Mini McGriddle Bites

Craving that sweet-and-savory breakfast combo without the drive-thru? These Mini McGriddle Bites are the perfect bite-sized answer. Fluffy pancake batter surrounds seasoned ground beef and a touch of maple sweetness, creating a fun and portable breakfast you can make at home. Whether you’re prepping for the week or feeding a crowd, these bites are guaranteed to disappear fast!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet & Savory – The perfect balance of pancake and protein.
Bite-Sized Fun – Great for kids, parties, or quick snacks on the go.
Meal Prep Friendly – Make a batch and freeze for busy mornings.
Easy to Customize – Switch up the fillings to suit your tastes.
No Drive-Thru Needed – Enjoy a fast-food favorite in homemade form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pancake Batter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup milk
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tbsp maple syrup (plus more for serving)

For the Filling:

• ½ lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Optional Add-Ins:

• Dash of hot sauce in the batter
• Chopped green onions or herbs
• Extra maple syrup glaze on top

Tools You’ll Need

• Mini muffin pan
• Mixing bowls
• Skillet
• Whisk and spoon
• Non-stick spray or butter for greasing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Break into small crumbles and cook until fully browned.
Drain excess fat and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Pancake Batter
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, mix milk, egg, melted butter, and maple syrup.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined—don’t overmix.

Step 3: Preheat and Grease the Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a mini muffin pan generously with non-stick spray or butter.

Step 4: Assemble the McGriddle Bites
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of pancake batter into each muffin cup.
Add a small spoonful of cooked ground beef (and cheese if using).
Top with another teaspoon of batter to cover the filling.
Drizzle a tiny drop of maple syrup on top for a flavor boost (optional).

Step 5: Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let cool for 5 minutes in the pan before removing.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Serve warm with maple syrup on the side for dipping or drizzle lightly over the top.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a fun appetizer!

Tips for the Best Mini McGriddle Bites
Don’t Overfill – Keep portions small to avoid overflow while baking.
Let the Beef Cool – Warm meat can thin out the batter if added too soon.
Use a Mini Muffin Pan – Regular muffin tins are too large for bite-sized results.
Try Cheese – A small pinch of shredded cheddar adds melty goodness.
Freeze for Later – Store cooled bites in an airtight bag and reheat in the microwave or oven.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a full breakfast plate.
• Pack into lunchboxes for a fun twist on lunch.
• Serve with dipping sauces like maple mustard or sriracha ketchup.
• Add a small slice of cooked egg inside for a more classic sandwich vibe.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Place cooled bites in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
   Yes, ground turkey works great and is a lighter option.
2. Do I have to use cheese?
   No, it’s optional—but it adds a delicious layer of richness.
3. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Yes, just use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
4. What kind of maple syrup should I use?
   Pure maple syrup gives the best flavor—avoid pancake syrup for a more natural taste.
5. Can I make them ahead for brunch?
   Absolutely! Bake the day before and warm them just before serving.

Final Thoughts
Mini McGriddle Bites are the ultimate homemade version of your favorite sweet-and-savory breakfast sandwich. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for busy mornings, these little bites pack a big punch of flavor. They’re easy, delicious, and just plain fun to eat!

Give them a try, and don’t forget to share your creations online! We’d love to see how you make these your own.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 3 Bites):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 14g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 320mg

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