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This homemade McGriddle recipe recreates the famous McDonald's breakfast sandwich with fluffy maple-infused pancakes, eggs, cheese, and your choice of bacon or sausage. The sweet and savory combination delivers that authentic fast food experience right from your own kitchen, perfect for weekend breakfast or brunch.
I first made these McGriddles when my kids begged for McDonald's breakfast during a snowstorm. Now they actually prefer my homemade version and request it almost every weekend. The maple syrup pockets in the pancakes make all the difference.
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: Forms the base of our pancake batter creating the perfect texture
- Baking powder: Provides the lift needed for fluffy pancakes; look for aluminum-free varieties
- White sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to complement the maple syrup
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness
- Milk: Creates the right consistency for the batter; whole milk works best
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the pancakes
- Butter: Gives richness and helps create golden edges on the pancakes
- Pure maple syrup: Creates those signature sweet pockets; use real maple, not pancake syrup
- Large eggs: For both the batter and filling; fresh eggs work best
- Cheese slices: American cheese melts beautifully but use your favorite
- Bacon slices or sausage patties: For the authentic McGriddle experience
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Batter:
- Sift together your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add the wet ingredients: milk, vanilla, melted butter, and one egg, mixing until smooth. The batter should be somewhat thick but still pourable. Let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the baking powder to activate.
- Cook the Pancakes:
- Heat your griddle or pan over medium-low heat and spray with cooking spray. Place your metal biscuit cutter in the pan and spray the inside. Scoop batter into the cutter filling about halfway. The secret step happens now: add about 2 teaspoons of maple syrup to the center of the pancake and use a toothpick to gently swirl it in. This creates those magical pockets of sweetness.
- Flip and Finish Pancakes:
- Watch for bubbles to form and edges to dry (about 2 minutes), then carefully remove the biscuit cutter using tongs if needed. Gently flip the pancake and cook for another 2 minutes until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm. Repeat with remaining batter.
- Cook the Proteins:
- While pancakes are cooking, prepare your bacon or sausage in a separate pan until fully cooked. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease. The protein should be ready just as your pancakes finish.
- Prepare the Eggs:
- Clean your biscuit cutter and respray with cooking spray. Place it in a heated skillet and crack an egg into the center. Season with a pinch of salt and let cook until edges set (about 2 minutes). Remove the cutter carefully, then flip the egg to finish cooking. Repeat for all servings.
- Assemble Your McGriddle:
- Take one pancake and top with a slice of cheese, which will begin melting from the heat. Add your perfectly round egg, then bacon or sausage. Top with a second pancake, pressing gently to create your sandwich. The warmth will help everything meld together beautifully.
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My family always argues over which is better: bacon or sausage in these sandwiches. I personally love the smoky crunch of bacon but my husband insists sausage is the authentic choice. Either way, the maple syrup pockets in the pancakes transform an ordinary breakfast sandwich into something special.
Storage Solutions
These McGriddles are perfect for batch cooking and freezing. After cooking the pancakes, let them cool completely, then layer between sheets of waxed paper before placing in a freezer bag. They will keep for up to a month this way. When ready to enjoy, simply pop the frozen pancakes in the toaster until warm, about 1 to 2 minutes. You can also prep the eggs ahead of time by cooking them as directed, letting them cool, and freezing separately. The fully assembled sandwiches can be wrapped individually in parchment paper, then foil, and frozen for grab-and-go breakfasts.
Perfect Pairings
Transform your homemade McGriddle into a complete breakfast experience by serving with fresh fruit for a pop of color and nutrition. A small bowl of yogurt with berries balances the richness of the sandwich. For beverage pairings, cold brew coffee or fresh orange juice complements the sweet and savory flavors perfectly. If serving for a weekend brunch, consider adding a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the sandwich.
Kid Friendly Tips
Children love helping make these special breakfast sandwiches. Let younger kids assist with measuring ingredients for the pancake batter or stirring in the maple syrup. Older children can help with the assembly process, creating their own custom McGriddles. For picky eaters, consider making mini versions using smaller biscuit cutters or even cookie cutters in fun shapes. This recipe is also perfect for slumber parties or weekend morning activities with the added bonus of being much more affordable than taking everyone to the drive-thru.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I prevent the pancake batter from sticking to the biscuit cutter?
Make sure to spray the inside of the biscuit cutter generously with non-stick cooking spray before adding the batter. Repeat this step for each pancake to avoid sticking.
- → Can I make this sandwich without a biscuit cutter?
Yes! You can use a metal mason jar lid or ring mold as an alternative to create perfectly round pancakes and eggs.
- → How can I make a dairy-free version of this sandwich?
Replace the milk in the pancake batter with a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk. Swap the butter for vegetable oil and omit the cheese for a completely dairy-free option.
- → What are some meat-free substitutions for this sandwich?
You can omit the bacon or sausage and load up on vegetables like sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or avocado slices for a vegetarian option.
- → How can I store leftovers for later?
Let the pancakes cool completely, then layer them between sheets of waxed paper and store in a reusable freezer bag or airtight container for up to one month. Reheat gently in a toaster or toaster oven when ready to enjoy.
- → Can I use pre-made pancake mix instead of making it from scratch?
Absolutely! If you're short on time, using a pre-made pancake mix is a great shortcut. Just prepare the batter as directed on the mix packaging.