I still remember the first time I made McGriddle Bites in my own kitchen. The aroma of warm pancakes mixed with savory breakfast flavors immediately filled the air, and it felt like having a comforting breakfast wrapped up in one perfect bite. For me, McGriddle Bites are more than just a recipe – they’re a way to enjoy the best of both worlds: soft, fluffy pancake texture paired with the richness of classic breakfast fillings. Each bite brings a balance of sweet and savory that feels both familiar and exciting, reminding me of weekend mornings when I wanted something hearty yet playful to share with family and friends.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it takes a beloved breakfast classic and transforms it into a bite-sized delight. Unlike a large sandwich, McGriddle Bites are easy to grab, share, or serve at gatherings. The combination of pancake batter, turkey bacon or chicken ham, and cheese creates the same flavors people crave, but in a smaller, snackable form. These bites are perfect for mornings when you want a filling breakfast without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Versatile

One of the best things about McGriddle Bites is their versatility. You can serve them fresh for breakfast, prepare them in advance for busy mornings, or even enjoy them as a snack later in the day. They are great for brunch gatherings, lunchbox meals, or even as a warm appetizer during family events. You can also adjust the fillings to match your preferences – whether you prefer turkey bacon, chicken ham, beef sausage, or a mix of cheese varieties, these bites adapt beautifully to your taste.

Affordable

This recipe is budget-friendly and uses simple, easily available ingredients. Pancake mix, eggs, cheese, and turkey bacon are not only affordable but also stretch into many portions when made into bites. By baking them in batches, you can prepare enough for the whole family without overspending. They prove that you don’t need expensive ingredients to create a delicious breakfast treat that feels special.

Ingredients for the Recipe

• 2 cups pancake mix

• 1 cup milk

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup cooked turkey bacon or chicken ham, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons melted butter for greasing

How to Prepare McGriddle Bites

Making McGriddle Bites at home is a simple process, and once you try it, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe often. The preparation is straightforward, yet the results taste as though you put in far more effort than you actually did. These bites combine a soft, pancake-like batter with savory fillings such as turkey bacon or chicken ham, along with gooey melted cheese. Every step is easy to follow, which makes this recipe suitable even if you don’t usually bake.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

1. Preheat the oven – Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is hot and ready by the time your batter is mixed, so your bites bake evenly. Prepare a 24-count mini muffin tin by lightly greasing it with melted butter or non-stick spray.

2. Cook the protein filling – If you are using turkey bacon, chicken ham, or beef sausage, cook it first in a skillet until golden and slightly crispy. Allow it to cool, then chop it finely into small pieces. This prevents soggy bites and ensures a balanced flavor in every mouthful.

3. Prepare the batter – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, eggs, and maple syrup, then pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. The batter should be thick but pourable. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the bites dense instead of fluffy.

4. Add the cheese and fillings – Fold the shredded cheddar cheese and the cooked turkey bacon or chicken ham into the batter. Stir carefully so that the mixture distributes evenly. Each bite should contain both cheesy and savory elements for the signature McGriddle flavor.

5. Fill the muffin tin – Spoon the batter into each greased mini muffin cavity, filling them about two-thirds full. This leaves room for the batter to rise without overflowing. If desired, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top of each bite for a golden, crispy finish.

6. Bake until golden – Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. Check with a toothpick inserted in the center of one bite; it should come out clean when they’re ready. The tops should be puffed, lightly golden, and slightly firm to the touch.

7. Cool and serve – Remove the bites from the oven and allow them to cool for about five minutes before taking them out of the muffin tin. Serve warm to enjoy the melted cheese and fluffy texture.

Quick and Easy

This recipe is designed to be quick, and the entire process takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Using pancake mix speeds up preparation, while baking in mini muffin tins makes cleanup simple. You can prepare them in advance, refrigerate, and reheat for busy mornings when time is short but you still want something delicious and filling.

Customizable

McGriddle Bites are very adaptable. If you enjoy a sweeter flavor, you can drizzle a little extra maple syrup over the top before serving. For those who prefer a stronger savory profile, try adding diced bell peppers, onions, or even a pinch of black pepper to the batter. Cheese lovers can switch cheddar for mozzarella, Swiss, or a blend of cheeses. This flexibility means you can change the recipe depending on who you are serving and what ingredients you have on hand.

Popular with Many People

The beauty of McGriddle Bites is that they appeal to almost everyone. Children love the bite-sized portions, the cheesy centers, and the fun of dipping them in maple syrup. Adults enjoy them because they are hearty, flavorful, and portable. Whether you are preparing breakfast for your family, a brunch for friends, or a batch of snacks for a gathering, these bites are always a hit. They offer a balance of comfort and creativity that makes them stand out.

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McGriddle Bites are a fun and delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of a breakfast sandwich in a convenient bite-sized form. They combine fluffy pancake batter with turkey bacon or chicken ham, melted cheese, and a touch of maple sweetness, making them a favorite for both kids and adults.

• Author: Lura Skye
• Prep Time: 10
• Cook Time: 15
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups pancake mix
• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cooked turkey bacon or chicken ham, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for greasing)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 24-count mini muffin tin with melted butter or non-stick spray.
2. Cook turkey bacon or chicken ham in a skillet until golden. Allow to cool, then chop finely.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk pancake mix, baking powder, and salt together.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk milk, eggs, and maple syrup. Pour wet ingredients into dry mixture and stir gently until combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fold shredded cheddar cheese and cooked turkey bacon or chicken ham into the batter until evenly distributed.
6. Spoon batter into mini muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Optionally, sprinkle extra cheese on top.
7. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until tops are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from tin. Serve warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, drizzle with a little maple syrup when serving.

You can replace cheddar with mozzarella or Swiss cheese.

These bites are great for freezing and reheating.

FAQs

Can I make McGriddle Bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare McGriddle Bites in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve, simply reheat them in the oven or microwave until warm. They keep their fluffy texture well, making them perfect for meal prep.

Can I freeze McGriddle Bites?
Absolutely. Once cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to two months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or microwave for 1–2 minutes until heated through.

Can I make these without cheese?
Yes, you can leave out the cheese if you prefer a lighter version. However, the cheese does add moisture and flavor, so you may want to add a small spoon of yogurt or sour cream to keep the texture soft.

What other fillings can I use?
This recipe works with many fillings. Try beef sausage crumbles, diced vegetables, or even extra herbs for variety. You can customize the bites to match your family’s taste.

Are McGriddle Bites kid-friendly?
Yes, children love their size and flavor. They are easy to pack in lunchboxes or serve as after-school snacks.