If you’re looking for a breakfast dish that hits all the right notes—sweet, savory, fluffy, and utterly delicious—you absolutely must try McGriddle Muffins – A Fun Breakfast Treat Recipe. These muffins capture the magic of classic McGriddles but in a handheld, baked form that’s perfect for busy mornings, brunch gatherings, or anytime you want a little breakfast joy. Imagine tender, fluffy muffins bursting with sharp cheddar, savory sausage or bacon bits, and a hint of maple sweetness that ties everything together beautifully. It’s like a breakfast hug in every bite, and I can’t wait to share this recipe with you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays its part to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that inviting golden color. Whether it’s the sharpness of the cheddar or the rich maple sweetness, these ingredients come together seamlessly for irresistible McGriddle Muffins – A Fun Breakfast Treat Recipe.
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and lightness to your muffins.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to enhance the maple flavor.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: The leavening agent that ensures your muffins rise beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and heightens the savory flavors.
- ¾ cup milk: Adds moisture and richness to the batter.
- 1 egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to a tender crumb.
- 3 tablespoons melted butter: Brings flavor and a moist texture to every bite.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Subtly enhances the sweetness and warmth of the muffins.
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage or bacon: The savory star that makes these muffins truly hearty.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Provides a melty, rich contrast to the sweet notes.
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (plus more for drizzling): The signature sweet touch that sets these muffins apart.
- Nonstick spray or muffin liners: To ensure your muffins come out easily and with a perfect shape.
How to Make McGriddle Muffins – A Fun Breakfast Treat Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 12-cup muffin tin by greasing it with nonstick spray or lining it with paper muffin liners. This step is key for clean, easy muffin removal later on.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and whisk together all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This mixture forms the foundation for light, fluffy muffins that rise just right without any heaviness.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until smooth and well combined. This wet mixture adds richness, moisture, and that signature maple sweetness to your McGriddle Muffins – A Fun Breakfast Treat Recipe.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—some small lumps are perfectly okay. Overmixing can make the muffins tough, and that’s the last thing you want!
Step 5: Add the Savory Goodness
Fold in the cooked, crumbled sausage or bacon along with the shredded cheddar cheese. This is where your muffins gain their hearty, savory character that beautifully balances the afternoon maple sweetness.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups
Scoop the batter evenly into each muffin cup, filling them about three-quarters full to allow room for rising without overflowing. This creates perfectly shaped, golden tops every time.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Delicious
Bake your muffins for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma alone will have you eagerly awaiting the first bite!
Step 8: Cool and Serve Warm
Let the muffins cool slightly in the tin before removing. These taste best warm, especially when you drizzle a little extra maple syrup over the top to make every bite even more special.
How to Serve McGriddle Muffins – A Fun Breakfast Treat Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your serving by adding a drizzle of real maple syrup over the warm muffins. You can also add a small pat of butter that melts deliciously as it meets the warm muffin. Fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley can add a pop of color and a subtle fresh flavor if you enjoy a savory twist.
Side Dishes
Pair your McGriddle Muffins with fresh fruit like sliced berries, oranges, or a simple fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. A cup of hearty scrambled eggs or a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette will round out your breakfast beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunches or casual gatherings, lay out the muffins on a rustic wooden board surrounded by bowls of extra maple syrup, butter, and maybe even a little extra sausage or bacon. For a fun twist, you can miniaturize the recipe into bite-sized muffins—perfect for little hands or party platters!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover McGriddle Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them fresh and tender, ready to enjoy as a quick breakfast or snack.
Freezing
These muffins freeze wonderfully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to two months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop a frozen muffin in the microwave for about 30 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. Add a drizzle of maple syrup after reheating to revive that irresistible McGriddle flavor.
FAQs
Can I substitute the breakfast sausage with another protein?
Absolutely! Bacon, ham, or even diced turkey sausage work great, and you can also make a vegetarian version by swapping in sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives. The key is to keep the salty, savory component to balance the maple sweetness.
Is it possible to make these muffins gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture might be a little different but still delicious and perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely. Use your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, dairy-free butter, and a vegan cheese substitute for a dairy-free take on these tasty muffins.
What’s the best way to get the maple syrup flavor without it being too sweet?
Using just a couple of tablespoons of real maple syrup in the batter adds a subtle sweetness that complements but doesn’t overpower the savory ingredients. Drizzling extra syrup on top when serving gives you control over how sweet you want each bite.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to mix and bake the batter fresh for the fluffiest muffins. However, you can prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately in advance, then quickly combine and bake in the morning for a convenient shortcut.
Final Thoughts
McGriddle Muffins – A Fun Breakfast Treat Recipe is such a delightful way to make mornings bright, cozy, and exciting. Whether you’re fueling a big family breakfast or treating yourself on a lazy weekend, these muffins bring that perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and comfort all baked into one. I hope you give them a try and watch them become your new favorite go-to breakfast treat.
Print
McGriddle Muffins – A Fun Breakfast Treat Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
McGriddle Muffins are a delicious and fun breakfast treat combining fluffy, savory muffins with the sweet hint of maple syrup. Loaded with cooked breakfast sausage or bacon and cheddar cheese, these muffins are easy to make and perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (plus more for drizzling)
Additional Ingredients
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage or bacon
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Nonstick spray or muffin liners
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray or line with paper muffin liners for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until smooth and well blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix to keep the muffins tender.
- Add Sausage and Cheese. Fold in the cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage or bacon and the shredded cheddar cheese evenly throughout the batter.
- Fill Muffin Cups. Using a spoon or scoop, evenly distribute the batter into the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
- Bake the Muffins. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve. Allow the muffins to cool slightly in the tin before removing. Serve warm, drizzled with extra maple syrup if desired for added sweetness and that classic McGriddle flavor.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked sausage crumbles or bacon bits for quicker preparation.
- These muffins can be made ahead of time and reheated for busy mornings.
- Try making mini muffins for a fun, bite-sized version perfect for brunch or snacks.
