Homemade McGriddle : The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe

There’s something irresistibly comforting about biting into a warm, sweet-and-savory breakfast sandwich. That’s exactly what you get with this Homemade McGriddle Recipe—a soft, fluffy pancake sandwiching eggs, cheese, and your choice of filling. Inspired by the popular fast-food classic, this DIY version takes everything you love and makes it fresher, tastier, and totally customizable.

Whether you’re craving something hearty on a weekend morning or searching for new breakfast sandwich recipes, this recipe checks every box. It’s perfect for busy mornings, indulgent brunches, or meal prepping for the week. Once you try it, you’ll never want to go back to the drive-thru again.

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Why This Homemade McGriddle Beats the Drive-Thru

Fast food might be convenient, but nothing beats the taste and texture of a homemade breakfast sandwich. Here’s why this homemade McGriddle stands out:

• Made with real ingredients—no additives or preservatives.
• Customizable—you can adjust the fillings, pancake sweetness, and type of cheese.
• Great for meal prep—make a batch ahead and reheat throughout the week.
• Healthier alternative—control the salt, fat, and quality of every component.
• Fun to make—a delicious activity for kids and adults alike.

If you’re on the hunt for new breakfast recipe ideas or the best breakfast recipes to wow your family, this McGriddle deserves a spot on your list.

Ingredients for Homemade McGriddle

This recipe makes 2 full sandwiches. Here’s everything you need for the pancakes and filling:

For the Maple Pancakes:

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• ¾ cup (180ml) buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: 1 tablespoon maple crystals (for extra bursts of flavor)

For the Filling:

• 2 large eggs
• 2 slices cheddar cheese
• 2 cooked sausage patties or your preferred protein substitute
• Butter or oil (for cooking)

Optional Add-Ins:

• Spinach or sautéed mushrooms
• Tomato slices
• Plant-based sausage or eggs for a vegetarian version

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Get everything ready before you start to keep the process smooth:

• Nonstick skillet or griddle
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ring molds (for uniform pancake shape, optional)
• Small saucepan (for maple syrup warming, optional)
• Spatula for flipping

Having your tools ready makes creating your breakfast meal a breeze.

How to Make a McGriddle at Home – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Make the Pancake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla, and maple syrup. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring just until mixed. Let the batter rest while you prep the fillings.

Step 2: Cook the Fillings
Heat a skillet over medium heat. If using sausage patties or a plant-based option, cook until browned and heated through. Set aside. Crack the eggs into a greased skillet and cook as desired—sunny side up, over-easy, or scrambled. Top each with a slice of cheddar cheese so it melts slightly while still hot.

Step 3: Make the Maple Pancakes
Heat a griddle or nonstick skillet to medium-low. Lightly grease the surface. If using molds, place them on the pan and fill halfway with batter. Cook 2–3 minutes per side, flipping carefully once bubbles appear. You’ll need four pancakes total—two per sandwich.

Step 4: Assemble the McGriddles
Place one pancake on a plate, top with the cooked sausage, then the egg and cheese, and finish with the second pancake on top. Press gently to hold it together. Repeat for the second sandwich.

Step 5: Serve Warm
Serve your homemade McGriddle hot off the griddle, optionally with a drizzle of warm maple syrup on the side for dipping.

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Tips for the Best Breakfast Sandwiches at Home

• Use ring molds for perfect, round pancakes that look like the real thing.
• Warm all components before assembling so nothing gets cold too quickly.
• Don’t overmix the pancake batter—a few lumps are okay and keep the texture fluffy.
• Use real maple syrup for that authentic McGriddle flavor.
• Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or smoked gouda for variety.

These tips will help you elevate your breakfast sandwiches to the next level.

Fun Breakfast Recipe Ideas and Variations

Make your McGriddle uniquely yours with these fun breakfast recipe ideas:

• Veggie Lover’s McGriddle: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes for a nutrient-packed start.
• Sweet & Spicy: Mix a pinch of cayenne into the pancake batter or use a spicy cheese.
• Cheesy Double Stack: Add an extra layer of egg and cheese for a heartier sandwich.
• Mini McGriddles: Use mini molds or make smaller pancakes for kid-friendly or snack-size versions.
• Meat-Free Options: Use tofu scramble, vegan sausage, or plant-based cheese.

These ideas keep your homemade McGriddle fun, flexible, and family-friendly.

Serving Suggestions: What’s for Breakfast?

Your McGriddle sandwich is the star, but why not build a full breakfast meal around it? Here are some delicious pairing suggestions:

• Fresh fruit: Strawberries, orange slices, or melon add a refreshing balance.
• Hashbrowns or home fries: Crispy potatoes complement the soft pancakes.
• Smoothies or fruit juice: Brighten up the plate with something chilled.
• Yogurt parfaits: A creamy, nutritious side that pairs perfectly.
• Avocado slices: Add a buttery texture and healthy fats.

These sides turn your McGriddle into a full-on breakfast spread worthy of lazy Sundays or brunch with friends.

How to Store and Reheat Your McGriddle

Want to enjoy this sandwich again and again? Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigerate: Store fully assembled sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap each sandwich tightly in foil or parchment, then seal in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month.
Reheat: For best results, unwrap and heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or microwave on medium for 1–2 minutes.

Great for meal prep, these sandwiches are perfect when you’re wondering what’s for breakfast during a busy week.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making a McGriddle

• Using thin pancake batter: You want the batter thick enough to hold its shape and rise.
• Overcooking the eggs: For best texture, remove eggs slightly before fully set—they’ll finish cooking from residual heat.
• Skipping the rest period for batter: Resting gives the pancakes better structure and fluff.
• Forgetting to grease the skillet: Even nonstick pans need a light oil layer for golden pancakes.
• Layering while cold: Cold ingredients don’t meld well; keep everything warm when assembling.

Avoid these mistakes to get the perfect breakfast sandwich every time.

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FAQs About the McGriddle Recipe

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.

Can I use dairy-free milk?
Absolutely. Use almond milk or oat milk, and swap out butter and cheese for plant-based alternatives.

What’s the best sausage to use?
Any breakfast sausage patty works. For a lighter option, try chicken or turkey sausage.

Can I make the pancakes ahead of time?
Yes! Make a batch, store them in the fridge or freezer, and reheat when ready to assemble.

Do I have to use maple syrup in the batter?
It adds that signature McGriddle flavor, but you can use honey or skip it for a more neutral pancake.

Final Thoughts + Call to Action

This Homemade McGriddle Recipe proves that you don’t need a drive-thru to enjoy a satisfying, sweet-and-savory breakfast. With fluffy pancakes, melty cheese, and perfectly cooked eggs, it’s everything you love in one hand-held sandwich—made fresher and better right in your own kitchen.

Ready to make mornings more delicious? Save this recipe, give it a try, and share it with friends who are always looking for the best breakfast recipes. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for even more breakfast recipe ideas and home-cooked classics you’ll love waking up to.

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