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These bite-sized Mini McGriddle Treats take the beloved fast-food breakfast sandwich and turn it into cute, poppable morsels that work great for rushed mornings or lazy weekend get-togethers. The wonderful mix of soft pancake, flavorful sausage, and sweet maple creates an unbelievably tasty snack that brings fast-food taste straight to your home.
Ingredients
I first made these when my sister brought her fussy kids over. What began as a desperate try to make breakfast exciting has turned into the family brunch item everyone always asks for. Even my husband who says he doesn't like sweet things mixed with savory stuff eats these up completely.
- Hungry Jack pancake mix: Gives reliable fluffiness and works as the perfect base for our flavor mix. The pre-measured mix takes away all the guesswork so they turn out great every time.
- Water: Brings the pancake mix to life. Cold water makes thicker bites while room temp water creates a lighter feel.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds that amazing savory taste. Cheese you grate yourself melts better than the bagged stuff for the ultimate gooey center.
- Maple syrup: Puts that special McGriddle sweetness into the batter. Go for real maple syrup instead of the breakfast table kind for better flavor depth.
- Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage: Gives that filling, well-seasoned taste. Pick the original type for classic flavor or their maple kind for extra sweetness.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
- Get Everything Ready:
- Turn your oven on to 400°F and put parchment liners in mini muffin pans or grease each cup really well. The hot temperature gives you a golden outside while keeping things soft inside. This setup stops any sticking problems down the line.
- Deal With The Sausage:
- Get your breakfast sausage nice and brown in a pan over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until you don't see any pink and the edges turn golden. Break it into tiny bits as it cooks so it spreads evenly in your bites. Put it on paper towels to soak up extra grease.
- Whip Up The Batter:
- Put pancake mix and water in a bowl and stir gently just until wet. Don't worry about small lumps – they show you haven't mixed too much, which keeps your pancake bites tender. Your batter should pour but not be too runny.
- Mix In The Good Stuff:
- Gently stir cooked sausage, cheese and maple syrup into your pancake batter with a spatula. Make sure these goodies get spread all through the mix so every bite tastes amazing. The maple syrup will create little sweet spots throughout.
- Scoop And Bake:
- Spoon your mixture into the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters up so they have room to grow. Let them bake for 15 minutes until they bounce back when touched and edges look golden. If you stick a toothpick in, it should come out clean or just slightly moist.
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The maple syrup is really the hidden hero that changes these from ordinary breakfast nibbles into something special. My grandma taught me that mixing it right into the batter instead of pouring it on top creates those wonderful sweet spots in each bite. We now make them every Christmas while we unwrap presents.
Make Ahead Magic
These Mini McGriddle Treats were created for those crazy busy mornings. Make the whole batch the night before and keep them in the fridge in a sealed container. When morning comes, just pop a few in the microwave for 20 seconds or warm them in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes. They'll taste almost exactly like fresh-made, which makes this recipe perfect for planning ahead.
Freezer Friendly Breakfast
When you want to store them longer, freeze the completely cooled bites on a baking sheet until they're hard, about an hour. Then put them in freezer bags, pushing out as much air as you can. They'll keep for up to three months. To warm frozen bites, microwave for 30 seconds or heat in a 350°F oven for 8 minutes. This way you'll always have something homemade ready even on your most rushed mornings.
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Creative Variations
You can change up this recipe in so many ways. Swap the sausage for crispy bacon pieces, chopped ham or veggie breakfast meat. Try different cheeses like pepper jack for some heat, mozzarella for that stretchy pull, or Swiss for a nutty flavor. If you don't eat pork, turkey breakfast sausage works great and has less fat but similar taste. Throw in some snipped chives or green onions to add freshness that balances the rich flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I try a different pancake mix?
Sure thing! Any pancake mix you like should work. Hungry Jack gives fluffy results, but go with your preferred kind.
- → Which cheese should I pick?
Cheddar's a solid choice for a sharp kick, but mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack are great swaps too.
- → Can I prep these a day ahead?
Yup, store them in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for later. Warm them up in your oven or microwave before eating.
- → What sausage can I use instead?
Choose whichever sausage fits your style—spicy, mild, turkey, or veggie are all great options.
- → How do I stop them from sticking?
Use parchment liners, spray your pan well, or try a silicone mini muffin tray to make sure nothing gets stuck.