These Pancake Muffin McGriddles are everything you love about a classic fast-food breakfast, made easy at home! Imagine fluffy maple-infused pancakes hugging gooey melted cheese, crispy bacon, and a perfectly cooked egg—all in one compact, handheld muffin. Whether you’re rushing out the door or planning a leisurely weekend brunch, these muffins deliver that sweet-and-savory magic without the drive-thru wait.
Let’s dive into the easy steps to create this irresistible breakfast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pancake Muffins
- 1 cup pancake mix (such as Bisquick) or your favorite homemade pancake batter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (plus extra for drizzling, optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for added sweetness)
For the Fillings
- 4 slices bacon, cooked until crispy
- 4 slices American cheese (or any cheese you love)
- 4 eggs, cooked to your preference (fried, scrambled, or over-easy)
Optional Toppings
- Extra maple syrup for drizzling
- Sliced green onions or a splash of hot sauce for garnish
How to Make Pancake Muffin McGriddles
Preheat the Oven
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a standard 6-cup muffin tin or use silicone muffin liners for easier cleanup.
Prepare the Pancake Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, milk, egg, maple syrup, and vanilla extract (if using). Stir until the batter is smooth and thick but still pourable.
Tip: If your batter feels too thick, add a splash more milk to loosen it.
Build the Muffins
- Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of the pancake batter into each muffin cup.
- Spread the batter evenly to cover the bottom.
- Place one slice of cheese into each muffin cup.
- Crack an egg over the cheese or add a pre-cooked egg if you prefer a fully set center.
- Top with another spoonful of batter, making sure to spread it gently to completely cover the egg and cheese.
Bake the Muffins
Bake the muffins for 15–20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops are golden brown and the pancake is cooked through.
If you prefer a softer yolk, bake for closer to 15 minutes. For fully cooked eggs, leave them for the full 20 minutes.
Once baked, allow them to cool slightly before handling.
Assemble Your Breakfast Muffins
Once slightly cooled, place a crispy bacon slice on top of each pancake muffin.
Optional: Drizzle lightly with maple syrup for that iconic McGriddle sweetness!
Serve and Enjoy
Serve these delicious muffins warm. You can either enjoy them as-is or slice each muffin in half and sandwich the bacon in between for a more traditional McGriddle-style breakfast.
Garnish with sliced green onions or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little kick!
Expert Tips and Variations
Make It Mini
Use a mini muffin tin to create bite-sized McGriddles—perfect for brunch parties, kid-friendly snacks, or easy meal prep.
Swap the Protein
Not a bacon fan? No problem! Try substituting sausage patties, ham slices, or turkey bacon for a tasty twist.
Go Veggie
Sauté spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes and add them to the center for a vegetarian-friendly option that’s still packed with flavor.
Gluten-Free Option
Simply use a high-quality gluten-free pancake mix to make this recipe celiac-friendly without sacrificing taste.
Storage and Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Warm them in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven for a crispier bite.
Customize the Flavor
For a sweeter breakfast muffin, mix a teaspoon of cinnamon into the batter.
For a savory boost, add chopped chives or a pinch of black pepper before baking.
Why You’ll Love These Pancake Muffin McGriddles
- Sweet and Savory Bliss: The rich maple syrup, fluffy pancake, savory bacon, and gooey cheese create the perfect flavor harmony.
- Totally Customizable: You can easily adjust fillings and toppings to match your cravings.
- Perfect for Busy Mornings: Grab one and go—no utensils needed!
- Fun for Kids: Let kids help assemble their own muffins with their favorite add-ins.
- Homemade Freshness: You control the ingredients, making them healthier and more satisfying than the fast-food version.
These homemade McGriddle muffins bring all the craveable flavors you love straight into your kitchen, fresh and delicious. Once you try them, you’ll want to make them part of your regular breakfast lineup!
FAQs About Pancake Muffin McGriddles
Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes! Bake a batch and refrigerate them. When ready to eat, just reheat in the microwave or toaster oven. They’re perfect for meal prepping your breakfast for the week.
Can I freeze pancake muffin McGriddles?
Absolutely. After baking and cooling, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze. To reheat, microwave for about 1–2 minutes or warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
What type of pancake mix works best?
A classic mix like Bisquick works wonderfully, but any pancake mix will do. You can even make your favorite homemade batter if you prefer.
How do I keep the eggs from overcooking?
If you like a runny yolk, slightly underbake the muffins (about 15 minutes). Keep an eye on them toward the end and remove them once the tops are golden but still soft.
What else can I add inside?
Feel free to get creative! Some delicious ideas include:
- Caramelized onions
- Crumbled breakfast sausage
- Sliced jalapeños for some heat
- Spinach and feta for a Mediterranean twist
Final Thoughts
Making these Pancake Muffin McGriddles at home is simple, fun, and incredibly rewarding. With minimal prep and endless options for customization, they offer a satisfying breakfast that can be enjoyed fresh or made ahead for busy mornings.
Skip the drive-thru next weekend and whip up a batch of these sweet and savory breakfast muffins—you’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear!