McGriddle Recipe – Homemade Breakfast Sandwich

If you’re craving that classic sweet-and-savory breakfast sandwich from your favorite fast food spot, you’re in the right place. This McGriddle recipe delivers all the flavors you love—sweet pancake buns infused with maple syrup, fluffy eggs, gooey cheese, and savory sausage or bacon—all made right in your own kitchen.

Whether you want to recreate the fast food favorite at home or upgrade it with your own twist, this homemade McGriddle is a must-try. Not only is it fresher and more customizable, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for a lazy weekend brunch, a quick breakfast meal on the go, or a delicious addition to your list of best breakfast recipes.

Let’s break down how to make a McGriddle from scratch, how to prep it ahead for busy mornings, and how to customize it with ingredients you already have in your kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Homemade McGriddle

There’s something about that sweet pancake combined with melty cheese and salty sausage that just hits different. While the original McGriddle is a fast food icon, this homemade version is even better.

Here’s why you’ll want to make this recipe again and again:

• Fresher ingredients and zero preservatives
• Customizable with your choice of meats, cheeses, and sauces
• Easy to meal prep and freeze for busy mornings
• Perfectly sweet and savory flavor combo
• Family-friendly and fun to make together

You’ll never have to wonder what’s for breakfast again when these are stocked in your fridge or freezer!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You can keep it simple or go all out, but here’s the base you’ll need for the perfect McGriddle recipe:

For the pancakes:

• 1 cup pancake mix (or homemade batter)
• ¾ cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• Cooking spray or butter for the pan

Optional: Freeze-dried maple syrup nuggets or syrup pearls for that signature fast-food texture.

For the filling:

• 4 eggs
• 4 slices of American cheese or cheddar
• 4 sausage patties or 8 slices of bacon sausage
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Butter or oil for cooking

This recipe makes about 4 sandwiches. You can double it for meal prep or brunch parties.

How to Make Homemade McGriddle Cakes

The most iconic part of any McGriddle is the pancake bun. Sweet, fluffy, and just slightly crisp around the edges, these little pancakes act as the perfect sandwich bread.

Step-by-step pancake buns:

1. Mix the batter according to package or recipe directions. Stir in maple syrup.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it.
3. Use mason jar lids or silicone egg rings to form perfectly round pancakes. Pour about ¼ cup of batter into each mold.
4. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

If you don’t have rings, just aim for small, evenly sized rounds. You want them slightly thicker than silver dollar pancakes.

Building the Perfect Breakfast Sandwich

Now that you’ve got your pancakes ready, let’s build the sandwich!

Step-by-step assembly:

1. Cook your meat – Fry sausage patties or bacon sausage until golden brown. Set aside on a paper towel.
2. Scramble or fry the eggs – Use a mold to shape them if you like a uniform round. Add salt and pepper.
3. Layer it up – Start with a pancake on the bottom, then sausage or bacon, egg, a slice of cheese, and top with another pancake.
4. Optional final step – Return the full sandwich to a hot skillet and cover for 1–2 minutes to melt the cheese completely.

The result? A warm, melty, indulgent breakfast sandwich that tastes better than drive-thru.

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Breakfast Sandwich Recipes: Variations You’ll Love

While the original McGriddle is hard to beat, switching things up can keep breakfast exciting. Here are a few delicious breakfast sandwich recipes to try:

• Bacon, Egg & Cheese McGriddle – Classic flavor with crispy bacon
• Veggie McGriddle – Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and Swiss cheese
• Spicy Sausage McGriddle – Add pepper jack and hot sauce for a kick
• Avocado McGriddle – Layer in sliced avocado and a fried egg
• Chicken & Maple McGriddle – Use a crispy chicken patty and drizzle with extra syrup

You can also use different cheeses like gouda, provolone, or even dairy-free options to suit your preferences.

McGriddle Add-Ons and Customizations

The beauty of a homemade McGriddle is the ability to tweak it however you want. Here are some flavorful add-ons:

• Hot sauce or sriracha
• Maple butter for extra sweetness
• Herbs like chives or dill in the eggs
• Vegan sausage or tofu scramble for plant-based eaters
• Hashbrowns or crispy onions layered in for crunch

Have fun with your flavor combos. It’s your sandwich—make it amazing.

Tips for Meal Prepping and Freezing McGriddles

Want to make your mornings easier? You can easily batch and store these sandwiches ahead of time.

To meal prep:

• Assemble each sandwich as usual and let them cool completely.
• Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap.
• Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat:

• Microwave: Unwrap and heat on a microwave-safe plate for 60–90 seconds.
• Oven: Wrap in foil and heat at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
• Air fryer: Great for crisping up the pancake layers—about 5–6 minutes at 350°F.

These are perfect for busy weekdays or breakfast meals on the go.

Serving Suggestions: What’s for Breakfast?

Wondering how to round out your McGriddle breakfast? Pair it with these favorites:

• Hashbrown patties or crispy hashbrowns
• Fresh fruit like berries or melon
• A smoothie or fresh-squeezed juice
• Iced coffee or cold brew
• Yogurt parfaits for balance

This sandwich is filling on its own but shines even brighter as part of a full breakfast recipe ideas spread.

Making McGriddles for a Crowd

If you’re feeding a family or hosting brunch, McGriddles can be a fun and satisfying option.

Crowd-friendly tips:

• Pre-cook pancakes and eggs ahead of time
• Keep everything warm in a low oven (around 200°F)
• Create a “build-your-own” sandwich bar with toppings and sauces
• Use a griddle or electric skillet to cook 4–6 pancakes at once

These make fantastic additions to best breakfast recipes lists for holidays and weekend gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though the process is simple, there are a few things to watch out for:

• Pancakes too thin: They won’t hold up as sandwich buns
• Cold ingredients: Let everything rest to room temp before assembling for even heating
• Overcooked eggs: Go low and slow to keep them fluffy
• Skipping syrup in the batter: This adds that signature sweetness
• Overloading: Don’t stack too much or the sandwich may fall apart

A little attention goes a long way to making your McGriddle recipe perfect.

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FAQs About McGriddles and Breakfast Sandwiches

Can I use pancake mix instead of homemade batter?
Yes! Just choose a mix that’s thick and not overly sweet.

How long do these last in the freezer?
Up to 2 months when tightly wrapped and stored in a freezer-safe bag.

Can I make them gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pancake mix and double-check your sausage is GF-friendly.

What’s the best syrup to use?
Pure maple syrup adds the best flavor, but any high-quality syrup works.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—use plant-based cheese and butter substitutes, and dairy-free pancake mix.

Conclusion

This McGriddle recipe brings everything you love about the fast food classic into your own kitchen. With simple ingredients, big flavor, and endless options for customization, it’s the perfect way to start your day—or treat yourself to breakfast any time.

Whether you’re making a single sandwich or prepping a dozen for the week, homemade McGriddles are one of the most satisfying breakfast sandwich recipes out there. So grab your pancake mix, fire up the skillet, and dig in.

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