Name: McGriddle Muffins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground sausage ((browned and grease drained)); 2 cups pancake mix; 1.5 cups water; 0.5 cup real maple syrup; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

If you’ve ever craved the delightful combination of sweet and savory that classic McGriddles offer, but wanted a homemade twist, then these McGriddle Muffins are your answer! Imagine bite-sized muffins packed with fluffy pancake goodness, juicy sausage, and a hint of maple syrup, all topped off with melted cheddar cheese. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a tasty snack throughout the day. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Keep Making It

McGriddle Muffins are not just another breakfast option; they’re an experience. The balance of savory sausage and sweet maple syrup wrapped in a soft pancake shell is something you’ll want to make again and again. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also easy to prepare, and the best part is that you can customize them to suit your preferences. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch that will impress your family and friends, keeping them coming back for more!

Shopping List

1 lb ground sausage (browned and grease drained)
2 cups pancake mix
1 ½ cups water
½ cup real maple syrup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Hardware & Gadgets

Mixing bowl – A large bowl is essential for combining your ingredients smoothly.
Whisk – This will help you achieve a clump-free pancake batter.
Muffin tin – A standard 12-cup muffin tin is perfect for this recipe.
Measuring cups – Accurate measurements are key to perfect muffins.
Spatula – Use this to fold in your ingredients and keep the batter light.

Make McGriddle Muffins: A Simple Method

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your muffins will bake evenly and develop that lovely golden crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin

Grease your muffin tin with a little non-stick spray or line it with muffin liners. This will make it easy to remove the muffins once baked.

Step 3: Cook the Sausage

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground sausage until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Once cooked, drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside to cool slightly.

Step 4: Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pancake mix and water, whisking until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine! Then gently fold in the maple syrup and shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Add the Sausage

Carefully fold the cooked sausage into the batter, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout.

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full. This will allow space for the muffins to rise without overflowing.

Step 7: Bake

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!

Variations by Season

Fall: Add pumpkin spice to the batter for a seasonal twist.
Winter: Incorporate cranberries or walnuts for a festive flavor.
Spring: Mix in fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a fresh taste.
Summer: Add blueberries to the batter for a fruity kick.

Avoid These Traps

When making your McGriddle Muffins, it’s essential to avoid a few common pitfalls:

Overmixing the batter can lead to tough muffins. Mix just until everything is combined.
Not draining the sausage well may make your muffins greasy. Ensure you remove excess fat after cooking.
Filling the muffin cups too full can cause overflow. Stick to the ¾ full guideline.
Skipping the cooling step can make the muffins difficult to remove from the tin.

Cooling, Storing & Rewarming

To cool your McGriddle Muffins, place them on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. This prevents them from becoming soggy. To store, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag; they can last up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Troubleshooting Q&A

What if my muffins are too dense?

If your muffins turn out dense, you may have overmixed the batter. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the muffins light and fluffy.

Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder flavor.

What should I do if I don’t have pancake mix?

You can make your own pancake mix by combining flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Use 2 cups of this homemade mix in place of store-bought pancake mix.

How can I make these muffins healthier?

To make your McGriddle Muffins healthier, consider using whole wheat pancake mix, turkey sausage, or adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the batter.

Similar Recipes

Ready, Set, Cook

Now that you have the recipe for McGriddle Muffins in your hands, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking! These muffins are not only a breakfast dream come true but also a fantastic option for meal prep. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just indulging yourself, they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

The combination of flavors in McGriddle Muffins offers a delightful escape from the ordinary breakfast routine. With each bite, you’ll enjoy the savory richness of sausage, the sweetness of maple syrup, and the gooeyness of melted cheese, all wrapped in a soft pancake shell. Give them a try, and watch as they disappear from the plate!