Mini McGriddle Bites

If you’re a fan of that sweet-and-savory breakfast sandwich from the drive-thru, you’re going to fall in love with these homemade Mini McGriddle Bites. They’re fluffy, bite-sized pancake muffins filled with juicy ground beef and just a touch of maple syrup, giving you all the flavor of a McGriddle in a portable, no-fuss form. Perfect for breakfast on the go, brunch spreads, or meal prepping the week ahead.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet Meets Savory – That perfect balance of maple and meat in every bite.
Bite-Sized Convenience – Great for snacking, lunchboxes, and batch cooking.
Easy to Make – Just a handful of pantry staples and simple steps.
Kid-Approved – A fun and tasty finger food the whole family will devour.
Freezer Friendly – Make ahead and reheat for busy mornings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pancake Batter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup milk
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tbsp maple syrup (plus more for drizzling)

For the Filling:

• ½ lb ground beef (or turkey)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Mini muffin pan
• Mixing bowls
• Skillet
• Whisk or hand mixer
• Non-stick spray

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with garlic powder, pepper, salt, and smoked paprika.
Break into small crumbles and cook until fully browned.
Drain excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Pancake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, combine milk, egg, melted butter, and maple syrup.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

Step 3: Prep the Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a mini muffin pan thoroughly with non-stick spray.

Step 4: Assemble the Bites
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of pancake batter into each muffin cup.
Add a small amount of cooked ground beef (and cheese if using) on top.
Cover with another teaspoon of batter.
Drizzle a tiny drop of maple syrup on top of each bite for that classic McGriddle touch.

Step 5: Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a rack.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Serve warm with a side of maple syrup for dipping or a light drizzle on top.
Perfect for breakfast trays, brunch spreads, or a fun snack anytime.

Tips for the Best Mini McGriddle Bites
Use a mini muffin pan – This creates that perfect poppable size.
Don’t overfill – Stick to about ¾ full for best rise and shape.
Let the meat cool – Warm meat can affect the batter’s texture.
Add cheese for extra flavor – Cheddar or Colby Jack works great.
Want extra maple flavor? – Add 1–2 tsp of maple extract to the batter.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with fresh fruit or yogurt for a full breakfast.
• Serve alongside scrambled eggs for a brunch plate.
• Pack in lunchboxes with a side of maple syrup.
• Make a breakfast board with mini muffins, fresh berries, and juice.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Microwave: Heat 2–3 bites for 30–40 seconds.
Oven: Warm at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pancake mix instead of homemade batter?
   Yes! Use your favorite boxed pancake mix and prepare as directed.
2. Can I make them dairy-free?
   Absolutely—use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter and cheese.
3. Can I add eggs to the center?
   You sure can! Add a small cube of cooked scrambled egg to each bite before topping with batter.
4. Do they taste sweet or savory?
   Both! The maple syrup gives a sweet hint, while the beef and seasoning keep them savory.
5. Can I make these vegetarian?
   Yes! Use cooked plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms as a meat substitute.

Final Thoughts
Mini McGriddle Bites are the ultimate homemade twist on a fast-food favorite—fun, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast any time of day. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding kids, or just craving a little bite of sweet-and-savory magic, these little bites are guaranteed to hit the spot.

Try them out and let us know how they turned out! Share your batch online and tag us—we’d love to see how you serve them.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 3 Bites):
Calories: 285 | Protein: 14g | Carbohydrates: 17g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 330mg

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