McGriddle Muffins Recipe
If you’ve ever craved the sweet-and-savory magic of a fast-food breakfast sandwich but wished you could enjoy it fresh from your own oven, these McGriddle Muffins are about to become your new obsession. Imagine fluffy, maple-kissed muffins packed with bits of hearty sausage and gooey cheddar cheese, all perfectly portioned for busy mornings or leisurely brunches. With a golden, tender crumb and irresistible aroma, McGriddle Muffins deliver all the nostalgia and flavor of your favorite drive-thru treat in a homemade, grab-and-go package. Trust me, you’ll want to bake a double batch!

Ingredients You’ll Need
These McGriddle Muffins rely on simple pantry staples, but each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the tangy buttermilk to the sweet hint of maple, every component brings something special to the table.
- All-purpose flour: This creates the sturdy yet tender base for your muffins—don’t substitute with cake flour or they’ll be too crumbly.
- Sugar: Just enough to enhance the maple syrup and balance the savory notes.
- Baking powder: Ensures the muffins rise tall and fluffy every time.
- Baking soda: Teams up with buttermilk for extra lift and a lovely, light texture.
- Salt: Brings out the flavor in every bite, so don’t skimp!
- Buttermilk: Adds a subtle tang and makes the muffins moist and tender.
- Large egg: Binds the batter and helps everything bake up golden.
- Melted butter: Lends richness and that classic muffin flavor you crave.
- Cooked breakfast sausage crumbles: The star of the show, providing savory bites in every mouthful. Turkey sausage works beautifully, too.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey pockets for that irresistible cheesy pull.
- Maple syrup: Infuses the muffins with sweet warmth—don’t forget a little extra for drizzling.
- Ground cinnamon: Just a pinch adds depth and cozy aroma to the mix.
- Non-stick spray or muffin liners: Makes removing your McGriddle Muffins easy and mess-free.
How to Make McGriddle Muffins
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While the oven warms up, grab a muffin tin and either lightly grease each cup with non-stick spray or line them with muffin liners. This simple step ensures your McGriddle Muffins pop right out after baking—no stuck-on bottoms!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This dry blend forms the base of your muffins and guarantees even flavor and leavening throughout.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and maple syrup until smooth and fully combined. This mixture is what gives McGriddle Muffins their rich, tender crumb and subtle maple sweetness.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour your wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir everything together gently—just until no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine and will keep your muffins light.
Step 5: Fold in the Good Stuff
Now for the best part: fold in the cooked sausage crumbles and shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure they’re evenly distributed so every muffin gets plenty of savory, cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Fill and Bake
Spoon the batter evenly among 8 muffin cups. Pop the tin into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops look golden and irresistible.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let your McGriddle Muffins cool in the tin for about five minutes—just enough to handle—then transfer them to a wire rack. Serve warm, drizzled with a little extra maple syrup if you like, and savor that first bite!
How to Serve McGriddle Muffins

Garnishes
A drizzle of warm maple syrup is the classic finishing touch for McGriddle Muffins, but you can also sprinkle a pinch of chopped chives or even a dash of hot sauce for a flavor twist. A little extra melted butter on top never hurts, either.
Side Dishes
These hearty muffins pair beautifully with a side of fresh fruit salad, a handful of crisp hash browns, or even a simple green smoothie for a balanced breakfast. If you’re feeding a crowd, consider serving alongside scrambled eggs or a yogurt parfait bar.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn McGriddle Muffins into a brunch centerpiece by stacking them high on a rustic wooden board with tiny pitchers of maple syrup for dipping. For a fun twist, slice them in half and use them as the “bread” for mini breakfast sandwiches, adding a fried egg or extra cheese in the middle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover McGriddle Muffins can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. They’re perfect for meal prepping and will stay fresh and moist—just be sure to let them cool completely before sealing them up.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze cooled muffins in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container for up to two months. Place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Thaw overnight in the fridge or pop straight from the freezer to the microwave.
Reheating
To reheat McGriddle Muffins, microwave each muffin for 30 to 45 seconds until warmed through. If you prefer a crispier exterior, split them in half and toast lightly in a skillet or toaster oven. Add a fresh drizzle of maple syrup for that just-baked taste.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Breakfast
Absolutely! While classic breakfast sausage gives that signature flavor, turkey sausage or even crumbled plant-based sausage work wonderfully for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just make sure it’s cooked and well-drained before adding to the batter.
Can I make McGriddle Muffins gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend. Check that your sausage and other ingredients are gluten-free as well for a breakfast treat everyone can enjoy.
How can I make these muffins less sweet?
Simply reduce the maple syrup to one tablespoon and cut back on the added sugar if you prefer a more savory breakfast muffin. You can also use a sharper cheese for extra savory punch.
Do McGriddle Muffins work as a lunchbox snack?
They’re fantastic for lunchboxes! Their sturdy shape and balanced flavors make them great for on-the-go snacking, and they taste delicious at room temperature, too. Kids love them just as much as adults.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, doubling the recipe is easy and works perfectly. Just use two muffin tins or bake in batches. These muffins freeze so well that you’ll be glad to have extras on hand!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a breakfast that’s easy to make, deeply satisfying, and guaranteed to put smiles on everyone’s faces, give McGriddle Muffins a try. They’re the ultimate mash-up of sweet, savory, and cheesy comfort—the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Happy baking!
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McGriddle Muffins Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 8 muffins 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These McGriddle Muffins are a savory and sweet breakfast treat combining fluffy buttermilk muffins with cooked breakfast sausage, cheddar cheese, and a hint of maple syrup and cinnamon. Easy to make and perfect for a hearty morning meal or grab-and-go snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (plus more for serving)
Other Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cooked breakfast sausage crumbles
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Non-stick spray or muffin liners
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin with non-stick spray or line it with muffin liners to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and maple syrup until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Mix Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir with a spatula or spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the muffins light and tender.
- Add Sausage and Cheese: Fold in the cooked breakfast sausage crumbles and shredded cheddar cheese evenly throughout the batter.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly among 8 muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full to allow space for rising.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool slightly in the tin before removing. Serve warm with additional maple syrup on the side, if desired.
Notes
- Substitute turkey sausage for a leaner breakfast option.
- Store muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze muffins for up to 2 months; reheat in the microwave for 30–45 seconds before serving.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins tender and fluffy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg