Easy 5-Minute McGriddle Recipe for Meal Prep Mornings Recipe
There’s nothing quite like waking up to a warm, satisfying breakfast that feels both indulgent and quick to prepare. The Easy 5-Minute McGriddle Recipe for Meal Prep Mornings captures that exact feeling with its perfect blend of sweet and savory, combining fluffy maple-sweetened pancakes with crispy bacon or sausage, melty cheese, and a tender cooked egg. This recipe is not only incredibly straightforward but also tailor-made for busy mornings when you want something delicious without the hassle. Get ready to make your mornings brighter and tastier with this easy-to-follow, crowd-pleasing breakfast sandwich!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully simple with every ingredient playing a key role in elevating your breakfast experience. From the fluffy pancake base to the savory protein and melty cheese, each component adds a burst of flavor, texture, or just the right hint of sweetness you crave in the morning.
- 1 cup pancake mix (like Bisquick): The foundation for those tender, fluffy pancakes that hold everything together perfectly.
- ¾ cup milk: Adds moisture and richness for the perfect batter consistency.
- 1 large egg: Binds the batter and adds a touch of richness for better texture.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Keeps pancakes tender and helps with browning.
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup: Sweetens the pancakes with classic maple flavor.
- 2 tablespoons maple sugar or brown sugar (optional): For an extra boost of warm, caramel-like maple sweetness.
- 4 large eggs: Cooked perfectly to be the savory heart of the sandwich.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the eggs just right.
- 4 slices American cheese: Melts beautifully, adding creamy, savory layers.
- 8 strips bacon, cooked until crispy OR 4 breakfast sausage patties: Provides a satisfying salty crunch or hearty bite.
- Butter or cooking spray: To grease pans and prevent sticking for a flawless cook.
How to Make Easy 5-Minute McGriddle Recipe for Meal Prep Mornings
Step 1: Prepare the Pancake Batter
Start by whisking the pancake mix, milk, one egg, and vegetable oil in a medium bowl until everything is just combined — don’t worry about a few lumps, they keep your pancakes light! Gently fold in maple syrup and maple sugar if you want that extra maple depth. Let the batter rest for five minutes to let the ingredients meld together perfectly.
Step 2: Cook the Pancakes
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it. For even and perfectly sized pancakes, use a 3.5-inch round cookie cutter or mason jar ring on the surface and pour about three tablespoons of batter into each ring. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbles appear and edges look set, then carefully remove the ring, flip, and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until golden. Repeat until you have eight pancakes, then keep them warm under a towel while you cook other components.
Step 3: Cook the Eggs
In the same skillet over medium heat, cook the eggs using the same ring molds for a uniform shape if you like. Crack one egg into each ring, break the yolks gently, and season with salt and pepper. Add a few drops of water to the pan, cover it, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes for set whites, or 3 to 4 minutes for fully cooked yolks. This step gives the sandwich that perfect tender egg layer.
Step 4: Cook the Bacon or Sausage
Cook bacon strips until crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or heat up sausage patties according to package instructions until browned and cooked through. This protein adds that savory, satisfying crunch and hearty flavor that rounds out your morning meal.
Step 5: Assemble Your McGriddle
Time to build! Place one pancake down as your base, add a slice of American cheese, then the cooked egg, followed by two strips of bacon or one sausage patty. Top with a second pancake and press gently to hold everything together. For the finishing touch, brush the tops lightly with warm maple syrup for an authentic McGriddle experience. Serve warm or keep them snug in a 200°F oven until you’re ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Easy 5-Minute McGriddle Recipe for Meal Prep Mornings
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar can elevate the sweetness beautifully, while a drizzle of extra maple syrup over the top adds glossy charm and an irresistible aroma. Fresh herbs like finely chopped chives also work wonders if you want a subtle contrast and a pop of color.
Side Dishes
Pair your McGriddle sandwiches with fresh fruit like berries or orange slices to add a juicy, refreshing balance. Crispy hash browns or a light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette are also excellent sides that keep the meal well-rounded and satisfying without overwhelming the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
To make your Easy 5-Minute McGriddle Recipe for Meal Prep Mornings even more fun, try stacking mini versions for a breakfast slider platter perfect for sharing. Wrapping sandwiches in parchment paper tied with twine also makes them portable for on-the-go mornings or serving at a brunch gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or place them in airtight containers to keep them fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. This way, you can enjoy your Easy 5-Minute McGriddle Recipe for Meal Prep Mornings anytime without extra effort.
Freezing
These McGriddles freeze beautifully! Individually wrap them in foil or plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to one month to have a convenient breakfast option ready whenever you need it.
Reheating
For best results, reheat frozen sandwiches wrapped in foil in a 350°F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. If refrigerated, microwave for about 60 to 90 seconds, or use a toaster oven, being sure to unwrap any foil before microwaving for even reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While American cheese melts wonderfully and offers a classic taste, Swiss, cheddar, or pepper jack all make delicious alternatives depending on your flavor preference.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes, using a gluten-free pancake mix works great here. Just be sure all other ingredients like sausage patties or seasonings are also gluten-free to keep the sandwich safe for sensitive diets.
How long can I store the assembled sandwiches before eating?
It’s best to eat assembled sandwiches within 3 days if refrigerated. For longer storage, freezing is your friend and preserves taste and texture remarkably well.
Can I prep ingredients the night before?
Definitely! You can prepare the pancake batter, cook your bacon or sausage, and pre-cook eggs in advance so your morning assembly takes only a few minutes—perfect for hectic mornings.
What if I don’t have maple sugar?
No worries! You can simply omit the maple sugar or substitute it with brown sugar without losing that lovely hint of sweetness and caramel notes in your pancakes.
Final Thoughts
There is simply something magical about the Easy 5-Minute McGriddle Recipe for Meal Prep Mornings that turns rushed mornings into moments of pure breakfast bliss. With its unbeatable combination of flavors, quick prep, and foolproof technique, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your weekly meal prep routine. Give it a try, and trust me—you’ll be looking forward to mornings like never before!
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Easy 5-Minute McGriddle Recipe for Meal Prep Mornings Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Easy 5-Minute McGriddle recipe is perfect for quick meal prep mornings, combining fluffy maple-flavored pancakes with savory eggs, crispy bacon or sausage, and melty American cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a delicious, homemade spin on the classic fast-food breakfast sandwich.
Ingredients
Pancake Batter
- 1 cup pancake mix (like Bisquick)
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons maple sugar or brown sugar (optional, for extra maple flavor)
Eggs
- 4 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Meat and Cheese
- 4 slices American cheese
- 8 strips bacon, cooked until crispy OR 4 breakfast sausage patties
Other
- Butter or cooking spray for greasing the pan
Instructions
- Prepare the pancake batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, milk, 1 egg, and vegetable oil until just combined. Small lumps in the batter are okay. Gently fold in the maple syrup and maple sugar if using. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Cook the pancakes: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or cooking spray. For uniform pancakes, place a 3.5-inch round cookie cutter or mason jar ring on the cooking surface and pour about 3 tablespoons of batter into each ring. Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set. Carefully remove the ring, flip the pancake, and cook 1-2 more minutes until golden. Repeat to make 8 pancakes in total. Keep them warm under a towel.
- Cook the eggs: In the same skillet over medium heat, use the ring molds again if desired. Crack the eggs into the rings, break the yolks, and season with salt and pepper. Add a few drops of water to the pan, cover, and cook for 1-2 minutes for set whites or 3-4 minutes if fully cooked yolks are preferred.
- Prepare the meat: Cook bacon strips until crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side, or heat breakfast sausage patties according to package instructions until browned and fully cooked.
- Assemble the McGriddles: Place one pancake on a plate, top with a slice of American cheese, then the cooked egg, followed by 2 strips of bacon or 1 sausage patty. Top with a second pancake. Press gently to form a sandwich. For an authentic touch, brush the tops lightly with warm maple syrup before serving.
- Serve: Serve immediately while warm, or keep the assembled sandwiches warm in a 200°F oven until ready to eat.
Notes
- Use a ring mold or cookie cutter for perfectly shaped pancakes and eggs.
- Maple sugar is optional but adds extra maple flavor to pancakes.
- Adjust egg yolk cooking times to preference—runny or fully set.
- Keep sandwiches warm in an oven set at 200°F if preparing ahead of time.
- Substitute breakfast sausage with bacon for flavor variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Griddle, Pan-fry
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 250mg
Keywords: McGriddle, breakfast sandwich, maple syrup, pancake sandwich, quick breakfast, meal prep
