Description

These irresistible McGriddle Bites are delightful sweet sausage muffins combining savory browned breakfast sausage, fluffy maple pancake batter, and melted cheddar cheese in every bite. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, they offer a delicious mix of sweet and savory flavors with optional spicy jalapeños or fruity blueberries for added contrast. Ideal as a quick breakfast or snack, these mini muffins are easy to prepare and sure to satisfy cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

Sausage Mixture

1 pound breakfast sausage (use regular pork sausage for the best flavor and texture)

Batter

2 cups Hungry Jack Pancake Mix (choose a mix that just requires water for easy prep)
1 cup water (filtered or tap water works well)
1/4 cup pure maple syrup (opt for pure maple syrup to enhance sweetness)

Mix-ins (Optional)

1 cup cheddar cheese (freshly shredded from block cheese melts beautifully)
1/4 cup diced jalapeños (adds a spicy kick, optional)
1/2 cup blueberries (for a burst of fruity contrast in each muffin, optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Tin: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Grease a mini muffin tin thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Cook Sausage: Brown the breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and browned. Drain off any excess grease to avoid soggy muffins.
Mix Batter: In a large bowl, combine the pancake mix, water, and maple syrup. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix to keep the batter light and fluffy.
Incorporate Sausage and Cheese: Gently fold in the cooked sausage pieces and freshly shredded cheddar cheese until everything is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool slightly before removing them from the tin. Serve warm with extra maple syrup on the side for dipping to enhance the sweet and savory experience.

Notes

You can omit jalapeños and blueberries if you prefer a more classic sweet-savory muffin without the extra spice or fruitiness.
For best texture, use freshly shredded cheddar cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties which may contain anti-caking agents.
Make sure to drain excess grease from the cooked sausage to prevent greasy muffins.
These muffins are best enjoyed warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
Using a mini muffin tin creates perfectly bite-sized portions ideal for breakfast or on-the-go snacking.