Homemade McGriddles: The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Delicious Pancake Breakfast Sandwiches at Home
Transform your morning routine with these incredibly satisfying Homemade McGriddles. Moving beyond the typical fast-food version, these pancake breakfast sandwiches offer a customizable, easy-to-make, and undeniably superior breakfast experience. Imagine fluffy, maple-infused pancakes hugging savory sausage and a perfectly cooked egg – it’s a breakfast symphony that brings joy to any day.
For many, the McGriddle holds a special place in childhood memories. I recall my son’s fondness for a simple sausage McGriddle from a certain popular fast-food chain. While we didn’t often indulge in eating out, it was a treat he genuinely loved. Back then, his preference was always for the egg-free version, but as he’s grown, his tastes have evolved. Today, we’re incorporating a fluffy egg into these homemade delights, not only for an added boost of protein but also because it’s become his preferred way to enjoy this classic sandwich as an adult.
This blog is no stranger to delightful breakfast sandwiches designed for busy mornings and family enjoyment. We’ve explored popular options such as our crowd-pleasing Breakfast Sliders, the timeless Bacon Egg and Cheese Sandwich, and a convenient Sausage Breakfast Sandwich perfect for freezing and reheating on hectic weekdays. Each recipe aims to simplify breakfast without sacrificing flavor, and these Homemade McGriddles are no exception.
What truly sets this Homemade McGriddle recipe apart is the foundation: a perfectly fluffy pancake. Unlike generic pancakes, these are crafted with a subtle hint of cinnamon and a touch of real maple syrup baked right into the batter. This infuses every bite with that signature sweet and savory balance that McGriddle enthusiasts adore. Layered within this delightful pancake “bun” is your choice of perfectly cooked savory sausage and a light, fluffy egg. This combination ensures all your favorite breakfast food groups are represented, creating a hearty, filling, and utterly delicious meal that’s far superior to anything you’d get from a drive-thru.
Why Choose Homemade McGriddles?
There are countless reasons to swap your fast-food breakfast habit for this homemade alternative. Firstly, control over ingredients is paramount. You choose fresh, high-quality components, avoiding artificial flavors and preservatives often found in commercial options. Secondly, customization is key. Want extra cheese? A different kind of sausage? A fried egg instead of scrambled? The power is yours! Finally, the taste and texture are simply unmatched. Freshly made pancakes, perfectly seasoned sausage, and eggs cooked to your liking elevate this breakfast sandwich to a gourmet level, providing a truly satisfying start to your day.
Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade McGriddles
For the exact measurements and detailed instructions, be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.
Crafting the perfect Homemade McGriddle requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients, focusing on both the pancake and the fillings. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need, along with insights into their role in achieving that iconic taste and texture:
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our fluffy pancakes. Ensure it’s fresh for the best rise and texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides just the right amount of sweetness to the pancakes, balancing the savory elements.
- Cinnamon: This is a key ingredient that gives the pancakes that distinct, warm, and comforting flavor profile reminiscent of the classic McGriddle. Don’t skip it!
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: The dynamic duo for leavening. They work together with the buttermilk to create incredibly light and airy pancakes.
- Salt: A pinch of salt is crucial for enhancing all the other flavors, making both the sweet and savory notes truly pop.
- Buttermilk: Essential for tender, fluffy pancakes with a slight tang. If you don’t have any on hand, don’t fret! You can easily make Homemade Buttermilk in less than a minute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.
- Eggs: Divided for both the pancake batter (for structure and richness) and the fluffy egg patties that form the heart of the sandwich.
- Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is baked directly into the pancake batter, providing that authentic, sweet maple flavor that defines a McGriddle.
- Vegetable Oil: Used in the pancake batter for moisture and tenderness, and also for cooking the pancakes on the griddle.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla adds depth and a lovely aroma to the pancakes.
- Sausage Patties: The savory star of the sandwich. Choose your favorite type, whether it’s pork, turkey, or chicken breakfast sausage.
While you could certainly use your go-to Buttermilk Pancakes recipe for convenience, I highly recommend following this specific pancake recipe. The addition of cinnamon and maple syrup directly into the batter is what truly captures the essence of the beloved fast-food McGriddle, elevating these homemade versions beyond compare.
How To Craft Your Own Homemade McGriddles
Creating these delightful pancake breakfast sandwiches is a straightforward process, broken down into a few manageable steps. The key is to prepare each component to perfection before assembling your ultimate McGriddle. Let’s walk through it:
- Prepare the Pancakes: Begin by combining all your dry ingredients – flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt – in a large bowl. In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the wet ingredients: buttermilk, an egg, maple syrup, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Gently pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. A few lumps are perfectly normal and actually desirable for tender pancakes; avoid overmixing.
- Cook the Pancakes: Heat a large griddle or skillet over medium heat. Once hot, lightly grease it. Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of batter for each pancake onto the griddle. Aim for pancakes roughly the size of your sausage patties. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until you see plenty of tiny bubbles forming on the surface, indicating they’re ready to flip. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cook the Eggs: The beauty of homemade is choosing your egg style! For efficiency, you have a few options:
- Baked Sheet Pan Eggs: For larger batches, bake scrambled eggs in a 13×9 inch pan, then cut into squares. Our Sausage Breakfast Sandwich recipe utilizes this method.
- Fried Eggs in a Skillet: Simply fry multiple eggs simultaneously in a large skillet if you prefer a classic fried egg.
- Fluffy Folded Eggs (McGriddle Style): To mimic the classic folded egg patty, beat 1 egg with 1 teaspoon of water in a small bowl. Pour this into a hot, lightly greased skillet. Let it cook for about 2 minutes, until mostly set but still slightly moist. Gently fold the egg into thirds, as if you’re folding an omelet, then fold that piece in half in the other direction to form a compact square. This method creates a wonderfully fluffy and sandwich-ready egg.
- Cook the Sausage: Follow the package directions for your chosen sausage patties to cook them thoroughly. Whether pan-frying or baking, ensure they are cooked to a safe internal temperature and nicely browned for maximum flavor.
- Assemble Your McGriddles: Once all components are ready, it’s time for assembly! Place one perfectly cooked pancake on your plate. Top it with a savory sausage patty, followed by your fluffy egg. Finish by placing another pancake on top, creating a delightful sandwich. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade creation!
Recipe Tips, Suggestions & Variations
Making Homemade McGriddles is a joy, and these tips will help you achieve perfection while also offering exciting ways to customize your breakfast sandwiches:
- Fantastic for Freezing: One of the biggest advantages of making these at home is their freezer-friendliness. If you’ve made a batch of 8 and don’t plan to eat them all immediately, they freeze exceptionally well. To freeze, let the assembled sandwiches cool completely. Wrap each individual sandwich first in a paper towel (this helps absorb moisture when reheating), then tightly in aluminum foil or parchment paper. Store them in an airtight freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a quick breakfast, simply microwave a frozen sandwich (still wrapped in the paper towel) for about 1 minute, rotate, and microwave for another 45 seconds to 1 minute until heated through.
- Add a Slice of Cheese: While not included in the primary recipe here, cheese is a classic breakfast sandwich component. A slice of melted Cheddar, American, or even Pepper Jack for a kick, placed on top of the sausage patty while it’s still warm, would be absolutely delicious and melt beautifully.
- Vary Your Eggs: I’ve opted for a folded scrambled egg for this recipe, offering a fluffy texture that fits perfectly. However, feel free to switch it up! For those who love a runny yolk, a perfectly fried egg is a fantastic alternative. Simply place a fried egg on top of the sausage. Poached eggs could also add an interesting, gourmet touch.
- Choose Your Favorite Sausage: The type of sausage is entirely up to your preference. Pork breakfast sausage is traditional, but turkey or chicken sausage patties are excellent leaner alternatives. The main goal is to size your pancakes appropriately so they match the diameter of your chosen sausage patties for a well-proportioned sandwich.
- Pancake Sizing Secret: To ensure your pancakes are the ideal size to match standard breakfast sausage patties, I recommend using a medium cookie scoop, which holds about 2 tablespoons of batter. This creates consistently sized pancakes that perfectly cradle your fillings.
- Keep Everything Warm: Since this recipe involves a few different cooking steps, keeping everything warm until assembly can be a challenge. A great trick is to preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 200º F (95º C). As each component (pancakes, eggs, sausage) finishes cooking, transfer them to a baking sheet and keep them in the warm oven until you’re ready to assemble all the sandwiches.
- Spice it Up: Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to your egg mixture for a little heat.
- Sweetness Boost: A drizzle of extra maple syrup over the assembled sandwich just before serving can never hurt if you have a sweet tooth!
Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the best features of these Homemade McGriddles is their incredible versatility as a make-ahead meal, perfect for those rushed weekday mornings or anytime you need a quick, satisfying bite. Preparing a batch in advance means you’ll always have a delicious breakfast option ready to go.
Refrigeration: If you plan to enjoy your McGriddles within a few days, simply store them in the refrigerator. Once completely cooled after assembly, wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They will stay fresh and delicious in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing for Longer Storage: For longer-term planning, freezing is an excellent option. Follow the same cooling and individual wrapping method as for refrigeration, but ensure an extra layer of protection, perhaps by placing the individually wrapped sandwiches into a large freezer-safe bag or airtight container. These breakfast sandwiches can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality.
Reheating Instructions:
- From the Refrigerator: Unwrap the sandwich and microwave it for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can heat it in a toaster oven or skillet over medium-low heat until hot and slightly crispy on the pancakes.
- From the Freezer: For a frozen sandwich, remove the foil/parchment paper but keep it wrapped in a paper towel (if you used one). Microwave on high for 1 to 1.5 minutes, flip, and continue heating for another 30-60 seconds, or until completely hot in the center. The paper towel helps prevent the pancakes from becoming rubbery. You can also finish heating in a toaster oven or regular oven after partially microwaving to crisp up the pancakes if desired.
Having a stash of these delightful Homemade McGriddles in your freezer truly simplifies breakfast prep, allowing you to enjoy a wholesome and flavorful meal even on your busiest days.
More Easy Breakfast Recipes
If you loved making these Homemade McGriddles, you’re in for a treat! We have a treasure trove of other easy and delicious breakfast recipes designed to make your mornings brighter and your weekends tastier. Explore these family favorites:
- Sheet Pan Pancakes: Perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal effort!
- Bacon Cheese Egg Muffins: Portable, protein-packed, and great for meal prep.
- Breakfast Pizza: A fun and customizable way to enjoy your morning meal.
- Breakfast Quesadilla: Quick, cheesy, and utterly satisfying.
- Crockpot Breakfast Casserole: Wake up to a delicious breakfast with almost no morning effort.
Homemade McGriddles
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Ingredients
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 9 Eggs, Divided
- 2 tablespoons Pure Maple Syrup
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- 8 Sausage Patties
Instructions
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Heat large skillet or a griddle over medium heat.
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In a large bowl mix together flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
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In a 2 cup measuring cup, mix together buttermilk, egg, maple syrup, vegetable oil, and vanilla. Pour into flour mixture, and mix until combined. There will still be some lumps.
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Pour about 2 Tablespoons of batter onto the hot griddle (you want the pancakes to be about the size of your sausage patties). Let cook until tiny bubbles form on top of the pancakes. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
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Meanwhile, cook your sausage patties according to the package directions.
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Heat a skillet over medium heat. Beat 1 egg in a bowl with 1 teaspoon of water. Lightly spray or brush the skillet with butter. Pour in the egg and let it spread into a thin layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes until mostly cooked through. Fold into thirds, like you would an omelet. And then fold in half. Remove and continue with the remaining eggs.
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To build your sandwiches place a sausage patty on one pancake. Top with the egg and another pancake.
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Serve immediately.
Notes
Pancake recipe from Stack Happy
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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