My McGriddle Muffins are a delicious breakfast made with sausage, maple, and pancake mix. A more nutritious version of your McDonalds order!
I don't go to McDonald's often but when I do, the McGriddle is one of my go-to orders. There is something so cozy about eggs, cheese and sausage sandwiched between maple pancakes. With that said, I'm always looking for ways to make nutrient-powered homemade versions, so I'm very excited to share these McGriddle muffins!
These McGriddle breakfast muffins take all the best parts of a McGriddle and combine them into a grab-and-go muffin that takes only 15 minutes of prep. There's the saltiness from the cheese and sausage, balanced by a hint of maple. We even use pancake mix as the base of these muffins, keeping them super easy.
I know savory muffins can be divisive, but you loved my cottage cheese muffins and I know you'll like these too. Sweet and salty has never tasted better!
Why This Recipe Is Dietitian Approved
- Grab and go option. I'm obsessed with muffins purely based on their ease. You can eat one before a busy work day or take it to go.
- Easy to make. There's only 15 minutes of prep needed for this recipe.
- Perfect for brunch or a crowd. Both kids and adults will love these McGriddle muffins!
Ingredients
Pancake mix. You can use any “just add water pancake mix”, but I typically like to opt for a protein pancake mix to add a bit more protein. My favourite is Flourish because they have added fiber too.
Milk. For added protein I like to opt for either dairy or soy milk. If you prefer you can choose to use water instead.
Maple syrup. For a little sweetness! A traditional McGriddle is made with two maple flavoured pancake buns, so adding a touch of maple syrup helps recreate that flavour.
Turkey sausages. For protein! I like to use chicken or turkey breakfast sausages to help decrease the added fat, however any small breakfast sausage will work great.
Eggs. Even though we are using just add water pancake mix, I like to add a couple eggs to help add structure to these muffins so they don’t deflate.
Cheese. This is optional, but the cheese adds the perfect sweet and savoury mcgriddle flavour.
The complete ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F and prepare a 12-cavity muffin tin.
- In a large pan over medium-high heat cook the turkey sausages until browned and fully cooked. Once cooked, allow to cool and chop into bite sized pieces.
- To a large mixing bowl, whisk together milk, maple syrup and eggs.
- Slowly stir in the protein pancake mix.
- Once smooth, stir in cooked sausage pieces and shredded cheese if using.
- To a muffin tray, add about ¼ cup of batter into each cavity (I use a large cookie scoop). Divide any excess batter amongst the cavities.
- Bake for about 25 minutes, or until fully cooked and a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffins will come out clean.
Substitutions and Variations
To make gluten-free: use a gluten-free pancake mix.
To make dairy-free: use a dairy-free milk (or water) and dairy-free cheese.
To make vegetarian: use a plant-based sausage or omit the sausage.
To make nut-free: this recipe is naturally nut-free.
Get creative with the mix ins! Here's how I like to change up this recipe:
- Add blueberries for a blueberry pancake flavor
- Replace the sausage with bacon, cooked ham etc.
- Add a dash of cinnamon
Equipment
Storage
These McGriddle breakfaset muffins will store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the muffins by wrapping them individually and storing in a large ziploc bag for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat, you can place a muffin in the fridge overnight to defrost or use the defrost function on the microwave until warm.
Top Tips for Success
We are using just add water pancake mix, but we will be ignoring the instructions on the package. The use of the pancake mix helps decrease the amount of ingredients we need to help create light and fluffy muffins.
Ensure your sausages are chopped small. If the pieces are too large, the muffins will be more likely to fall apart.
Frequently Asked Questions
McGriddles are a popular McDonald's breakfast option. The sandwich is usually made with two maple flavoured griddle cakes (or pancakes) and filled with a savoury filling such as egg, bacon or sausage.
I always recommend adding a bit of fruit to your plate when you can! Although these are a good source of protein, I would recommend pairing with some berries for added fiber and vitamins.
Yes, these McGriddle muffins will be lower in sodium and contain less additives since we're making them at home. I recommend choosing a high fibre high protein pancake mix to bump up the nutrition even more!
More Muffin Recipes
Want more healthy muffin recipes? Try these muffins next:
- Protein Pancake Muffins from a Mix
- Savory Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins
- Savory Sweet Potato Muffins
- Vegan Zucchini Breakfast Muffins
See you in the kitchen!
PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make these McGriddle muffins, don't forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment and rating below letting me know how you liked it!
📖 Recipe
McGriddle Breakfast Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 lb turkey breakfast sausages
- 1.5 cups milk
- 3 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups + 2 tablespoon protein pancake mix Use a just add water mix!
- ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F and prepare a 12-cavity muffin tin.
- In a large pan over medium-high heat cook the turkey sausages until browned and fully cooked. Once cooked, allow to cool and chop into bite sized pieces.
- To a large mixing bowl, whisk together milk, maple syrup and eggs.
- Slowly stir in the protein pancake mix.
- Once smooth, stir in cooked sausage pieces and shredded cheese if using.
- To a muffin tray, add about ¼ cup of batter into each cavity ( I use a large cookie scoop). Divide any excess batter amongst the cavities. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until fully cooked and a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffins will come out clean.
Benedetta Marino says
Great recipe! Just wondering, can I use regular pancake mix instead of protein pancake mix without changing the texture much?
Nicole Addison says
Hi Benedetta yes you absolutely can!!
Nicole Addison says
An easy meal prep breakfast! I hope you enjoy these!