Homemade McGriddle Muffins

If you love the sweet-and-savory magic of a McGriddle but want an easy homemade breakfast recipe you can prep ahead, these Homemade McGriddle Muffins are about to become your new breakfast staple. They’re made with savory breakfast sausage, shredded white cheddar, pure maple syrup, and grated Cosmic Crisp® apples. These homemade McGriddle muffins capture everything you love about that classic breakfast sandwich—without the drive-thru and not-so-great ingredients.

I love these muffins because they’re perfect for meal prep breakfasts, busy mornings, or even snacks! These sausage pancake muffins are fluffy, satisfying, and naturally gluten-free when made with a gluten-free pancake mix. The addition of Cosmic Crisp® apples adds subtle sweetness, moisture, and a fresh apple flavor that pairs beautifully with maple syrup and cheddar cheese.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, stocking your freezer, or just want an easy grab-and-go breakfast, these homemade McGriddle muffins check all the boxes.

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Why You’ll Love These Homemade McGriddle Muffins

• Sweet and savory flavor combo with maple syrup, sausage, and sharp white cheddar cheese.
• Made with Cosmic Crisp® apples for natural sweetness and moisture.
• Gluten-free friendly using gluten-free pancake mix.
• Perfect for meal prep, freezer breakfasts, and school mornings.
• Easy to make in one bowl!
• Kid-friendly, adult-approved, and completely drool-worthy.

These muffins are a fun twist on pancake sausage muffins and a great alternative to traditional breakfast sandwiches.

Ingredients for Fluffy McGriddle Muffins

This recipe makes 16 muffins, perfect for meal prepping breakfast for the week.

Ingredients

• 1 pound pork breakfast sausage
• 1 large Cosmic Crisp® Apple, grated
• 1 ½ cups milk of choice (unsweetened dairy-free or regular milk)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (plus more for serving)
• 2 cups gluten-free pancake mix (Bob’s Red Mill works great)
• 1 ½ cups shredded white cheddar cheese

How to Make McGriddle Muffins

Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spray a silicone muffin tray generously with avocado oil or coconut oil to prevent sticking.

Cook the sausage
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and fully cooked—about 8 minutes.

Add the apple
Stir in the grated Cosmic Crisp® apple and sauté for another 2 minutes, just until softened and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

Mix the wet ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, apple cider vinegar, and pure maple syrup until smooth and combined.

Add the pancake mix
Gently fold in the gluten-free pancake mix until just combined. Some small lumps are perfectly fine—avoid over mixing for fluffy muffins.

Fold everything together
Stir in the cooked sausage and apple mixture along with the shredded white cheddar cheese. Mix just until evenly distributed.

Fill the muffin tray
Divide the batter evenly between 16 muffin cups.

Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and serve
Let the muffins cool for about 20 minutes before removing from the tray. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup and enjoy!

What Makes Cosmic Crisp® Apples Perfect for This Recipe?

Cosmic Crisp® apples are an ideal choice for baking, especially in savory-sweet recipes like these McGriddle muffins.

Why Use Cosmic Crisp® Apples?

• Naturally sweet but balanced, not overpowering
• Incredibly juicy, adding moisture to baked goods
• Firm texture that holds up well during baking
• Doesn’t brown easily once grated

The subtle apple flavor complements the maple syrup and sausage without making the muffins taste like dessert. If you’re looking for the best apple for baking breakfast recipes, Cosmic Crisp® apples are a standout choice.

Tips for the Best McGriddle Muffins

• Don’t overmix the batter—this keeps the muffins light and fluffy
• Use freshly grated apple for maximum moisture and flavor
• Silicone muffin trays make removal much easier
• Let muffins cool slightly before removing to prevent crumbling
• Drizzle with maple syrup right before serving for that classic McGriddle feel

Variations and Substitutions

• Use turkey sausage for a lighter option
• Swap cheddar for Colby Jack or gouda
• Use regular pancake mix if not gluten-free
• Add a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth
• Try mini muffins for kid-friendly portions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make McGriddle muffins gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free when made with a certified gluten-free pancake mix- Bob’s Red Mill.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Use dairy-free milk and swap the cheese for a dairy-free shredded cheese or omit it entirely.

Can I use maple-flavored syrup instead of real maple syrup?

Pure maple syrup is recommended for the best flavor, but maple-flavored syrup can work in a pinch.

Are these good for kids?

Absolutely. These sausage pancake muffins are soft, flavorful, and easy for kids to eat—especially as a grab-and-go breakfast.

Can I serve these for brunch?

Yes! These muffins are perfect for brunch spreads, holiday mornings, or breakfast potlucks.

If you’re looking for a make-ahead breakfast recipe, a fun twist on pancake muffins, or a family-friendly breakfast idea, this recipe delivers every time.

Don’t forget to serve them warm with an extra drizzle of maple syrup—and enjoy every sweet and savory bite.