Craving that sweet and savory McDonald’s breakfast sandwich but want to skip the drive-thru? The homemade McGriddle is the perfect solution. It combines fluffy maple syrup-infused pancakes, crispy sausage, melty cheese, and a soft-cooked egg into one handheld delight. With just a few ingredients and simple tools, you can recreate this classic breakfast sandwich in your kitchen.
Why Make a Homemade McGriddle?
The original McGriddle was a game-changer in fast food, offering the perfect blend of sweet pancake buns and savory fillings. But here’s why making it at home is even better:
- You control the ingredients (less salt, no preservatives)
- It’s budget-friendly
- Customization options galore (think bacon, gluten-free, vegan)
Plus, you can even learn how maple crystals are made if you want to replicate that authentic touch from McDonald’s.
What Makes the McGriddle Unique?
The star of the show is the pancake bun. Not just any pancake, but one with maple syrup infused directly inside — giving every bite that rich, sweet flavor. Whether you’re using syrup crystals or just adding syrup to your batter, the result is irresistibly delicious.
Wondering how to store your leftovers or meal prep for the week? Check out this guide to freezing breakfast sandwiches to keep your mornings quick and tasty.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the perfect homemade McGriddle, you’ll need the following:
- 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)
Optional Add-ons:
- Bacon slices
- Flavored syrup (vanilla or cinnamon-infused)
- Homemade sausage seasoning – try this recipe for extra flavor
🔧 Tools You’ll Need
To get that McDonald’s-style look and feel, gather:
- Ring molds or mason jar lids (for shaping eggs and pancakes)
- A nonstick skillet or griddle
- Whisk, spatula, small mixing bowls
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions Directions
Make the pancake batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add egg, milk, melted butter, and maple syrup. Mix until just combined.
Cook the pancakes: Lightly grease a skillet and pour small, round pancakes (about 3–4 inches wide). Cook until bubbles form, flip, and cook the other side. You should get 8 mini pancakes.
Cook sausage or bacon: In a separate pan, cook sausage patties or bacon until crispy and cooked through.
Fry the eggs: In the same pan, fry eggs to your liking (you can use an egg ring for perfect round shape).
Assemble: On one pancake, layer sausage or bacon, a slice of cheese, and an egg. Top with another pancake.
Drizzle with maple syrup if desired and serve hot!
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cooking Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Kcal: 480 | Servings: 4
Let it sit for a minute so the cheese melts slightly into the layers.
🔁 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Meal prep: Wrap each sandwich in foil or parchment and store in the freezer.
- Reheat: Use a microwave for speed, or an air fryer for extra crispiness.
- Shelf life: Best within 2–3 months if frozen.
🧪 Nutritional Comparison
Wondering how your homemade McGriddle stacks up against McDonald’s?
- Homemade: ~350–400 calories (with fewer preservatives, lower sodium)
- McDonald’s Original: ~430 calories, higher fat and sodium content
Making it yourself gives you the power to choose healthier options while keeping the indulgent flavor.
🔄 Variations You’ll Love
Want to switch things up? Try these:
- Bacon McGriddle – Replace sausage with crispy bacon
- Vegetarian McGriddle – Use Beyond or Impossible sausage
- Gluten-Free McGriddle – Use almond or rice flour pancake mix
- Spicy McGriddle – Add red pepper flakes to sausage or jalapeño cheese
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a McGriddle made of?
A: A McGriddle features two maple syrup-infused pancake buns sandwiching a sausage patty, egg, and cheese.
Q: How do you make syrup pockets in pancakes?
A: You can use maple syrup crystals or freeze small syrup drops and mix them into batter before cooking.
Q: Can I make McGriddles ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Freeze them individually for easy grab-and-go breakfasts.
Q: How do I make my egg perfectly round?
A: Use a greased ring mold or mason jar lid on the skillet for a uniform shape.
Q: What can I use instead of sausage?
A: Try turkey sausage, bacon, or even vegetarian sausage patties.
🏁 Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a homemade McGriddle. It’s that perfect fusion of sweet and savory that starts your day on a delicious note. With some creativity and a little prep, you can bring this fast food favorite right into your kitchen — no drive-thru needed.
