Ingredients
Method
- Step 1 – Make the Pancake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then add the buttermilk, melted butter, and maple syrup. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Stir just until no dry flour remains. Let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes. Optional: Drop small frozen maple syrup disks into the center of each pancake while cooking for a syrup-pocket effect.
- Step 2 – Cook the Pancake Buns: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Lightly grease the surface and pour ¼ cup batter per pancake to make two small, uniform rounds. Cook 2–3 minutes, until bubbles form on the surface. Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until golden brown. Repeat to make a full set of “buns.” Let them cool slightly on a wire rack to avoid sogginess.
- Step 3 – Cook the Sausage and Egg: For sausage: Cook the sausage patties in a skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. Set aside on paper towels to drain. For egg: Heat butter in a small non-stick pan. Crack the egg, scramble gently, and cook until just set. Fold it neatly into a square or circle to fit the bun. McDonald’s-style tip: Cook the egg in a mason jar lid or egg ring for a perfectly round, uniform shape.
- Step 4 – Assemble the McGriddle: Place one pancake bun on a plate. Layer with a slice of cheese, then the sausage patty, then the egg. Top with the second pancake. Drizzle with a tiny bit of maple syrup if desired or keep it neat and portable. Serve warm, with a hot coffee or juice on the side.
Notes
Tips for Getting That Authentic McGriddle Taste:
Use Maple Syrup Disks for Syrup “Pockets” by pouring small amounts of real maple syrup into mini silicone molds or onto a parchment-lined tray and freezing until solid. When cooking pancakes, place a syrup disk in the center of the batter before flipping. Alternatively, use Maple Crystals or Maple Sugar stirred directly into the batter. Always use 100% pure maple syrup.
Match the Texture and Assembly by using a ring mold for pancakes and eggs. Let cheese melt between sausage and egg. Serve immediately or keep warm in foil.
Customizing Your McGriddle:
Swap the Protein: Use bacon, turkey sausage, plant-based sausage (e.g., Beyond Meat, MorningStar), or even fried chicken.
Add or Switch the Cheese: Try cheddar, pepper jack for a spicy kick, Swiss, provolone, or vegan cheese.
Boost the Flavor with Sauces or Extras: Add hot sauce/sriracha, aioli/chipotle mayo, caramelized onions, a hash brown patty, or spinach/arugula.
Healthy Swap Ideas:
Use turkey sausage to cut fat.
Opt for reduced-fat cheese.
Use whole wheat flour or almond flour for pancakes for extra fiber.
Skip or reduce maple syrup for a lower sugar version.
Best Times to Serve It:
Beyond breakfast, serve for Weekend Brunch, as a Post-Workout Meal, Breakfast for Dinner (Brinner), On-the-Go Meals, or for Family Meal Prep.
Freezing and Reheating Homemade McGriddles:
To Freeze: Let cool completely, wrap each tightly in foil or parchment, then place in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 2 months. Flash freeze on a tray for 30 minutes before bagging to avoid squishing.
Reheating Instructions: From the fridge, microwave for 45–60 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel. From frozen, microwave for 2–3 minutes, flipping halfway, or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes wrapped in foil. To retain crispness, reheat pancakes separately in a skillet or toaster oven after thawing. Avoid over-microwaving to prevent rubbery pancakes and tough eggs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make McGriddles ahead of time? Yes, cook, cool, wrap, and refrigerate (up to 3 days) or freeze (up to 2 months).
How do I keep the pancakes fluffy? Don’t overmix batter, use fresh baking powder/soda, let batter rest 5–10 minutes, and cook over medium-low heat.
What’s the best way to shape the eggs? Use an egg ring or mason jar lid sprayed with oil. Or fold scrambled eggs into a square.
Can I make a vegan McGriddle? Yes, use vegan pancake batter (almond milk + flax egg), plant-based sausage, vegan cheese, and tofu/chickpea “egg” alternatives.
What type of cheese melts best? American cheese (most authentic), cheddar for sharper flavor, mozzarella/Swiss for stretch, or pepper jack for heat.
Can I use a waffle instead of pancakes? Absolutely, for extra crunch. Make mini waffles and follow the same assembly.