Breakfast
McDonald's Inspired McGriddle
Soft maple-flavored pancakes sandwich savory sausage, fluffy egg, and melted American cheese for the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Inspired by McDonald's
Prep
20 min
Cook
15 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Medium
Method
- 1
Prepare small pancakes according to your favorite pancake recipe, adding maple syrup directly to the batter for extra flavor.
- 2
Cook the pancakes until golden on both sides and set them aside.
- 3
Cook the sausage patties until browned and fully cooked through.
- 4
Cook the eggs in round molds so they fit neatly onto the sandwiches.
- 5
Warm the slices of American cheese until slightly softened.
- 6
Place one pancake on a flat surface.
- 7
Add the sausage patty.
- 8
Place the cooked egg on top of the sausage.
- 9
Add the slice of cheese while everything is still hot so it begins to melt.
- 10
Top with another pancake to complete the sandwich.
- 11
Let the sandwich sit for one minute before serving so the cheese finishes melting.
- 12
Serve warm with extra maple syrup if desired.
Recipe notes
Cook pancakes just wide enough to hold the fillings and keep them tender rather than deeply browned. Round eggs cook most evenly over medium-low heat with a teaspoon of water and a brief cover.
Planning, storage, and serving
Storage and reheating
Refrigerate cooked pancakes, sausage, and eggs separately for up to 3 days. Reheat each component to steaming before assembling; wrapped sandwiches can be frozen up to 1 month without fresh toppings and reheated from thawed.
Make-ahead tips
Cook pancakes and sausage up to 2 days ahead or freeze them. Make eggs the morning of serving when possible, then warm all components and assemble while hot enough to melt the cheese.
What to serve with it
- - Fresh berries or orange slices
- - A small hash brown
- - Coffee or unsweetened iced tea
Equipment needed
- - Nonstick griddle or skillet
- - Round egg molds
- - Spatula and instant-read thermometer
Difficulty explained
The medium rating reflects coordinating pancakes, sausage, eggs, and melted cheese at the same temperature.
Nutrition estimate
Calories
560
Protein
25g
Carbs
43g
Fat
32g
Sat. fat
12g
Fiber
1g
Sugar
11g
Sodium
1050mg
Estimated nutrition per serving. Values are approximate and can change materially with brands, substitutions, optional toppings, portion size, and cooking method.
Alternatives
- Turkey sausage can replace pork sausage for a leaner variation; cook to the safe temperature stated on its package.
- Use a sharp cheddar slice instead of American cheese for more flavor but a less uniform melt.
- For less sweetness, reduce maple syrup in the pancake batter and serve extra syrup only for those who want it.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Pancakes larger than the filling slide during eating; use the egg mold as a rough size guide.
- High heat browns the egg before its center sets; use medium-low heat and cover briefly to trap steam.
- Sausage must be fully cooked according to its meat type; verify with a thermometer rather than judging only by color.
Nutrition Context
- Eggs and sausage provide protein, while sausage, cheese, and pancake mix can make saturated fat and sodium substantial; maple contributes added sugar.
- One sandwich with fruit is a more balanced serving than pairing it with multiple fried sides.
FAQ
How do I keep the pancake rounds evenly sized?
Use a ring mold or portion the same amount of batter for each round. Cook over medium-low heat so the centers set before the surfaces darken.
Can I put maple flavor inside the pancakes?
Mix the listed maple syrup into the batter, or add a few tiny cooled maple-syrup dots. Too much liquid syrup can make the rounds fragile.
How do I shape the eggs for the sandwich?
Cook each egg in a greased ring mold over medium-low heat, breaking the yolk if desired. Cover briefly so the top sets without overbrowning.
Can I make McGriddles ahead?
Cook the components ahead and refrigerate separately. Assemble after reheating so the pancakes do not absorb moisture from the egg and sausage.
How should a frozen sandwich be reheated?
Wrap it in a paper towel, microwave at reduced power until warmed, then finish briefly in a skillet or toaster oven for better texture.