Copycat McDonald’s McGriddles Recipe
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| Warm maple pancake buns, savory sausage, fluffy egg, and melty cheese come together in this homemade copycat McGriddles breakfast worth waking up for. |
If you love that sweet-and-savory breakfast sandwich from the drive-thru, you’re going to have a lot of fun making this copycat McDonald’s McGriddles recipe at home. It has fluffy pancake buns, warm maple flavor, a juicy sausage patty, soft folded egg, and melty cheese all stacked into one cozy, satisfying breakfast sandwich.
The best part? You do not need fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients. With a few simple steps, you can make a homemade McGriddle that tastes comforting, filling, and surprisingly close to the fast food favorite.
A Little Background on McDonald’s and the McGriddles
McDonald’s is one of the most recognized fast food chains in the USA. People know it for familiar flavors, quick service, and menu items that feel nostalgic. For many families, McDonald’s breakfast has been part of road trips, busy school mornings, and weekend treat runs for years.
The McGriddles® sandwich became iconic because it mixed two breakfast favorites in one bite: pancakes and a breakfast sandwich. That combination made it stand out right away. The pancake-style buns are soft and lightly sweet, with little bursts of maple flavor. Then you get the salty sausage, creamy melted cheese, and tender egg. It’s sweet, savory, fluffy, rich, and just a little sticky in the best way.
This recipe is a copycat version inspired by McDonald’s McGriddles®. We are not affiliated with McDonald’s, and this is not the restaurant’s actual recipe. It is simply our homemade take on a beloved breakfast sandwich.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat McGriddles Recipe
- Easy to make at home with basic ingredients
- Budget-friendly compared to buying breakfast sandwiches out
- Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly
- Customizable for allergies, dietary needs, and taste preferences
- Perfect for busy mornings when you want a hot breakfast fast
I love making these on a Saturday morning and wrapping extras for the freezer. On hectic weekdays, it feels pretty great to pull out a homemade breakfast sandwich instead of sitting in a drive-thru line.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: About 40 minutes
For the pancake buns:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon maple extract
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
For the sausage:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
For the eggs:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
For assembly:
- 4 slices American cheese
- Butter or oil for the pan, if needed
Optional for extra maple pockets:
- 2 to 3 tablespoons maple syrup, partially frozen into tiny drops on parchment paper
Helpful Kitchen Tools
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Nonstick skillet or griddle
- Egg rings, mason jar lids with centers removed, or round cookie cutters
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
If you don’t have egg rings, don’t worry. You can still make these. Just cook smaller pancake rounds and fold your eggs into neat squares or circles. They’ll still taste amazing.
How to Make Copycat McDonald’s McGriddles
Step 1: Make the pancake batter.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, buttermilk, melted butter, maple extract, and maple syrup.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. A few lumps are totally fine. Try not to overmix. If you stir too much, the pancake buns can turn dense instead of fluffy.
If you want little maple pockets like the original sandwich, place tiny drops of maple syrup on a parchment-lined plate or tray and freeze them for about 20 to 30 minutes. Then gently fold the frozen syrup bits into the batter right before cooking. This step is optional, but it adds a fun touch.
Step 2: Shape and cook the sausage patties.
Divide the breakfast sausage into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a thin round patty a little wider than your pancake buns, because the sausage will shrink as it cooks.
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the sausage patties for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until browned and fully cooked through. The safe internal temperature for pork sausage is 160°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the center of each patty.
Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate lined with paper towels if needed.
Step 3: Cook the pancake buns.
Lightly grease a nonstick skillet or griddle and heat over low to medium-low heat. This part matters. If the pan is too hot, the outside will brown too fast before the inside cooks through.
Place greased egg rings or round molds onto the skillet if using. Fill each ring with a small amount of batter, about 3 tablespoons, to make thick, sandwich-sized pancake rounds. Cook until bubbles begin to form and the edges start to set, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Carefully remove the rings, flip the pancakes, and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. You want them golden brown and cooked through. Repeat until you have 8 pancake buns.
Set them aside and keep warm.
Step 4: Make the folded eggs.
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
Melt the butter in a nonstick skillet over low heat. Pour in the eggs and let them cook gently. As they begin to set, use a spatula to push the eggs into a rough square or rectangle shape. You can also cook each egg inside a greased ring for a more uniform round shape.
Cook until the eggs are set but still soft. If making 4 individual egg portions, divide them evenly. The safe internal temperature for egg dishes is 160°F.
Step 5: Assemble the sandwiches.
Lay out 4 pancake buns for the bottoms. Add one slice of American cheese to each. Top with a hot sausage patty, then a folded egg, then the top pancake bun.
If you want that melty fast-food texture, wrap each sandwich loosely in parchment paper or foil for 1 to 2 minutes. The trapped heat helps soften the cheese and brings everything together.
Step 6: Serve warm.
Serve your homemade McGriddles right away while warm and fluffy. That first bite should give you sweet maple pancake, savory sausage, creamy cheese, and tender egg all at once.
Approximate Nutrition Per Serving
This is an estimate for 1 sandwich.
- Calories: 560
- Protein: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 980mg
Nutrition will vary depending on the brand of sausage, cheese, and syrup you use.
Tips for the Best Homemade McGriddle
- Use medium-low heat for the pancake buns so they cook evenly.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Lumpy batter makes fluffier pancakes.
- Make the sausage patties thin since they puff a bit as they cook.
- Wrap assembled sandwiches briefly to help the cheese melt.
- Use maple extract for that signature breakfast sandwich flavor.
Think of the pancake buns like little breakfast cushions. Soft, tender, and just sweet enough. That texture is what makes this sandwich work.
Easy Time-Saving Shortcuts
If you want to keep this easy McGriddles recipe even simpler, here are a few smart shortcuts:
- Use pancake mix: Add a little maple extract and syrup to boxed pancake mix instead of making batter from scratch.
- Use pre-cooked sausage patties: Heat them according to the package directions.
- Microwave the eggs: Beat eggs in a microwave-safe dish, then cook in short bursts until set.
- Make freezer sandwiches: Assemble, wrap, and freeze for quick breakfasts.
- Use an electric griddle: This helps you cook the pancake buns evenly and all at once.
If your mornings are busy, these shortcuts can be a lifesaver. Breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated to be good.
How to Store and Reheat
To store in the fridge:
Wrap leftover sandwiches and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To freeze:
Wrap each sandwich in parchment paper, then foil, or place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat from the fridge:
Microwave for 45 to 60 seconds, then add more time if needed.
To reheat from frozen:
Unwrap foil, wrap loosely in a paper towel, and microwave for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 minutes, flipping halfway if your microwave heats unevenly.
Always reheat leftovers until the center is hot. For best food safety, reheated egg and sausage should reach 165°F.
Allergy-Friendly and Diet Preference Modifications
One thing I really like about making a copycat breakfast sandwich recipe at home is how easy it is to adjust. If you’re cooking for family or friends, even small swaps can make a huge difference.
Gluten-free:
- Use a trusted 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the pancake buns.
- Double-check that your breakfast sausage, maple extract, and syrup are gluten-free.
- Cook on a clean skillet to avoid cross-contact.
Dairy-free:
- Replace buttermilk with dairy-free milk plus 2 teaspoons lemon juice or vinegar.
- Use dairy-free butter in the pancake batter and eggs.
- Swap the American cheese for your favorite dairy-free cheese slice, or leave it out.
Egg-free:
- Use a liquid egg substitute for the folded egg layer.
- For the pancake batter, try a commercial egg replacer or 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg.
- Keep in mind the texture may be a little different, but still tasty.
Vegetarian:
- Use plant-based breakfast sausage patties.
- Keep the egg and cheese, or use vegan versions if needed.
Vegan:
- Use plant-based sausage patties.
- Use vegan cheese slices.
- Swap the egg layer for folded tofu seasoned with a pinch of black salt for an eggy flavor.
- Use vegan butter and dairy-free milk in the pancake buns.
- Replace the pancake egg with a flax egg or commercial egg replacer.
Lower-carb:
- Make smaller pancake buns using almond flour pancake mix, if you have one you like.
- Use turkey sausage for a lighter protein option.
- Skip the cheese if you want to lower calories a bit more.
Paleo-style inspiration:
- Use grain-free pancake rounds made with almond flour and tapioca flour.
- Choose compliant sausage with no fillers or added sugar.
- Skip the cheese or use a paleo-friendly substitute.
Lower sodium:
- Choose a lower-sodium sausage if available.
- Reduce added salt in the eggs and pancake batter.
- Use a reduced-sodium cheese or leave it off.
If you’re cooking for someone with a serious food allergy, always check labels carefully and avoid cross-contact in your kitchen.
Fun Variations to Try
- Bacon version: Swap the sausage for crispy bacon.
- Spicy version: Add pepper jack cheese or a dash of hot sauce.
- Double protein: Add both bacon and sausage for a hearty breakfast.
- Mini McGriddles-style sliders: Make smaller pancake buns for brunch platters.
Want to make brunch feel extra special? Put out a sandwich bar and let everyone build their own. Kids especially love choosing their own fillings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. These are great for meal prep. Make a batch, wrap them well, and refrigerate or freeze.
Do I need maple extract?
It helps create that signature flavor, so I recommend it. But if you don’t have it, use a little extra maple syrup in the batter.
Can I use store-bought pancakes?
You can, especially if you need a quick shortcut. Homemade gives the best texture, but store-bought will still work.
What cheese works best?
American cheese melts smoothly and gives the closest fast-food style result.
Final Thoughts
This copycat McDonald’s McGriddles recipe is one of those breakfasts that feels a little playful and a lot comforting. It hits that sweet-and-salty balance so well. And once you make it at home, you can tweak it any way you like.
If you try this homemade McGriddle recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you go classic with sausage, egg, and cheese? Did you make a bacon version? Maybe a dairy-free or gluten-free one? Leave a comment and share your twist. And if you know someone who loves fast food copycat recipes, send this recipe their way.
Disclaimer
This is a copycat recipe inspired by McDonald’s McGriddles®. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by McDonald’s. This recipe was created based on taste and texture inspiration only, and no knowledge of the actual restaurant recipe is implied.
Simply Copycat Recipes is also an Amazon affiliate. This means we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through links, at no extra cost to you.
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