McGriddle Breakfast Sandwiches

Highlighted in: Rise & Shine with Delicious Morning Recipes

These homemade McGriddle sandwiches combine sweet maple-infused pancakes with savory breakfast staples. You'll make mini pancakes with maple syrup mixed into the batter, then layer them with sausage patties, folded eggs, cheese, and turkey ham. The result is that perfect sweet-savory combination that makes the original so craveable, but with the benefit of using your own quality ingredients. The pancakes can be made ahead and frozen, making these a quick breakfast option any day of the week.

A woman with a spoon in her hand.
Written by Emma
Last modified on Fri, 11 Jul 2025 10:01:51 GMT
A stack of pancakes with bacon and cheese. Bookmark
A stack of pancakes with bacon and cheese. | mygourmetflavors.com

This hearty homemade McGriddle sandwich brings the beloved fast-food breakfast classic right to your kitchen with an upgraded twist. The secret is in the maple-infused pancakes that perfectly balance sweet and savory flavors while surrounding your favorite breakfast proteins.

I started making these during the pandemic when our family's weekend McDonald's runs came to a halt. What began as a necessity quickly became our new Saturday morning tradition, with my kids now preferring these homemade versions to the original.

Ingredients

  • All purpose flour creates the perfect pancake texture while providing structure to hold your fillings
  • Sugar balances the savory elements and helps achieve that golden brown color
  • Baking powder gives your pancakes the ideal rise without being too cakey
  • Maple syrup incorporated directly into the batter for that authentic McGriddle sweetness in every bite
  • Beef sausage patties provide rich flavor and satisfying protein choose high quality ones with visible herbs for best results
  • Turkey ham offers a leaner alternative to traditional ham while still delivering that classic breakfast meat flavor
  • Cheese slices American or cheddar melt beautifully and create that gooey center that holds everything together

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Pancake Batter
Combine your dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients including maple syrup in another. The key is gentle mixing when combining them together some lumps are perfectly fine and actually desirable for fluffy pancakes. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes to allow the gluten to relax and baking powder to activate.
Cook Perfect Mini Pancakes
Heat your pan to medium not high which would burn the outside before cooking the inside. Pour batter in 3 inch circles and look for the telltale bubbles forming on top before flipping. These pancakes should be slightly thicker than regular ones to support your fillings without falling apart. The first side takes about 90 seconds while the second side needs just 60 seconds.
Cook Protein Elements
Use the residual heat and flavor in your pan to cook sausage patties until they reach 160°F internally. For the turkey ham a quick 30 second warming on each side develops flavor through light caramelization. Keep both warm while preparing eggs.
Perfect Your Eggs
Whisk eggs vigorously for at least 30 seconds to incorporate air for fluffier results. Pour into a buttered pan and gently pull the edges toward center while tilting the pan to allow uncooked egg to flow underneath. Cook until just set but still slightly glossy on top for the perfect texture.
Assemble With Strategy
Start with a pancake as your base then immediately add cheese so the residual heat begins melting it. Layer sausage next followed by egg and ham before crowning with the second pancake. The order matters for optimal temperature and texture.
A stack of pancakes with syrup and bacon. Bookmark
A stack of pancakes with syrup and bacon. | mygourmetflavors.com

The maple syrup in the pancake batter is truly what makes these special. I discovered this trick after several failed attempts at recreating that signature McGriddle sweetness. My son actually declared these better than the drive-thru version when I perfected the syrup-to-batter ratio.

Freezing For Busy Mornings

These McGriddles are perfect for meal prep. After assembling, let them cool completely, then wrap each sandwich individually in parchment paper before placing in a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, unwrap and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or for best results, wrap in foil and heat in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes. The pancakes maintain their texture surprisingly well, unlike store-bought frozen breakfast sandwiches that often become soggy.

Healthier Adaptations

Transform this indulgent breakfast into a more nutritious option with simple swaps. Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for added fiber, substitute turkey or chicken sausage for beef, and opt for egg whites instead of whole eggs to reduce calories and fat. You can also reduce the maple syrup slightly and add a mashed ripe banana to the batter for natural sweetness. These modifications maintain the satisfying flavor while aligning with more health-conscious eating habits.

Kid-Friendly Variations

Turn this recipe into a fun family breakfast activity by creating a McGriddle assembly station. Prepare all components and let everyone build their own sandwich. Children love choosing their own adventure with toppings like sliced avocado, different cheese varieties, or even a spread of peanut butter for an unexpected sweet and savory combination. I found this approach not only creates a memorable breakfast experience but also encourages pickier eaters to try new ingredients when they have control over their creation.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these McGriddle sandwiches ahead of time?

Yes! The pancakes can be made in advance and frozen. Simply place parchment paper between each pancake and store in a freezer bag. The fully assembled sandwiches can also be wrapped individually and frozen. Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

→ How can I make these breakfast sandwiches healthier?

Try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose, turkey or chicken sausage instead of beef, egg whites instead of whole eggs, and reduced-fat cheese. You can also reduce the maple syrup slightly for less sugar.

→ What's the secret to getting the maple flavor throughout the pancakes?

The key is incorporating maple syrup directly into the pancake batter, which infuses the pancakes with that signature sweetness. For even more maple flavor, you can add a tiny bit of maple extract (about 1/4 teaspoon) to the batter.

→ Can I substitute ingredients in this breakfast sandwich?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize with bacon instead of sausage, different cheese varieties, or plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian version. The pancake batter works well with non-dairy milk options too.

→ Why are my pancakes not fluffy enough?

The key to fluffy pancakes is not overmixing the batter (a few lumps are good) and making sure your baking powder is fresh. Also, let the batter rest for 5 minutes before cooking to allow the leavening agents to activate properly.

→ What's the best way to shape the eggs for these sandwiches?

For perfectly shaped eggs, you can use round egg rings or cookie cutters in the pan. Alternatively, cook the eggs in a thin layer and then use the rim of a glass or biscuit cutter to cut out rounds that match your pancake size.

Homemade McGriddle Breakfast Sandwiches

Sweet maple pancakes sandwich savory sausage, eggs, cheese and ham in this delicious homemade version of the breakfast classic.

Prep Time
15 min
Cooking Time
20 min
Total Time
35 min
Written by: Emma

Category: Breakfast

Skill Level: Beginner

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 4 Servings (4 breakfast sandwiches)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ For the Pancakes

01 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 1 tablespoon sugar
03 1 teaspoon baking powder
04 ¼ teaspoon salt
05 ¾ cup milk
06 1 egg
07 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 1 tablespoon melted butter
09 2 tablespoons maple syrup

→ For the Filling

10 4 eggs
11 4 slices of cheese (cheddar or American)
12 4 beef sausage patties
13 4 slices of turkey ham
14 1 tablespoon butter for cooking

Steps

Step 01

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, vanilla extract, melted butter, and maple syrup. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. A few lumps are acceptable—overmixing will result in dense pancakes.

Step 02

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with butter. Pour small rounds of batter (approximately 7-8 cm wide) onto the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook for another minute until golden brown. Continue until you have 8 mini pancakes. Set aside.

Step 03

Using the same skillet, cook the beef sausage patties over medium heat until thoroughly browned. Set aside. Warm the turkey ham slices for 30 seconds per side to enhance texture and flavor.

Step 04

Whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Melt butter in a non-stick pan and pour in the eggs. Cook in a flat, even layer, similar to an omelet. Once set, fold and cut into portions that match the size of your pancakes.

Step 05

Place one pancake on a plate, top with a cheese slice, sausage patty, folded egg, and turkey ham. Complete with a second pancake. Gently press to bring all layers together, allowing the cheese to begin melting.

Step 06

Serve warm. For additional sweetness, drizzle a small amount of maple syrup over the top before serving.


A stack of pancakes with syrup and bacon.

Notes

  1. These homemade breakfast sandwiches mimic the popular fast-food item but with fresher ingredients and customizable options.
  2. The maple syrup mixed into the pancake batter gives them that signature sweet flavor.

Essential Tools

  • Non-stick skillet or griddle
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Allergen Info

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a medical professional if needed.
  • Contains gluten (flour)
  • Contains dairy (milk, butter, cheese)
  • Contains eggs

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are for reference only and shouldn't replace expert medical advice.
  • Calories: 485
  • Fats: 26.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38.5 g
  • Proteins: 22.7 g