If you’ve ever dreamed of a breakfast that combines your favorite morning flavors into one portable, cozy bite, McGriddle Muffins are truly the answer. These golden, fluffy muffins layer sweet maple, savory sausage, tender cheddar, and a whisper of smoky bacon into one seriously irresistible treat, all encased in a soft cornbread-inspired crumb. Whether you’re racing out the door or craving a leisurely brunch, McGriddle Muffins bring that classic sweet-and-savory breakfast combination to a whole new level, and making them at home is easier than you’d think!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of McGriddle Muffins lies in their familiar, easily accessible ingredients. Each star in this recipe has a role to play, from lending flavor and color to providing the perfect bite and aroma as these muffins bake up in your kitchen.
- All-purpose flour: The essential backbone of your muffin, providing structure and softness.
- Cornmeal: Adds a lovely golden hue and a just-right crumbly texture reminiscent of classic breakfast griddles.
- Sugar: Just a touch boosts the maple and rounds out the savory flavors.
- Baking powder: Lifts the muffins up, keeping them light and tender every time.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweet and savory elements.
- Milk: Brings moisture and softness, making each bite fluffy yet moist.
- Maple syrup: The soul of the McGriddle Muffins, infusing sweetness and that signature breakfast flavor.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Gives a rich undertone throughout and helps the muffins stay deliciously soft.
- Egg: Binds everything together, ensuring a tender, cohesive crumb.
- Cooked breakfast sausage, finely chopped: Brings juicy, savory bits to every bite — don’t skip this!
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds gooey, melty richness that perfectly contrasts the sweet notes.
- Cooked crumbled bacon (optional): For extra smoky, salty bliss in the mix — highly recommended if you love bacon!
- Additional maple syrup for serving: A final, glossy drizzle takes these over the top when served warm.
How to Make McGriddle Muffins
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Muffin Tin
Kick things off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin, or line it with paper liners for easy cleanup. This little step helps your McGriddle Muffins pop out with beautiful, golden edges and makes serving a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Thoroughly combining the dry ingredients now ensures an even rise and consistent texture in every muffin, and it distributes the leavening and seasoning so each bite tastes just right.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
Take a separate medium bowl and whisk together the milk, maple syrup, melted butter, and egg until the mixture is smooth and everything is well incorporated. Including the maple syrup here blends its flavor throughout the batter — a secret to that signature McGriddle Muffins appeal!
Step 4: Bring Everything Together
Pour the wet ingredients over your dry mix. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir gently just until you don’t see streaks of dry flour. A lumpy batter is perfectly fine; overmixing can lead to tough muffins! Now, fold in the cooked sausage, cheddar cheese, and bacon (if you’re using it), so every muffin is studded with flavorful, savory bites.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin and Bake
Divide the batter evenly among your prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Slide the tray into your oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. The McGriddle Muffins are ready when their tops look golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean — try not to peek too early for the best rise!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
After removing the tin from the oven, let the muffins cool just enough that you can handle them comfortably (about 5 minutes). Serve them warm and drizzle with even more maple syrup if you want extra sweetness. These McGriddle Muffins are at their absolute best when the maple, cheese, and sausage mingle in each steamy bite.
How to Serve McGriddle Muffins
Garnishes
For a cozy finishing touch, drizzle the muffins with a little extra warm maple syrup. You can also sprinkle some fresh chives or a tiny pinch of flaky salt on top for a gourmet twist that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness inside. Kids might love a handful of extra shredded cheese melted on top too!
Side Dishes
McGriddle Muffins shine all on their own but pair wonderfully with a platter of fresh fruit, a tangy yogurt parfait, or crispy hash browns. Even a mug of hot coffee or a tall glass of orange juice complements their sweet-and-savory profile for a satisfying, well-rounded breakfast spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Set up a breakfast board with McGriddle Muffins at the center, surrounded by little bowls of extra maple syrup, honey butter, and maybe some fruit preserves. For a brunch party, halve the muffins and serve mini egg patties or avocado slices on the side so guests can build their own breakfast “slider” sandwiches. They’re also fun tucked into lunchboxes for a special morning treat away from home!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep McGriddle Muffins fresh throughout the week, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll retain their moistness and flavor for up to 4 days — a quick, satisfying breakfast (or snack!) is never more than a minute away.
Freezing
If you’d like to stash some away for later, McGriddle Muffins freeze beautifully. Once completely cooled, wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap or foil, then pop them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to one month, ready to grab whenever a breakfast craving hits.
Reheating
To enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven taste, reheat McGriddle Muffins in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds per muffin, just until warmed through. If you’re reheating several at once, a gentle warm-up in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 8–10 minutes will do the trick without drying them out. Add a drizzle of maple syrup right before serving for maximum deliciousness.
FAQs
Can I make McGriddle Muffins without meat?
Absolutely! Skip the sausage and bacon, and you’ll still get a wonderful mix of sweet and savory flavors. You can add chopped veggies like bell peppers or scallions for extra color and crunch if you’d like.
What if I don’t have cornmeal?
If you’re out of cornmeal, simply swap in an extra cup of all-purpose flour. The texture will be less “griddled” but still tender and tasty — perfect for classic breakfast muffins.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! While sharp cheddar melts beautifully and compliments the maple and sausage, feel free to try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Swiss for a slightly new flavor twist.
How do I ensure my muffins don’t turn out dry?
Be careful not to overmix your batter and bake just until a toothpick comes out clean. Baking a little less or using a splash more milk can keep the McGriddle Muffins moist and tender every time.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Certainly! Replace both the flour and cornmeal with your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Check that your baking powder and other mix-ins are gluten-free, and you’ll have a delightful gluten-free version of these breakfast favorites.
Final Thoughts
With each bite balancing sweet maple, savory sausage, and that signature breakfast muffin crumb, McGriddle Muffins are a joyful way to start any day. Whether you meal prep for yourself or treat friends and family to a weekend surprise, these muffins make breakfast fun and just a bit magical. Give them a try, and you might just find them joining your regular morning rotation!
Print
McGriddle Muffins Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These McGriddle Muffins are a savory and satisfying breakfast treat that combines the flavors of a classic McGriddle sandwich in convenient muffin form. Perfect for meal prep or a grab-and-go morning option.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Additional Ingredients:
- ½ cup cooked breakfast sausage, finely chopped
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup cooked crumbled bacon (optional)
- additional maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a muffin tin.
- Mix dry ingredients: Combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix milk, maple syrup, melted butter, and egg.
- Combine mixtures: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Add mix-ins: Fold in sausage, cheddar cheese, and bacon if using.
- Bake: Divide batter into muffin cups and bake for 15–18 minutes until cooked through.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup if desired.
Notes
- These muffins can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.
- Try using turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
