There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about biting into a warm McGriddle—sweet pancakes hugging savory sausage, eggs, and melty cheese. If you've been missing out due to gluten sensitivity or simply want a homemade twist on a fast-food favorite, you're in for a treat. This gluten-free McGriddle with turkey sausage is the ultimate copycat Mcgriddle recipe that brings all the comfort of the original, without the gluten—or the drive-thru. It’s the kind of easy breakfast idea that can also double as one of those unexpectedly cheap dinners for a family when you're pressed for time. With a few pantry staples and some clever swaps, you can bring the magic of a McDonald's Mcgriddle recipe into your kitchen, with a wholesome and lighter spin.
Gluten-Free McGriddle with Turkey Sausage
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine American
Servings 4 assembled McGriddles
Non-stick skillet or griddle pan Essential for getting even, golden-brown pancakes. If you don’t have a griddle, any large frying pan will do.
Mixing bowls One for the dry ingredients, another for the wet.
Whisk For mixing the pancake batter.
Measuring cups and spoons Accuracy matters, especially with gluten-free baking.
Egg ring molds or mason jar rings (optional) Helps shape both the pancakes and eggs into perfect rounds, matching the iconic McGriddle look.
Spatula For flipping pancakes and sausage patties.
For the Gluten-Free Pancake "Buns"
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 cup milk dairy or unsweetened almond milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons real maple syrup plus more for serving
Optional: 1 tablespoon cornmeal for texture (mimicking the classic mcdonalds pancake recipe)
For the Turkey Sausage Patties
- 1 lb ground turkey 93% lean
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sage
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
Additional Fillings
- 4 eggs
- 4 slices cheddar cheese or dairy-free cheese slices
- Butter or oil for cooking
Make the Turkey Sausage Patties
In a medium bowl, mix the ground turkey with salt, pepper, paprika, sage, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Use your hands or a fork to combine, but don’t overwork the meat.
Form into 4 even patties, slightly larger than your pancake mold since they’ll shrink a bit when cooking. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little oil, and cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Set aside and keep warm.
Prepare the Gluten-Free Pancake Batter
In one bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and (if using) cornmeal. In another bowl, whisk the egg, milk, melted butter, vanilla, and maple syrup. Pour the wet into the dry and stir until just combined. Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes—this helps the flour hydrate and improves the texture.
Cook the Pancakes
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. Use about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake. If using a ring mold, place it on the pan first, then pour the batter inside for a perfectly round shape. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until bubbles form and the edges look set. Flip gently and finish cooking. Repeat until you have 8 pancakes.
Cook the Eggs
Crack each egg into a small bowl and pour it into a greased ring mold on your skillet. This keeps the shape consistent for stacking. Break the yolk slightly if you prefer an even cook. Cook covered for 2-3 minutes, or until set.
Assemble Your Gluten-Free McGriddle
Stack your sandwich as follows:
Pancake (bottom)
Slice of cheddar cheese
Turkey sausage patty
Egg
Pancake (top)
You can drizzle a bit of maple syrup inside the sandwich for that authentic copycat Mcgriddle taste—or serve it on the side for dipping.
Pairings
This gluten-free McGriddle is hearty enough on its own, but if you’re planning a weekend brunch or need to stretch the meal, here are a few tasty pairings:
- Fruit salad with melon, berries, and mint for a fresh contrast
- Hash browns or crispy roasted potatoes for a diner-style feel
- Iced coffee or cold brew for that McDonald’s breakfast vibe
- Yogurt parfaits with granola and honey to add some creamy texture
- For an evening spin (yes, breakfast-for-dinner!), serve with a side of sweet potato fries or even a Mcgriddle casserole if you want to turn this into a full tray-bake family meal
FAQs
1. Can I use turkey bacon instead of sausage?
Yes! If you prefer a leaner or different flavor profile, turkey bacon crisps up nicely and adds a salty crunch. You could even layer both for a deluxe version.
2. What kind of ground turkey is best for sausage patties?
Aim for 93% lean. Anything leaner might be too dry. You want a little fat to keep the sausage juicy and flavorful.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the sandwiches, wrap them in parchment and foil, and refrigerate or freeze. To reheat, pop them in the oven or microwave. This makes them great Mcgriddle muffins or meal prep options for busy mornings.
4. Do I have to use cheese?
Nope! You can skip it, use a dairy-free alternative, or go for something fancier like pepper jack or gouda. The cheddar slice in the original mcdonalds copycat recipes adds that familiar creamy melt, but feel free to experiment.
5. Can I make this into a casserole?
Yes, and it’s delicious. Instead of stacking sandwiches, you can chop the sausage, eggs, and pancakes, layer them in a baking dish, and pour a mix of whisked eggs and milk over it. Bake at 350°F until set—about 30–35 minutes. This Mcgriddle casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead.
