Fluffy Maple-Infused Breakfast McGriddle Bites
Imagine the classic sweet and savory breakfast combination, but in a delightful, bite-sized form perfect for on-the-go mornings or elegant brunch spreads. These fluffy, maple-infused mini muffins are studded with savory breakfast sausage and sharp cheddar cheese, creating an irresistible balance of flavors in every tender morsel. They're a delightful twist on a beloved breakfast staple, bringing comfort and convenience to your table.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
12-15 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Servings
Makes about 24 mini muffins (4-6 servings)
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Perfectly balances sweet maple with savory sausage and cheese.
- An incredibly fluffy and tender texture that melts in your mouth.
- Convenient, bite-sized portions ideal for busy mornings or entertaining.
- A unique and elevated twist on classic breakfast flavors.
- Impressive yet surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients
- 240 mL (1 cup) all-purpose flour
- 15 g (1 tablespoon) granulated sugar
- 5 g (1 teaspoon) baking powder
- 1 g (1/4 teaspoon) baking soda
- 1 g (1/4 teaspoon) salt
- 180 mL (3/4 cup) buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 30 g (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
- 60 mL (1/4 cup) maple syrup
- 5 mL (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract
- Approx. 100 g (1/2 cup) cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage
- Approx. 30 g (1/4 cup) shredded cheddar cheese
- Non-stick cooking spray or additional butter for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and generously grease a mini muffin tin with non-stick spray or a thin layer of melted butter. This crucial step ensures your bites will release cleanly and helps create a lovely golden exterior.
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients well before adding liquids ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, leading to a consistent and fluffy texture.
- In a separate, medium-sized bowl, combine the buttermilk, large egg, melted unsalted butter, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk these wet ingredients until they are completely smooth and homogenous, ensuring all flavors are well-integrated.
- Gently pour the wet ingredients mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or spoon, mix until the ingredients are just combined. It is vital to avoid over-mixing; a few lumps are perfectly acceptable and prevent the development of tough gluten, preserving the fluffy texture of the bites.
- Carefully fold in the cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage and the shredded cheddar cheese until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This ensures every single bite delivers a delightful balance of savory notes and cheesy goodness.
- Spoon the prepared batter into the greased mini muffin tin, filling each cup approximately three-quarters full. This allows ample space for the bites to rise beautifully without overflowing during baking.
- Bake the McGriddle Bites in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of a bite comes out clean. A clean toothpick indicates they are cooked through and possess that perfect internal fluffiness.
- Allow the Fluffy Maple-Infused Breakfast McGriddle Bites to cool in the pan for a couple of minutes after baking. This brief resting period helps them set and firm up before you carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing any sogginess and ensuring optimal texture.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mini muffin tin (24-cup)
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula or spoon
- Wire cooling rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
Essential Success Tips
- Do not over-mix the batter; a light hand ensures the muffins remain tender and fluffy.
- Ensure your butter is fully melted but not hot, so it doesn't scramble the egg when mixed.
- Buttermilk is key for tenderness and a slight tang; if you don't have it, combine 180 mL (3/4 cup) milk with 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Pre-cook your breakfast sausage until well-browned and crumbled, then drain excess fat thoroughly to avoid greasy muffins.
- Fill muffin cups evenly to ensure consistent baking and uniform bite size.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast your flour before mixing dry ingredients. This adds a subtle nutty depth that complements the maple beautifully without being overpowering.
- Use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup. The depth of flavor from pure maple syrup is irreplaceable and elevates the entire dish.
- Experiment with different cheeses, like a sharp white cheddar or even a smoked gouda, to fine-tune the savory profile to your preference.
Notes
- Storage: Store cooled McGriddle Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They reheat beautifully in a microwave or toaster oven.
- Freezing Instructions: Freeze cooled bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in a toaster oven or microwave.
- Variations: Consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the batter for a deeper savory note, or a dash of cinnamon for more warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time for meal prep?
Absolutely! These McGriddle Bites are excellent for meal prep. Bake them, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or in a toaster oven until warmed through.
What kind of breakfast sausage should I use?
Any ground breakfast sausage works well. You can use pork, turkey, or chicken sausage. Just be sure to cook and crumble it thoroughly before folding it into the batter.
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
While buttermilk is highly recommended for its tenderness and flavor, you can make a buttermilk substitute. Combine 180 mL (3/4 cup) regular milk with 1 tablespoon (15 mL) white vinegar or lemon juice, stir, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles. Then proceed with the recipe.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Approximate per bite (based on 24 bites): Calories: 100-120, Protein: 4-5g, Fat: 6-8g, Carbs: 8-10g. (Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Allergy Information
Contains dairy (buttermilk, butter, cheese) and gluten (all-purpose flour), and egg. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. For a dairy-free option, use a dairy-free buttermilk substitute (e.g., almond milk + lemon juice) and dairy-free butter/cheese alternatives.
No comment