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These delightful Mini McGriddle Poppers transform McDonald's classic morning sandwich into cute, bite-sized morsels that work great for rushed mornings or lazy weekend gatherings. The wonderful mix of soft pancake, flavorful sausage, and sweet maple creates an unforgettable snack that brings fast-food taste straight to your home.
Ingredients
I first whipped these up when my sister brought her fussy kids to visit. What began as a desperate try to make breakfast exciting has turned into the family brunch item we can't stop requesting. Even my husband who swears he hates when sweet meets savory gobbles these down without complaint.
- Hungry Jack pancake mix: Gives reliable fluffiness and works as the perfect base for our flavors. This premixed option takes away all the guessing for guaranteed success every time.
- Water: Brings the pancake mix to life. Go with cold water if you want thicker bites or use room temperature for something lighter.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds that wonderful savory richness. Grab a block and grate it yourself instead of buying pre-shredded for the meltiest outcome.
- Maple syrup: Adds that classic McGriddle sweetness to the mix. Try to get real maple syrup instead of the breakfast table stuff for stronger, better flavor.
- Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage: Brings solid, well-seasoned taste. The original type works great for authentic flavor, but their maple version can add extra sweetness if you prefer.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
- Get Everything Ready:
- Turn your oven to 400°F and put parchment liners in mini muffin tins or grease each spot thoroughly. The hot oven helps create a golden outside while keeping the inside soft. This prep step stops any sticking problems down the road.
- Brown The Sausage:
- Cook your breakfast sausage in a pan over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until you don't see any pink and the edges turn golden. Break it into tiny pieces as it cooks so it spreads nicely through your bites. Let it drain on paper towels to get rid of extra fat.
- Whip Up The Batter:
- Mix pancake mix with water in a bowl using light stirs just until wet. Don't worry about small lumps - they mean you haven't overmixed, which keeps your pancake bites soft. You want the mix pourable but not too runny.
- Mix In The Good Stuff:
- Stir cooked sausage, cheese and maple syrup into the pancake batter with a spatula. Make sure everything gets spread around evenly so each bite tastes the same. The maple syrup will create little sweet spots throughout.
- Load And Bake:
- Drop the mixture into your prepared mini muffin spots, filling each about three-quarters full so they have room to grow. Bake for 15 minutes until tops bounce back when touched and edges look golden. A toothpick stuck in should come out mostly clean.
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The maple syrup is really the game-changing ingredient that turns these from ordinary breakfast nibbles into something memorable. My grandma showed me that mixing it right into the batter instead of serving it on the side creates those amazing little sweet spots in every bite. We now make them each Christmas morning while we unwrap gifts.
Make Ahead Magic
These Mini McGriddle Poppers were created with chaotic mornings in mind. Make the whole batch the night before and stick them in the fridge in a sealed container. Come morning, just zap a few in the microwave for 20 seconds or warm them in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes until hot. They'll taste almost exactly like fresh-baked ones, which makes this recipe perfect for planning ahead.
Freezer Friendly Breakfast
For keeping them longer, freeze completely cooled bites on a baking sheet until hard, taking about an hour. Then pack them into freezer bags, pushing out as much air as you can. They'll keep good for up to three months. When you want them, warm frozen bites in the microwave for 30 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 8 minutes. This way you'll always have homemade breakfast ready even when life gets crazy.
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Creative Variations
This recipe lets you play around with lots of changes. Swap out sausage for crunchy bacon pieces, diced ham or plant-based breakfast protein. Try different cheeses like pepper jack for some kick, mozzarella for that stretchy pull or Swiss for a nutty flavor. If you don't eat pork, turkey breakfast sausage works great with lower fat content but similar taste. Throw in some chopped chives or green onions to the mix for a fresh touch that cuts through the rich flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Could I use a different pancake mix?
For sure, any mix will do. Hungry Jack is great for its fluffiness, but use whatever pancake mix you like best.
- → What type of cheese tastes best in these?
Sharp cheddar is a classic pick, but mozzarella, Swiss, or even pepper jack work for a fun twist.
- → Can these be prepped in advance?
Yep! Store them in the fridge in a sealed container for a few days or freeze them for later. Pop them in the oven or microwave to reheat.
- → Could I try out other sausage options?
Definitely! Swap in spicy, mild, turkey, or even veggie sausage for a custom vibe.
- → How do I stop these bites from sticking?
Give your pan a good grease, line it with parchment, or go for a silicone muffin pan to avoid sticking.