It’s an early Sunday morning, and the sun is just beginning to peek through your kitchen window, casting that golden glow perfect for a brunch vibe. My kids are still snoozing, and I want to whip up something that will put smiles on their faces when they finally surface—and that’s when my beloved McGriddle Bites come into play. These little nuggets of breakfast delight are like pockets of joy, bursting with that sweet-savory combo we all crave. And let me tell you, they’re a cinch to make, so you can enjoy the rest of your lazy morning, too.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Have you ever felt the struggle of choosing between sweet and savory in the morning? With these McGriddle Bites, you won’t have to compromise! Imagine a muffin that’s fluffy yet satisfying, oozing with melted cheddar, featuring perfectly balanced sweetness from the maple syrup and a delightful kick from the jalapeños. And let’s not forget those blueberries—unexpected, but they add a refreshing burst that will make your taste buds dance.
These bites aren’t just a hit with the kids; they’re the perfect crowds’ pleasers for brunches or even a quick breakfast on the go. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly! So, you can whip up a big batch and indulge on hectic mornings, bringing that weekend comfort into your busiest days. You’ll have all the major food groups and flavors rolled into one, making these bites a unique blend of breakfast awesomeness.
Gather these ingredients
To make these McGriddle Bites, you’ll want to gather the following:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage: I recommend using regular pork sausage for that classic, savory flavor.
- 2 cups Hungry Jack Pancake Mix: Ensure it’s the kind that just requires water—easy peasy!
- 1 cup water: Filtered or tap water will work just fine.
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup: Look for pure maple syrup if you can; it elevates the flavor to a whole new level!
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Go for cheese that you shred from a block. The flavor is just richer!
- 1/4 cup diced jalapeños: They add a spicy kick! Feel free to adjust based on your spice tolerance.
- 1/2 cup blueberries: Fresh or frozen, they add a touch of fruity sweetness.
The cooking process explained
Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into making these delish bites!
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). You want a hot oven for that perfect rise.
- In a skillet, cook the sausage: Crumble the sausage into the skillet over medium heat. You want it browned and cooked through—approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove it from the pan, and drain any excess grease.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the pancake mix with the water until just combined. It’s okay if it’s a bit lumpy; we’re not making a cake here!
- Fold in the goodness: Gently mix in the cooked sausage, maple syrup, cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, and blueberries. The colors will come together beautifully, hinting at the flavors inside.
- Grease a mini muffin tin well, y’all—don’t skimp on this! Spoon the batter into each cavity, filling about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes: They’re ready when they puff up and turn a lovely golden brown. A toothpick should come out clean if inserted.
- Cool and devour: Allow them to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Best way to enjoy it
Now, let’s talk about the joy of serving these McGriddle Bites. You can place them on a beautiful platter, maybe with a drizzle of extra maple syrup on the side for those sweet-toothed folks. They pair delightfully with fresh fruit—think strawberries and kiwi for a refreshing contrast. Want to go the extra mile? Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for a brunchy dessert vibe.
Storage and reheating tips
If you find yourself with leftovers (which might be hard to believe, but hey, it happens!), these bites store beautifully. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. For long-term storage, pop them in the freezer—just be sure to individually wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, either microwave for a quick fix or throw them in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
Pro chef tips
Here’s a little nugget of wisdom: Don’t rush the mixing! Gently combine the ingredients to ensure your bites turn out fluffy rather than dense. Also, experiment with fillings—try crumbled bacon instead of sausage or throw in some spinach for a healthy twist.
Creative Twists
If you want to let your culinary creativity flow, consider swapping the jalapeños for chopped bell peppers for a milder flavor. Or, ditch the blueberries altogether and make a savory version with sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese. Crazy, right? Your kitchen could turn into a flavor lab!
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 2 cups Hungry Jack Pancake Mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced jalapeños
- 1/2 cup blueberries
Directions to follow
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned.
- Combine pancake mix and water in a bowl.
- Fold in sausage, maple syrup, cheese, jalapeños, and blueberries.
- Grease a mini muffin tin and spoon in the batter.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.
- Cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to wire rack.
Your questions answered
- Can I use turkey sausage? Absolutely! Turkey sausage works just fine for a leaner option.
- What if I don’t have maple syrup? Honey or agave syrup could be a delightful substitute.
- How can I make them gluten-free? Use gluten-free pancake mix—simple as that!
- What other cheese can I use? Think about gouda or pepper jack for an extra kick.
- Can these be made a day ahead? You bet! Just warm them up in the oven before serving.
I can’t emphasize enough the joy these McGriddle Bites will bring to your breakfast experience. They’re such a fantastic way to start your day with well-rounded flavors and textures—sweet, savory, cheesy, and a hint of heat, all in one bite. Remember, cooking should be fun, so don’t hesitate to play around with the ingredients and make this dish your own! I can’t wait to hear how you tweak it and what delicious surprises you come up with—let’s keep the kitchen adventures going!
McGriddle Bites: Sweet Sausage Muffins for Quick Mornings
Description
These McGriddle Bites are quick and easy to make, bursting with a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Directions
Baking Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).Cook the Sausage
Crumble the sausage into the skillet over medium heat and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease.Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine pancake mix and water, mix until just combined. Gently fold in the cooked sausage, maple syrup, cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, and blueberries.Prepare Muffin Tin
Grease a mini muffin tin well and spoon in the batter, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.Bake
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.Cool and Serve
Allow to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 200kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 9g14%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 30mg10%
- Sodium 300mg13%
- Potassium 200mg6%
- Total Carbohydrate 25g9%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 8g16%
- Vitamin A 200 IU
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Calcium 150 mg
- Iron 1 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 0 IU
- Vitamin K 0 mcg
- Thiamin 0.1 mg
- Riboflavin 0.1 mg
- Niacin 2 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.1 mg
- Folate 20 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.5 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0 mg
- Phosphorus 200 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 15 mg
- Zinc 1 mg
- Selenium 10 mcg
- Copper 0 mg
- Manganese 0 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
