McGriddle breakfast sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food, combining the sweetness of pancakes with the savory goodness of bacon, eggs, and cheese. What makes this version even better is the use of turkey bacon, offering a healthier alternative without sacrificing any of the flavor. The classic McGriddle experience is now something you can easily recreate at home, allowing you to enjoy all the deliciousness with a personalized, budget-friendly twist. Plus, by making it yourself, you can control the ingredients and customize it to your liking.
Why Make McGriddles at Home?
Homemade McGriddles aren’t just a treat for your taste buds—they’re also convenient, cost-effective, and healthier than the fast-food version. You can skip the drive-thru, save some money, and whip up a batch of sandwiches for the whole family. Using turkey bacon instead of traditional pork bacon reduces fat and calories while still delivering that salty, smoky flavor everyone loves.
Recipe at a Glance
This easy recipe brings together all the essentials: fluffy pancakes infused with maple syrup, crispy turkey bacon, soft scrambled eggs, and melty cheese. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and savory, and by the end of this guide, you’ll know how to make these delicious breakfast sandwiches right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients and Tools Needed
Basic Ingredients:
- Pancake mix (or make your own pancakes from scratch)
- Turkey bacon
- Eggs
- Cheese (cheddar or American cheese recommended for best melting)
- Maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
Why Turkey Bacon?
Turkey bacon offers several benefits over traditional pork bacon. It’s significantly lower in fat and calories, making it a healthier alternative, while still delivering a savory, smoky flavor. It’s also lower in sodium, which is great for those looking to reduce their salt intake without giving up the taste of bacon.
Optional Add-ons:
- Avocado slices for creaminess and extra nutrition
- Spinach for a healthy, leafy addition
- Hot sauce for a spicy kick
Essential Tools:
- Griddle or frying pan
- Spatula
- Biscuit cutter (optional, for shaping pancakes into a uniform size)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Pancakes
To begin, you’ll need to make your pancakes. If you’re using pancake mix, follow the instructions on the box to create the batter. For homemade pancakes, combine flour, eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt to make the batter from scratch. To give the pancakes an authentic McGriddle flavor, add a touch of maple syrup or maple extract to the batter.
- Pro tip: Make mini pancakes or silver dollar pancakes, about 3 to 4 inches in diameter, to make sandwich assembly easier.
- Cook the pancakes on a heated, greased griddle or frying pan until small bubbles appear on the surface, then flip them and cook the other side until golden brown. Set aside.
Step 2: Cooking the Turkey Bacon
Next, cook the turkey bacon. Heat the griddle or pan on medium heat and lay the turkey bacon slices flat. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until crispy. Keep an eye on the bacon to ensure it doesn’t overcook, as turkey bacon can dry out more quickly than pork bacon.
- Tip: Cook on medium heat to ensure the turkey bacon remains tender and doesn’t become too dry or brittle.
Step 3: Preparing the Eggs
Now, it’s time to cook the eggs. For an authentic McGriddle-style sandwich, you’ll want to make folded eggs or egg patties:
- Beat the eggs in a bowl with a little salt and pepper, then pour them into a lightly greased pan over medium heat. Allow the eggs to cook without stirring until the bottom sets, then fold the egg in half and fold again to create a compact square or rectangle shape.
- If you prefer, you can also scramble the eggs or cook them sunny-side-up, depending on your preference.
Step 4: Assembling the Sandwich
Now it’s time to put everything together:
- Start with a pancake as the base.
- Layer with a slice or two of crispy turkey bacon.
- Add the folded egg.
- Place a slice of cheese on top (cheddar or American are ideal because they melt well).
- Top it off with another pancake.
- Optional step: Drizzle a little bit of maple syrup over the sandwich or brush a bit onto the pancakes for that classic McGriddle flavor.
Serve immediately while the cheese is still melty and the pancakes are warm!
Tips for Customizing Your McGriddle
Healthier Substitutions:
- For a lighter version, use egg whites instead of whole eggs. This will reduce cholesterol and fat content without sacrificing the protein.
- Opt for low-fat cheese to cut down on calories while still enjoying a cheesy breakfast sandwich.
Gluten-Free Option:
If you’re following a gluten-free diet, simply swap the regular pancake mix with a gluten-free pancake mix. These are readily available in most grocery stores and work just as well for making mini pancakes.
Different Meats:
While turkey bacon is a healthier alternative, you can also try turkey sausage or chicken sausage patties for a slightly different flavor profile. Both options provide leaner protein and a hearty addition to your breakfast sandwich.
Vegetarian Option:
For a meatless option, replace the turkey bacon with a plant-based bacon or vegetarian sausage. These alternatives can still provide a smoky, savory flavor while keeping the dish entirely vegetarian.
Making it Spicy:
If you’re a fan of heat, add some hot sauce to your eggs or drizzle it over the finished sandwich. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes on the turkey bacon during cooking for an extra kick.
Storage and Reheating Tips
How to Store Leftovers:
If you’re making multiple sandwiches or want to save some for later, wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store them in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh for 3-4 days.
Freezing Instructions:
For long-term storage, wrap each sandwich in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to a month, making them a perfect make-ahead breakfast option for busy mornings.
Reheating Instructions:
- Microwave: To reheat, unwrap the sandwich and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on the strength of your microwave.
- Oven: For a crispier texture, reheat the sandwich in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Nutritional Benefits of Using Turkey Bacon
Lower in Fat and Calories:
Compared to traditional pork bacon, turkey bacon is a leaner option, containing significantly less fat and fewer calories. This makes it a great choice for those looking to reduce their overall fat intake while still enjoying a satisfying breakfast.
Lower Sodium:
Turkey bacon typically contains less sodium than pork bacon, making it a better option for those watching their salt intake. Excessive sodium can lead to high blood pressure and other health issues, so choosing turkey bacon is a small but effective way to maintain a healthier diet.
Rich in Protein:
Turkey bacon, combined with eggs, makes this sandwich a great source of protein, which is essential for building muscle and keeping you full longer. A high-protein breakfast helps with energy levels and keeps hunger at bay, making this sandwich a perfect start to the day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this without meat?
Yes! Simply substitute the turkey bacon with plant-based bacon or leave the meat out entirely for a vegetarian version. You’ll still get a delicious sandwich with eggs, cheese, and pancakes.
What if I don’t have a griddle?
No problem! A regular frying pan works just as well for cooking both the pancakes and turkey bacon.
Can I make the pancakes from scratch?
Absolutely. You can use any pancake recipe you like, whether it’s from scratch or a mix. Just remember to keep the pancakes small—about 3-4 inches in diameter—so they’re easy to handle as sandwich buns.
How do I prevent the pancakes from getting soggy?
To avoid soggy pancakes, you can toast them lightly before assembling the sandwich, or use less syrup in the pancake batter.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar or American cheese melts nicely and pairs well with the other ingredients. However, feel free to use any cheese you prefer—Swiss, pepper jack, or gouda would all work well!
Easy Homemade McGriddle Breakfast Sandwiches
Description
This recipe combines fluffy pancakes, savory sausage patties, and a folded omelet, stacked with cheese and bacon for the ultimate breakfast sandwich experience. Perfect for those craving a sweet and savory combo with a homemade twist!
Ingredients
For the Eggs:
- 6 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 tablespoons butter
For the Pancakes:
- 1⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 egg
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 2½ tablespoons maple syrup
- Pinch of salt
For the Breakfast Patties:
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage (*see notes)
Optional Sandwich Items:
- 8 slices cooked bacon
- 4 slices cheese (American or cheddar)
Instructions
1️⃣ Form and cook the sausage patties:
- Divide the ground sausage into 4 equal parts and form them into round patties.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the sausage patties for about 3 minutes on each side, or until they’re fully cooked through. Set them aside.
- If using bacon, cook the bacon in the same skillet until crispy, then set aside.
2️⃣ Prepare the eggs:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Once the butter melts, pour in ¼ of the egg mixture.
- Cook the eggs flat like an omelet, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. After about 1-2 minutes, flip the omelet and cook for 1 more minute.
- Fold the omelet into thirds and then fold the top and bottom to create a square stack. Set aside.
- Repeat the process with the remaining egg mixture, adding 1 tablespoon of butter for each batch, until you have 4 folded omelet squares.
3️⃣ Make the pancakes:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, milk, melted butter, egg, baking powder, maple syrup, and salt. Beat well until you have a smooth batter.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and coat with a little butter.
- For each pancake, spoon about 3 tablespoons of the batter onto the skillet. You can fit 2-3 pancakes in the skillet at a time without overcrowding.
- Cook each pancake for 2 minutes, or until bubbles start to form on the surface. Flip and cook for 1 more minute until golden and fully cooked through. Set aside and repeat until you have 8 pancakes.
4️⃣ Assemble the McGriddles:
- Place one pancake on a plate. Add a slice of cheese on top, followed by a sausage patty, a folded omelet square, and optional bacon slices.
- Top with another pancake to create the sandwich.
- Repeat this process to assemble the remaining 3 McGriddles.
5️⃣ Serve and enjoy:
- Serve your homemade McGriddles warm with a side of syrup or as is for a complete breakfast sandwich!
Notes
- Sausage: You can use store-bought breakfast sausage or make your own by mixing ground pork with your favorite seasonings (e.g., salt, pepper, sage, thyme, and red pepper flakes).
- Customizable: Feel free to add other toppings like avocado, hot sauce, or different cheeses for your preferred flavor!