
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.

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.