Copycat McGriddle Bites Recipe — Easy Homemade McGriddle Bites

I’ll never forget my first bite of a McGriddle Bite—warm, sweet pancakes hugging savory sausage and gooey cheese. It felt like breakfast and dessert at once. I started making this copycat version on rushed school mornings and lazy weekend brunches, and it quickly became a comfort-food staple in my kitchen. These little sandwiches capture that classic fast-food nostalgia while letting you control ingredients and portion size. McGriddles have a fun cultural place in American breakfast culture as a portable, sweet-and-savory morning treat, and this copycat recipe brings that charm home in just a few simple steps.

Who is this recipe for?

This recipe is perfect for busy parents, brunch hosts, and anyone who loves quick, portable breakfasts that taste indulgent but are easy to make.

Core ingredients overview:

This dish combines 1 cup pancake mix, 1 cup water, 6 sausage patties, 6 slices of cheese, and maple syrup for drizzling to recreate the sweet-and-savory McGriddle Bite experience at home.

Tools & Ingredients

Tools (you will need)

Non-stick skillet — for even cooking and easy flipping
Mixing bowl — to combine the batter
Measuring cup — for accurate pancake batter
Whisk or fork — to mix batter smooth
Spatula — to flip mini pancakes and assemble bites
Plate or tray — for assembling and serving

Ingredients (with a short benefit for each)

1 cup pancake mix – quick base for fluffy mini pancakes and convenient pantry staple
1 cup water – hydrates the batter to create tender, cookable pancakes
6 sausage patties – provide savory protein and classic breakfast flavor
6 slices of cheese – add creamy, melty richness that balances the sweet pancakes
Maple syrup (for drizzling) – brings authentic sweetness and a finishing glaze

Instructions

Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
In a bowl, mix 1 cup pancake mix with 1 cup water until smooth.
Pour small amounts of batter onto the skillet to form mini pancakes (about 2–3 inches across).
Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.
Assemble by placing a cooked sausage patty and a slice of cheese between two mini pancakes.
Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup.

FAQ

Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: Yes — assemble the bites, wrap individually in parchment and foil, and freeze up to 1 month. Reheat in a toaster oven or microwave (lower power, short intervals) until warmed through.

Q: What can I use instead of pancake mix?
A: You can use homemade pancake batter (flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, milk/water, egg) if you prefer control over ingredients or want a fluffier texture.

Q: Can I swap the sausage patties for bacon or plant-based sausage?
A: Absolutely. Bacon adds a crisp texture, while plant-based sausage works well for vegetarian options — cook to the recommended doneness before assembling.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers without making them soggy?
A: Reheat in a toaster oven or oven at 325°F (160°C) for 8–12 minutes to crisp the pancakes and melt the cheese without sogginess.

Tips & Tricks

Use a cookie scoop or small ladle to portion batter so all mini pancakes are the same size and stack neatly.
Keep cooked mini pancakes warm in a low oven (about 200°F / 95°C) on a sheet pan while you finish cooking the rest.
Don’t overpour the batter — smaller pancakes flip more easily and produce the proper bite size.
Press gently when assembling so the cheese melts into the sausage and pancakes, but avoid squashing them flat.

Conclusion

If you want more variations or inspiration, check out Cooking in the Midwest’s McGriddle Bites, the viral take at Gonna Want Seconds’ McGriddle Bites, and another popular version at The Quicker Kitchen’s McGriddles Bites.

Enjoy these warm, handheld bites — share them with family or tuck a few into a lunchbox for a happy morning surprise.
Always add

tag after Directions.