Name: McGriddle Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 2 tbsp sugar; 1 large egg; 1 cup buttermilk; ¼ cup maple syrup; ¼ cup melted butter; 6 breakfast sausage patties; 6 large eggs; 6 slices American cheese (or cheddar); Maple syrup, for drizzling (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Say hello to the breakfast dream you never knew you needed: McGriddle Muffins! These crave-worthy, maple-kissed muffins hug layers of sizzling sausage, creamy egg, and gooey cheese all in one utterly portable package. Homemade McGriddle Muffins capture everything you love about the drive-thru classic, but they’re even better fresh from your own oven. Perfect for busy mornings, lazy brunches, or just a fun at-home treat, this recipe is about to become a staple for anyone who loves a touch of sweetness with their savory start.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes McGriddle Muffins so special is how each simple ingredient brings something fantastic to the table—sweet maple, rich eggs, savory sausage, and buttery muffins all chime in for breakfast harmony. Here’s everything you’ll need, along with tips to make every bite count.

All-purpose flour: Choose a good quality flour to ensure your muffins are tender and fluffy every time.
Baking powder: This gives our muffins their signature lift—check yours is fresh for the best results.
Baking soda: Helps with browning and tenderness, working magic with the buttermilk.
Salt: Just enough to bring out the complexity in all those flavors.
Sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness and helps create that lovely, golden crust.
Egg: Gives structure and richness both to the muffin and as part of the filling.
Buttermilk: The secret to tender, moist muffins—adds just the right tang, too.
Maple syrup: Opt for real maple syrup for that classic McGriddle touch and deep, caramel-like aroma.
Melted butter: Brings a delicious richness and helps the muffins stay oh-so-soft.
Breakfast sausage patties: Go with your favorite—classic pork, turkey, or even a veggie option if you prefer.
American cheese: Melts beautifully, but cheddar or your favorite cheese would be just as delightful.
Extra maple syrup for drizzling: Totally optional, but there’s something special about that sweet finish right before serving.

How to Make McGriddle Muffins

Step 1: Prep Your Muffin Tin and Oven

Get things rolling by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take a moment to grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin—this small prep step means your McGriddle Muffins will pop out easily, holding their perfect shape and sealing in all that goodness.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a big mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. This blends everything evenly so each muffin puffs up just right and delivers a little sweetness in every bite.

Step 3: Bring Together the Wet Ingredients

In a second bowl, mix your egg, buttermilk, maple syrup, and melted butter. This combination creates that luscious, maple-infused muffin base—don’t skip the real maple syrup if you can help it!

Step 4: Combine for That Perfect Batter

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined—it’s okay if it looks a bit lumpy! Overmixing can make your muffins tough, so a soft hand here is key to fluffy McGriddle Muffins.

Step 5: Layer the Magic

Spoon about a tablespoon of muffin batter into each cup. Next, add a cooked sausage patty and a slice of your chosen cheese right on top. For the eggs, you can either scramble them first and cut them into rounds, or bake them in a sheet and slice—this step ensures a perfect, even layer in each McGriddle Muffin.

Step 6: Top Off and Encase the Filling

Cover each loaded muffin cup with the rest of your batter, spreading it out gently to fully envelop the fillings. This way, every bite comes with a maple muffin hug around those savory insides.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your muffin tin into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the tops are golden and a skewer comes out clean. The kitchen will smell like a sweet-and-savory wonderland—trust me, everyone will be hovering nearby!

Step 8: Cool, Release, and (Maybe) Drizzle

Let your McGriddle Muffins cool slightly in the tin before removing. If you like a touch of extra sweetness, now’s the time to drizzle a little more maple syrup before digging in.

How to Serve McGriddle Muffins

Garnishes

A warm McGriddle Muffin truly shines with a little flourish! Drizzle each muffin with a ribbon of real maple syrup for that iconic sweet note. Or try a pat of richly salted butter on top as they emerge warm from the oven—it melts right in and makes these muffins completely irresistible.

Side Dishes

Serve McGriddle Muffins alongside a fruit salad for brightness, or pair with crispy hash browns for extra crunch. A glass of orange juice or a favorite smoothie rounds out a breakfast spread that feels both homey and a little bit special.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting brunch, stack McGriddle Muffins on a wooden board or platter with colorful fresh fruit tucked in between for a festive touch. For meal prepping, wrap each cooled muffin in parchment and tie with twine for an inviting, portable snack—kids and adults alike will love the personal touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover McGriddle Muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. They’ll keep their flavor and stay moist, ready to reheat for quick and satisfying breakfasts through the week!

Freezing

These muffins are freezer-friendly superstars! Once completely cooled, wrap each McGriddle Muffin tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then tuck into a freezer bag. They’ll keep happily for up to three months. Perfect for batch cooking and planning ahead.

Reheating

To reheat, unwrap your McGriddle Muffin and microwave for 30 to 60 seconds, or until warmed through. To keep the muffin from getting soggy, you can reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven for a crispy edge and warm, melty center. Enjoy in minutes, no fuss!

FAQs

Can I make McGriddle Muffins without buttermilk?

Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit a few minutes and it’ll work beautifully in your muffins.

What’s the best way to prepare the eggs for these muffins?

You can scramble the eggs and bake them in an oven-safe dish or on a sheet pan, then cut into rounds for tidy layering. Alternatively, bake each egg individually in a muffin tin for perfectly sized portions!

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Of course! American cheese melts smoothly for that classic taste, but cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack will bring a new level of savory, melty goodness to your McGriddle Muffins. Play with your favorites!

Are McGriddle Muffins suitable for meal prepping?

Yes! They hold up impressively in the fridge or freezer and are made for grab-and-go breakfasts. Prep a whole batch in advance and you’ll have delicious, homemade convenience at your fingertips all week.

How do I keep McGriddle Muffins from sticking to the pan?

Grease your muffin tin generously or use paper liners to ensure easy removal. If using liners, go for parchment or nonstick varieties for best results—no sticky surprises, just perfect muffins every time.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tried these homemade McGriddle Muffins, you might just say goodbye to the drive-thru! Share them with family, tuck them into lunchboxes, or savor one while you sip coffee on a slow morning. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love having these satisfying, sweet-and-savory muffins in your breakfast rotation!