If you’re looking for a quick, protein-rich breakfast option that combines the flavors of a classic McGriddle with the convenience of a bite-sized treat, these Protein-Packed Sausage McGriddle Bites are perfect for you. They’re easy to make, transportable, and provide a satisfying start to your day.
Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage, cooked
- 2 cups Kodiak protein pancake mix
- 1 1/2 cups water or milk
- 1/4 cup real maple syrup
- 1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease two muffin tins.
2. Prepare the Batter: In a bowl, mix the pancake mix, water, and maple syrup until smooth. The batter should be slightly thicker than regular pancake batter.
3. Add the Fillings: Stir in the shredded cheese and crumbled sausage. The cheese adds a gooey texture, while the sausage provides a savory flavor boost. Be careful not to add the sausage in while it’s piping hot. Remove some of the grease and let it cool on a paper towel-lined plate after it’s cooked for 5 minutes before adding into your pancake batter.
4. Fill the Muffin Tins: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tins, filling each cup about two-thirds full. This allows room for the bites to rise.
5. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Let the bites cool slightly before removing them from the tin. These delicious, portable bites are perfect for breakfast on the go or as a hearty snack. When making this recipe, I keep half in the fridge and put the other half in the freezer to keep fresh for a longer period.
Optional Substituions
To increase the protein content or make the recipe healthier, consider these substitutions:
1. Sausage:
- Turkey or Chicken Sausage: Offers similar flavors with reduced fat content.
2. Kodiak Protein Pancake Mix:
- Whole Wheat Flour + Protein Powder: Use a mixture of whole wheat flour and unflavored or vanilla protein powder to increase protein while maintaining a hearty texture.
- Almond Flour + Whey Protein Isolate: For a gluten-free and protein-rich alternative.
3. Water:
- Greek Yogurt: Adds protein and a creamy texture; mix with water to maintain batter consistency.
- Milk or Almond Milk: Both add protein and can make the bites more tender.
4. Maple Syrup:
- Honey or Agave Nectar: Natural sweeteners with potentially lower glycemic impact.
5. Sharp Cheddar Cheese:
- Reduced-Fat Cheddar Cheese: Maintains flavor while reducing fat and calories.
- Nutritional Yeast: Adds a cheesy flavor with additional protein and B vitamins, though it’s not a direct substitute for the texture of cheese.
These Protein-Packed Sausage McGriddle Bites are not only delicious but also versatile. They freeze well, making them ideal for meal prep. Just pop them in the microwave for a quick, satisfying breakfast any day of the week!
Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage cooked
- 2 cups Kodiak protein pancake mix
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/4 cup real maple syrup
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (175°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or butter.
- In a mixing bowl, prepare the pancake batter by mixing it with water until smooth. You can also add an extra scoop of vanilla protein powder if desired.
- Add in the cooked sausage, cheddar cheese and maple syrup to the bowl. Mix until combined. Spoon pancake batter into each muffin cup, filling them about 3/4 way up. You can also use a cookie scoop to ensure they’re evenly filled.
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the McGriddle bites are golden brown and cooked through. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin – it should come out clean when they’re ready.
- Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and allow the McGriddle bites to cool for a few minutes. Then, carefully remove them from the muffin tin and transfer them to a serving plate. Serve warm with a side of maple syrup for dipping or drizzling if desired.
[…] Want a post-travel snack that’s easy to prep and great for a quick bit? Check out these Protein-Packed Sausage McGriddle Bites. […]