There’s something deeply comforting about the perfect balance of sweet and savory—especially in the morning. Imagine biting into a soft, golden muffin that oozes melty cheese, houses a juicy sausage patty, and finishes with a hint of maple syrup. These Homemade McGriddle Muffins are the kind of breakfast that makes you linger at the kitchen table just a little longer.
Whether it’s a cozy weekend brunch, a busy weekday grab-and-go option, or something fun to bake with the kids on a Sunday morning, this recipe checks all the boxes. Inspired by the nostalgic flavors of a classic McDonald’s McGriddle sandwich, this muffin version turns your favorite fast-food breakfast into a homemade masterpiece—without the drive-thru.
So preheat that oven, grab your muffin tin, and let’s bring a little extra joy to your breakfast routine!
Why You’ll Love These McGriddle Muffins
Before we dive into the step-by-step recipe, here’s why this is about to become your new go-to breakfast recipe:
- ✅ Easy to make: No special equipment or fancy ingredients required.
- ✅ Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch ahead and reheat during the week.
- ✅ Crowd-pleaser: Great for feeding family, hosting brunch, or impressing guests.
- ✅ Customizable: Swap sausage for bacon or cheese for a different twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe brings together classic breakfast elements in muffin form. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
The Filling
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, shaped into small patties
- 6 slices American cheese, folded or cut to fit muffins
- Maple syrup, for drizzling (optional but highly recommended)
🔥 Pro Tip: Use high-quality sausage for the best flavor. You can also make homemade patties with ground pork, sage, salt, and pepper!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray or line it with paper liners. You want to make sure the muffins come out easily once baked.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Whisk together until everything is evenly distributed.
3. Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix:
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Whisk until smooth and well blended. This will give your muffins a tender, moist crumb.
4. Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be slightly lumpy.
💡 Overmixing can make muffins dense instead of fluffy. Stir just until the flour is incorporated.
5. Cook the Sausage Patties
While your batter rests for a minute, cook your sausage patties in a skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Each patty should be about 2 to 2.5 inches in diameter to fit snugly inside the muffins.
Drain on paper towels and set aside.
6. Assemble the Muffins
Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter. Gently press a sausage patty into the center of each one. Add a folded or cut piece of American cheese on top of the sausage.
Spoon a bit more batter over each muffin to cover the sausage and cheese completely.
7. Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted (away from the sausage) comes out clean.
Let them cool for 5 minutes before removing them from the tin.
8. Add the Maple Magic
Right before serving, drizzle each muffin with warm maple syrup for that authentic McGriddle flavor experience. It’s the sweet finish that ties everything together.
How to Store & Reheat
One of the best things about this recipe is how well these muffins keep! Here’s how to make the most of your leftovers:
Refrigerator
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To reheat: Microwave for 30–45 seconds or wrap in foil and heat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
Freezer
- Let the muffins cool completely.
- Wrap each in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- To reheat: Microwave for 60–90 seconds or bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
✅ Freezer-friendly and portable—perfect for busy mornings!
Customizing Your McGriddle Muffins
Want to make this recipe your own? Here are a few creative spins to try:
Protein Swaps
- Turkey sausage for a leaner version
- Bacon crumbles for a smoky bite
- Vegetarian sausage to keep it meat-free
Cheese Variations
- Cheddar for a sharper flavor
- Pepper jack for a little spice
- Mozzarella for that stretchy melt
Add-Ins
- A few blueberries in the batter for sweet bursts
- Chopped chives for a savory, herby note
- A dash of hot sauce in the batter for some kick
What to Serve With McGriddle Muffins
These muffins are incredibly satisfying on their own, but if you want to round out a full breakfast spread, consider pairing them with:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Scrambled eggs or an omelet
- Hash browns or home fries
- Cold brew coffee or a smoothie
They also make a fun addition to brunch buffets or breakfast-for-dinner nights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these muffins without buttermilk?
Yes! You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk + 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Are these muffins sweet or savory?
Both! The batter has a light sweetness, the cheese and sausage bring savory richness, and the maple syrup ties it all together with a sweet finish.
Can I use pancake mix instead of making the batter from scratch?
You can! Use your favorite pancake mix and follow package directions, adjusting the quantity to make about 12 muffins.
The Final Bite: Why McGriddle Muffins Are a Must-Try
Homemade McGriddle Muffins are the ultimate breakfast hack. They deliver comfort, convenience, and irresistible flavor in every bite. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping up something special for loved ones, these muffins offer a gourmet twist on a classic comfort food—no drive-thru required.
They’re fun to make, satisfying to eat, and so easy to share. Bring them to your next brunch gathering, pack them for a road trip, or freeze them for a treat-you morning.
So, go ahead—make a batch and taste the magic of maple, cheese, and sausage in muffin form. Once you try them, they’ll become a breakfast staple in your kitchen.