Homemade McGriddle

Last weekend, while walking through the farmer’s market, the scent of freshly baked bread and sizzling sausage filled the air. It was a typical busy Saturday morning, with families browsing the colorful produce stands, and street vendors calling out their specials.

As I passed one of the breakfast booths, the familiar aroma of maple syrup and sizzling bacon caught my attention. My mind wandered to the idea of a perfectly indulgent breakfast – one that brought together the sweetness of pancakes and the savory satisfaction of a breakfast sandwich. That’s when I realized – why not combine the best of both worlds?

After all, it’s not every day you get to enjoy fluffy pancakes as buns with crispy bacon, melty cheese, and a perfectly fried egg. That moment sparked the inspiration to create my own version of a homemade McGriddle, and I couldn’t wait to dive into the kitchen and experiment.

Short Description

A delicious homemade take on the iconic McGriddle sandwich. Fluffy pancake buns, crispy breakfast sausage or bacon, melty cheese, and a perfectly fried egg all drizzled with maple syrup for the ultimate savory-sweet breakfast experience.

Key Ingredients

For the pancake buns:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 egg
• ¾ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (plus extra for drizzling)

For the filling:

• 4 breakfast sausage patties or 4 slices of bacon
• 4 slices American cheese
• 4 eggs
• Butter or oil (for cooking)

Tools Needed

• Skillet or griddle
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Egg ring (optional, for perfectly round eggs)
• Parchment paper (for easy cleanup)

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Make the pancake batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the egg, milk, melted butter, and maple syrup, and whisk until just combined.

Step 2: Cook the pancakes

Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil. Pour small rounds of batter, about 3–4 inches wide, onto the pan.

Let them cook until small bubbles begin to form on the surface (about 1–2 minutes). Flip them over and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes on the other side until golden brown. Set them aside and keep them warm.

Step 3: Cook the sausage or bacon

In a separate pan, cook the breakfast sausage patties or bacon until crispy and fully cooked. For sausage, this will take about 5–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness.

For bacon, cook until crispy, about 4–5 minutes per side. Set the cooked sausage or bacon aside.

Step 4: Fry the eggs

Using the same pan that you used for the sausage or bacon, fry the eggs to your liking. For perfect round eggs, use an egg ring.

Cook the eggs for about 2 minutes on each side, depending on how runny you like your yolks. Set aside.

Step 5: Assemble the McGriddle

Place one pancake on a plate. Layer it with a sausage patty or slice of bacon, a slice of American cheese, and a fried egg. Top it with another pancake. Drizzle with maple syrup, if desired, and serve hot!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Taste: The blend of fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon or sausage, melty cheese, and a perfectly fried egg makes this a breakfast that satisfies both sweet and savory cravings.

Ease: The steps are simple and straightforward, making this recipe ideal for a weekend breakfast or brunch.

Versatility: You can swap out ingredients to fit your preferences. Use turkey bacon instead of sausage, or try a different type of cheese like cheddar or Swiss.

Customizable: Want it spicier? Add a drizzle of hot sauce or swap out the maple syrup for a spicy honey. This is a breakfast that you can truly make your own.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Pancakes too thick or thin: If your batter is too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

Eggs sticking to the pan: To prevent eggs from sticking, make sure your pan is well-greased or use a non-stick skillet. Using an egg ring helps in cooking perfectly round eggs without any mess.

Overcooking the pancakes: Keep an eye on your pancakes as they cook. If you leave them on the griddle too long, they’ll dry out. Flip them as soon as bubbles appear on the surface.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serving: These homemade McGriddles are perfect for breakfast or brunch. Serve them as a main dish, or pair them with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a side of hashbrowns for a more filling meal.

Pairing: Pair with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or an orange juice for a balanced breakfast.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing leftovers: If you have any leftovers (which might be hard to believe!), store the components separately. Keep the pancakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The cooked sausage, bacon, and eggs should be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: To reheat, warm the pancakes in the microwave or a toaster oven. Reheat the sausage or bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Reheat eggs gently in the microwave or in a skillet.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of syrup? Yes, you can swap maple syrup for flavored syrups, like strawberry or blueberry, to add an extra twist.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Cheddar, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack would be delicious alternatives.

3. Can I make these ahead of time? You can cook the pancakes and fillings ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble and warm them up when ready to eat.

4. What if I don’t have an egg ring? No problem! You can simply cook the eggs as you normally would or use a round cookie cutter to shape them.

5. Can I make this vegetarian? Yes, swap the sausage or bacon for a vegetarian alternative like veggie sausage or even avocado slices for a fresh twist.

Tips & Tricks

– For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the pancake batter.

– If you like your pancakes extra fluffy, separate the egg yolk from the whites, beat the whites until stiff peaks form, and fold them into the batter at the end.

Recipe Variations

Spicy McGriddle: Add a slice of jalapeño or a drizzle of hot sauce to the filling to add some heat.

Sweet & Savory: For an even sweeter version, spread a layer of cream cheese or peanut butter on the pancakes before assembling the sandwich.

Vegan McGriddle: Use plant-based sausage, dairy-free cheese, and flax eggs to make this a vegan-friendly option.

Final Thoughts

Creating a homemade McGriddle was honestly one of the most rewarding kitchen adventures I’ve had recently. The combination of warm, fluffy pancakes with savory fillings is a true treat for the senses.

The beauty of this recipe is in its versatility – you can easily adjust the filling to your preference, whether you’re craving sausage, bacon, or even a veggie version. The pancakes themselves have just the right balance of sweetness, and the maple syrup adds that authentic McGriddle flavor without feeling overly sugary.

As you bite into it, you’re greeted with layers of comfort and satisfaction, making it the perfect dish for a weekend breakfast or brunch with family and friends. I truly recommend trying this recipe – it’s an easy yet indulgent way to enjoy a breakfast classic in a new and exciting way!