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To make Copycat McGriddle Bites, you need some key ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 1 cup pancake mix - 3/4 cup milk - 1 large egg - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar - 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled sausage (or a vegetarian alternative) - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/4 cup maple syrup, plus extra for serving - Cooking spray or butter for greasing the muffin tin These ingredients come together to create fluffy bites with a sweet and savory taste. You can mix things up with some fun add-ins. Here are a few ideas: - Use diced ham or bacon instead of sausage. - Swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack for a spicy kick. - Add chopped green onions for extra flavor. - Try adding a dash of cinnamon for a warm spice. Feel free to get creative with your choices! Having the right tools makes cooking easier. Here are some tools I recommend: - Mini muffin tin for perfect bite-sized portions. - Mixing bowl for combining your ingredients. - Whisk or spatula to mix the batter. - Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy. - Toothpick for swirling in the maple syrup. These tools will help you make the process smooth and fun! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step warms the oven, helping the bites cook evenly. While the oven heats, grease a mini muffin tin. You can use cooking spray or butter. This ensures the bites won’t stick! In a large bowl, combine the pancake mix, milk, egg, vanilla extract, and sugar. Stir the mixture gently with a whisk or spatula. It’s okay if you see some lumps; avoid overmixing. This keeps the bites fluffy and soft. Next, use a spoon or small scoop to fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full with batter. This gives the bites enough room to rise. Now, drizzle a teaspoon of maple syrup into each cup. Use a toothpick to swirl it gently into the batter. This adds a sweet burst of flavor. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake the bites for about 12 to 15 minutes. They are ready when they turn golden brown. Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. After baking, let the bites cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, gently remove them and transfer to a wire rack. Enjoy the bites warm, with extra maple syrup on the side. They are great for breakfast, snacks, or brunch. For a fun touch, serve them on a platter with a drizzle of syrup! To make sure your McGriddle bites are fluffy, avoid mixing too much. When you combine the pancake mix, milk, egg, vanilla, and sugar, stir until just mixed. A few lumps are okay. Overmixing makes the bites dense. Also, remember to fill the muffin tins only about three-quarters full. This helps them rise nicely while baking. Swirling maple syrup into the batter adds great flavor. After you fill the muffin cups with batter, add a teaspoon of syrup to each. Use a toothpick to swirl it gently. Be careful not to mix it too much; you want to see the syrup. This creates pockets of sweet flavor in every bite. Serve your McGriddle bites warm for the best taste. Place them on a nice platter and drizzle with extra maple syrup. You can add a dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet touch. These bites are perfect for breakfast or a snack. They also work well for brunch gatherings with friends and family. Pro Tips Use Buttermilk for Extra Fluffiness: Substitute regular milk with buttermilk in the batter for an extra fluffy texture and a slight tang that complements the sweetness. Mix-In Variations: Feel free to experiment with other mix-ins like cooked bacon, diced bell peppers, or different types of cheese to customize your bites. Keep Them Warm: If you're serving these bites at a gathering, keep them warm in an oven set to low heat (around 200°F) until you're ready to serve. Perfect Swirl Technique: For a more pronounced maple flavor, gently swirl the syrup in a figure-eight motion with a toothpick instead of just a single swirl. {{image_4}} You can easily make these bites vegetarian. Simply swap the crumbled sausage for a plant-based option. Try using crumbled tempeh or veggie sausage. Both options work well and keep the bites tasty. You’ll still get that great flavor but without the meat. Cheese can change the whole taste of your McGriddle bites. While cheddar is great, you can try other cheeses, too. Creamy mozzarella adds a mild flavor, while pepper jack gives a spicy kick. You can also mix cheeses for more depth. Just remember to keep it fun and mix it up! Do you want a sweet treat or a savory snack? You can tweak the recipe to fit your taste. To go sweet, add cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. For a savory twist, add herbs like thyme or rosemary. You can even mix in diced bell peppers or onions for more flavor. The choice is yours! Store leftover McGriddle bites in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. If you plan to eat them later, let them cool completely before storing. This helps prevent sogginess. When you want to enjoy your McGriddle bites again, reheat them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bites on a baking sheet and warm them for about 10 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. You can also use a microwave. Heat them in 15-second bursts until warm, but they may not stay crispy. Freezing McGriddle bites is easy. After they cool, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. They can last up to two months in the freezer. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, use the microwave. Just be careful not to overheat them. Yes, you can make these bites ahead of time. Prepare the batter and fill the muffin tin. Cover it and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake them fresh when you're ready to enjoy. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps them warm and crispy. You can also use a microwave for 20-30 seconds, but they may get soft. Absolutely! You can use any pancake mix you like. Just check if it requires different liquid ratios. Some gluten-free mixes work well too. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausage. You can swap regular milk with almond milk or oat milk for dairy-free bites. Use a flax egg as a substitute for the egg if needed. Each bite has about 50 calories, 3 grams of fat, and 2 grams of protein. This can vary based on ingredients used. Always check your specific brands for exact numbers. In this article, we explored how to make tasty Copycat McGriddle Bites, discussing essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips. I shared options for variations and storage methods to keep your bites fresh. Remember, cooking should be fun and creative. Don’t hesitate to play with flavors and ingredients. Enjoy these bites at breakfast or as a snack. With a bit of practice, you’ll master this recipe and impress your family and friends. Happy cooking!

Homemade McGriddle Bites

Delicious mini pancake bites filled with sausage and cheese, perfect for breakfast or snacks.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 50 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup pancake mix
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled sausage
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • as needed none cooking spray or butter for greasing

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine pancake mix, milk, egg, vanilla extract, and sugar. Stir until just combined.
  • Gently fold in the crumbled sausage and shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Fill each muffin cup about 3/4 of the way full with batter.
  • Drizzle a teaspoon of maple syrup into each filled muffin cup and swirl it into the batter.
  • Bake for approximately 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Allow the bites to cool in the pan for a few minutes before removing them to a wire rack.
  • Enjoy the bites warm with additional maple syrup on the side.

Notes

Serve warm with extra maple syrup for dipping.
Keyword breakfast, cheese, pancakes, sausage, snack