McGriddle Muffins Recipe

There’s something magical about slow weekend mornings—the kind where the coffee is strong, the sunlight filters through the blinds just right, and breakfast is a moment to savor. On those perfect mornings, we crave something indulgent, comforting, and just a little nostalgic. That’s where these Homemade McGriddle Muffins come in.

Inspired by the beloved McDonald’s McGriddle sandwich, this muffin version brings together fluffy, buttery pancake batter, savory sausage, melty cheese, and just the right kiss of maple syrup. It’s like a full breakfast platter baked into a golden, handheld muffin—no drive-thru needed.

Whether you’re hosting brunch, meal prepping for the week, or simply spoiling your family on a Sunday morning, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. Let’s dive into making this irresistible breakfast treat from scratch.

Why You’ll Love These McGriddle Muffins

✅ Perfectly Portable: These muffins are ideal for busy mornings. Grab one on your way out the door and start your day with a hearty, satisfying bite.

✅ Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze the extras. Reheat in the microwave for a warm, melty breakfast in minutes.

✅ Balanced Flavor: They hit all the notes—sweet, savory, cheesy, and buttery—making every bite totally crave-worthy.

✅ Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving kids or adults, these muffins get rave reviews every time.

The Inspiration Behind the Recipe

The original McGriddle, a staple of fast food breakfasts, brings together pancakes, sausage, egg, cheese, and maple syrup in one iconic sandwich. But what if we could take all those flavors and reinvent them in a more homestyle, bake-ahead-friendly form?

That’s how McGriddle Muffins were born. They capture the essence of a classic McGriddle—without needing a griddle. This recipe has become a go-to in our kitchen after testing countless versions to get the texture and flavor balance just right. Each muffin is a delicious mini-breakfast sandwich in disguise!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we jump into the step-by-step process, here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to bring these muffins to life:

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour – the base of the muffin batter
  • 1/4 cup sugar – adds just the right touch of sweetness
  • 1 tbsp baking powder – gives the muffins a nice lift
  • 1/2 tsp salt – enhances all the flavors

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup buttermilk – adds tanginess and moisture
  • 1/2 cup milk – helps balance the batter texture
  • 2 large eggs – for structure and richness
  • 1/4 cup melted butter – gives the muffins a tender crumb and rich flavor

Filling

  • 1 lb breakfast sausage – shaped into small patties and cooked to perfection
  • 6 slices American cheese – classic melty goodness
  • Maple syrup – a sweet drizzle to finish it off

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to whip up your own batch of McGriddle Muffins? Follow these simple steps for fluffy, flavorful muffins every time.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a standard muffin tin or line it with paper liners. This recipe yields about 12 muffins.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Set this aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup melted butter

Make sure the melted butter isn’t too hot, or it could scramble the eggs.

Step 4: Mix It All Together

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined—it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins.

Step 5: Cook the Sausage

While the batter rests for a few minutes, form your sausage into 12 small, thin patties. Cook them in a skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease on a paper towel.

Step 6: Assemble the Muffins

Scoop a spoonful of batter into each muffin cup, filling it halfway. Then, add a cooked sausage patty and a half-slice of American cheese (fold it to fit). Cover with more batter until the cups are about 3/4 full.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the muffins for 18–20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the muffin (not the sausage) comes out clean.

Step 8: Finish with Maple Syrup

Let the muffins cool for 5 minutes, then drizzle with warm maple syrup just before serving. It’s the final touch that brings all the McGriddle magic together.

Serving Suggestions

These muffins are a complete breakfast on their own, but if you want to serve them with something extra, try these pairings:

  • A side of fresh fruit or a berry salad for a refreshing contrast
  • Scrambled eggs or fried hash browns for a full breakfast spread
  • A cup of hot coffee, chai latte, or iced matcha to round things out

Want to make it a brunch hit? Serve them with mini syrup pitchers and let everyone drizzle their own!

Tips for Perfect McGriddle Muffins

  • Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stirring too much will make the muffins tough. Mix until you don’t see dry flour.
  • Use Pre-Cooked Sausage Patties: If you’re short on time, store-bought cooked patties can work. Just make sure they’re not too thick.
  • Cheese Tips: American cheese melts beautifully, but you can try cheddar, pepper jack, or even gouda for a twist.
  • Warm the Maple Syrup: A quick zap in the microwave makes it easier to drizzle and enhances the flavor.

Variations to Try

Want to mix it up? These ideas take the McGriddle Muffin concept to new heights:

  • Add Egg: Crack a quail egg or scramble a bit of egg and spoon it between the sausage and cheese for an eggy layer.
  • Sweet & Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the batter for a kick.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
  • Vegetarian Swap: Use plant-based sausage and cheese alternatives for a fully vegetarian muffin.

Storage and Meal Prep

Fridge Storage

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 30–45 seconds.

Freezer Friendly

Let muffins cool completely, then wrap individually in foil or plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in the microwave for 1–1.5 minutes or bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.

Why These McGriddle Muffins Are Worth Sharing

There’s something incredibly comforting about a homemade breakfast that feels indulgent yet is made with love from simple pantry staples. These muffins strike the perfect balance between savory and sweet, and their unique twist on a classic fast food favorite makes them perfect for:

  • Family breakfasts
  • Potluck brunches
  • Make-ahead weekday meals
  • Back-to-school mornings
  • Holiday mornings or overnight guests

They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to leave everyone asking for the recipe.

Final Thoughts: Make McGriddle Muffins Part of Your Breakfast Tradition

Homemade McGriddle Muffins are more than just a novelty—they’re a delicious, comforting way to start your day. With layers of savory sausage, melty cheese, fluffy pancake batter, and a drizzle of maple syrup, they deliver all the flavors of your favorite breakfast sandwich in an easy muffin form.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests, make mornings easier, or simply treat yourself, these muffins are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try them once, and you’ll find yourself making them again and again.

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