! These homemade McGriddle Bites bring all the sweet and savory goodness of McGriddles right to your kitchen. Fluffy maple pancakes made with Kodiak Cakes wrap around a savory sausage center with melty cheddar for the perfect bite. Packed with protein and freezer-friendly, they’re great for meal prep, kid-approved breakfasts, and a high-protein start to your day. Skip the drive-thru and enjoy the taste of a McGriddle at home, anytime you want!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Meal Prep Friendly: Freeze and reheat easily for busy weekdays.
High-Protein Option: Add eggs or swap in turkey sausage for a protein boost.

Kid-Approved: Bite-sized and perfect for little hands.
Budget-Friendly: Cheaper and healthier than fast food.

Ingredients (Full List Below)

Pancake mix (we love Krusteaz or Kodiak Cakes for added protein)

Fully cooked sausage patties (pork, chicken, or turkey)
Cheddar cheese slices or your favorite melty cheese
Maple syrup (for that classic McGriddle flavor)

Directions

Make Pancake Batter: Prepare according to box instructions. Add a tablespoon of maple syrup for sweetness.
Cook Mini Pancakes: Use a griddle or large skillet. Pour small rounds (2-3 inches) and cook until golden on both sides.
Assemble: Stack a cheese slice and sausage patty between two pancakes.

Melt: Warm the bites in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 5 minutes until cheese melts.
Serve: Drizzle with extra maple syrup if desired.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use protein pancake mix for a healthy twist.

Swap cheddar for pepper jack if you want a little spice.
Prep large batches and freeze—perfect for busy school mornings.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Bacon Lovers: Replace sausage with crispy bacon.

Egg Boost: Add a mini fried egg or scrambled egg layer.
Vegan Friendly: Use plant-based sausage, vegan cheese, and dairy-free pancake mix.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pancake mix.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Pair with fresh fruit or a smoothie for a balanced breakfast.
Serve with yogurt parfaits or hard-boiled eggs for added protein.
Perfect grab-and-go breakfast before school or work.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Freeze individually in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the microwave, air fryer, or oven until warmed through.

4 FAQs

1. Can I add eggs to the layers?
Absolutely! Scrambled or fried eggs make it heartier.

2. What’s the best way to reheat from frozen?
Use the microwave (1-2 mins) or air fryer (5 mins at 350°F) for best results.

3. Which sausage brand works best?
Brands like Jimmy Dean, Applegate, or turkey sausage patties are all great.

4. Can I make this low-carb?
Use almond flour pancakes and turkey sausage to lower carbs.

Conclusion

These Mini McGriddle Bites check every box: tasty, kid-friendly, high-protein, and freezer-friendly. Perfect for busy families, meal prep lovers, or anyone craving a sweet-and-savory breakfast without the fast-food price.

Pro Tip: Invest in a mini pancake griddle, it speeds up the cooking process and gives you perfectly round pancakes every time!