McGriddle Muffins

Homemade McGriddle Muffins: Your New Breakfast Favorite

Transform your breakfast routine with these incredible McGriddle Muffins that capture all the magic of the famous sandwich in convenient muffin form. These delightful breakfast treats combine the sweet, maple-infused pancake flavor with savory elements like fluffy scrambled eggs and melted cheese. Perfect for meal prep, these McGriddle Muffins can be made ahead and reheated for quick, satisfying breakfasts throughout the week. Each muffin delivers the perfect bite-sized portion of that beloved sweet and savory combination that makes McGriddles so irresistible, all while being completely homemade and customizable to your taste preferences.

Storage Options

Store cooled McGriddle Muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat refrigerated muffins, microwave for 30-45 seconds or warm in a 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes. For frozen McGriddle Muffins, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed, or microwave directly from frozen for 60-90 seconds.

Summary

These McGriddle Muffins perfectly recreate the beloved McDonald’s breakfast sandwich in convenient muffin form. Combining sweet maple pancake batter with savory breakfast ingredients, these portable treats offer the ideal balance of flavors that made the original McGriddle so popular. Easy to make ahead and perfect for busy mornings, these muffins deliver restaurant-quality taste with homemade convenience.

Equipment

• 12-cup muffin tin
• Non-stick cooking spray or muffin liners
• Large mixing bowls (2)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Non-stick skillet
• Ladle or large spoon
• Wire cooling rack
• Small saucepan (for maple crystals)

Ingredients

For the Maple Pancake Base:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup maple syrup crystals (or crushed maple candy)
• 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• 8 large eggs, scrambled and cooled
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 cooked breakfast sausage patties, crumbled (or cooked bacon pieces)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F. Generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray or line with paper liners.
2. Make Maple Crystals: If using maple candy, crush into small pieces. If making crystals, heat 1/4 cup maple syrup in a small saucepan until it reaches 300°F, then pour onto parchment paper and let cool completely before breaking into small pieces.
3. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and maple crystal pieces.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together maple syrup, buttermilk, 2 eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Combine Batter: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently fold together until just combined. Don’t overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy.
6. Prepare Filling: Scramble the 8 eggs until just set but still creamy. Season with salt and pepper, then let cool. Crumble or chop the cooked sausage patties.
7. Assemble Muffins: Fill each muffin cup with about 2 tablespoons of batter. Add a spoonful of scrambled eggs, some crumbled sausage, and a generous pinch of cheese. Top with remaining batter, filling cups about 2/3 full.
8. Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the pancake portion comes out clean.
9. Cool: Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

• For best results, use pure maple syrup rather than pancake syrup
• Make sure scrambled eggs are completely cooled before assembling to prevent melting the batter
• Don’t overfill muffin cups as they will overflow during baking
• McGriddle Muffins are best served warm but can be enjoyed at room temperature

Tips for Success

Perfect Texture: The key to authentic McGriddle Muffins lies in achieving the right pancake texture. Don’t overmix the batter, as this will result in tough, dense muffins instead of the light, fluffy texture you want.

Maple Crystal Magic: Creating or using maple crystals gives these McGriddle Muffins their signature sweet pockets that mirror the original sandwich. If you can’t find maple crystals, finely crushed maple candy works perfectly as a substitute.

Egg Preparation: Slightly undercook your scrambled eggs since they’ll continue cooking in the oven. This prevents them from becoming rubbery in the finished McGriddle Muffins.

Even Distribution: Distribute filling ingredients evenly among all muffins to ensure each one has the perfect balance of flavors that makes McGriddle Muffins so satisfying.

Additional Tips and Variations

Protein Variations: While sausage is traditional, you can customize your McGriddle Muffins with cooked bacon, ham, or even turkey sausage for a lighter option. Canadian bacon also works wonderfully and stays closer to some McDonald’s variations.

Cheese Options: Sharp cheddar provides the classic flavor, but American cheese, swiss, or pepper jack can add interesting flavor twists to your McGriddle Muffins.

Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare all components separately the night before. Store scrambled eggs, cooked meat, and dry ingredients separately, then assemble and bake fresh McGriddle Muffins in the morning.

Size Variations: These McGriddle Muffins can be made in mini muffin tins for bite-sized portions, perfect for parties or kids’ breakfasts. Adjust baking time to 12-15 minutes for mini versions.

Healthier Options: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, use turkey sausage, and add finely diced vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost nutrition without compromising the signature McGriddle Muffins taste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make McGriddle Muffins without maple crystals? A: Yes! You can substitute with finely crushed maple candy, or simply add an extra 2 tablespoons of maple syrup to the batter for enhanced maple flavor.

Q: How do I prevent my McGriddle Muffins from sticking to the pan? A: Generously grease your muffin tin with butter or cooking spray, or use paper liners. Make sure to let them cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan.

Q: Can I use pancake mix instead of making batter from scratch? A: While possible, homemade batter gives better results. If using mix, add extra maple syrup and reduce liquid slightly for proper consistency in your McGriddle Muffins.

Q: Why are my McGriddle Muffins dense instead of fluffy? A: Overmixing the batter is the most common cause. Mix just until ingredients are combined, leaving some lumps for the best texture.

Q: Can I double this recipe? A: Absolutely! This recipe doubles well for larger batches of McGriddle Muffins. You may need to bake in batches depending on your oven size.

Q: How long do McGriddle Muffins last? A: Stored properly in the refrigerator, they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. Frozen McGriddle Muffins maintain quality for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

These homemade McGriddle Muffins successfully capture the beloved flavors of the iconic McDonald’s breakfast sandwich while offering the convenience and satisfaction of homemade cooking. The perfect marriage of sweet maple pancake base with savory scrambled eggs, cheese, and breakfast meat creates a portable breakfast solution that’s ideal for busy mornings or meal prep enthusiasts. What makes these McGriddle Muffins truly special is their versatility – they can be customized with different proteins, made ahead for the week, and even frozen for long-term storage.

The beauty of making McGriddle Muffins at home lies not just in recreating a fast-food favorite, but in the ability to control ingredients and create a breakfast that fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re feeding a family, preparing for a busy work week, or simply satisfying a craving, these McGriddle Muffins deliver consistent, delicious results every time. With proper storage techniques, you can always have a satisfying breakfast ready in minutes, making these McGriddle Muffins a valuable addition to any home cook’s recipe collection.