Ham and Colby-Jack Pancake McGriddle Melts
These Ham and Colby-Jack Pancake McGriddle Melts sandwich savory ham and gooey Colby-Jack cheese between soft, maple-kissed pancakes. Each sandwich is warmed in a skillet until the cheese melts, making a sweet-and-savory breakfast that’s easy to make at home.
Serve them for a weekend brunch, a hearty breakfast, or a quick breakfast-for-dinner meal. Add a fried egg if you’d like an even heartier sandwich.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 35 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft pancakes take the place of English muffins or bread
- Ham and Colby-Jack make a savory, cheesy filling
- A little maple syrup gives the pancakes a sweet McGriddle-style flavor
- Easy to make with pancake mix
- Great for breakfast, brunch, or breakfast-for-dinner
- Easy to customize with eggs, bacon, or different cheese
- The sandwiches can be made ahead and reheated
Ingredients
Maple Pancakes
- 2 cups pancake mix
- 1½ cups milk, or the amount listed on the pancake mix package
- 2 large eggs, if required by the mix
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Butter or oil, for the skillet
Sandwich Filling
- 8 thin slices cooked ham
- 4 slices Colby-Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, for warming the sandwiches
- Extra maple syrup, for serving
Optional Additions
- 4 fried or scrambled eggs
- Cooked bacon
- A pinch of black pepper
- A little Dijon or honey mustard
How to Make Ham and Colby-Jack Pancake McGriddle Melts
Step 1: Make the Pancake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, milk, eggs if needed, maple syrup, and melted butter. Stir just until combined. A few small lumps are fine; overmixing can make the pancakes tough.
If the batter seems too thick to pour, add milk one tablespoon at a time.
Step 2: Cook the Pancakes
Heat a lightly buttered skillet or griddle over medium heat. Pour about ¼ cup batter onto the hot surface for each pancake.
Cook until bubbles appear on top and the edges look set, about 2–3 minutes. Flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
Repeat with the remaining batter. You’ll need eight pancakes for four sandwiches.
Step 3: Warm the Ham
Place the ham slices in a clean skillet over medium heat. Warm for about 30–60 seconds per side, just until heated through. Set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches
Place four pancakes on a clean surface. Top each with two slices of ham and one slice of Colby-Jack cheese. Add a fried or scrambled egg, if desired.
Top each with another pancake to make four sandwiches.
Step 5: Toast and Melt
Melt a little butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sandwiches and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula.
Cook until both sides are golden and the cheese has melted. If the pancakes brown before the cheese melts, lower the heat and cover the skillet for a minute.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Serve the melts warm with maple syrup on the side. Add fresh fruit or breakfast potatoes for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Pancake McGriddle Melts
- Don’t overmix the batter. Stir only until the dry ingredients are moistened for tender pancakes.
- Make the pancakes a similar size. Even pancakes make sandwiches easier to assemble.
- Keep the griddle at medium heat. Too much heat can brown the outside before the centers cook.
- Use thin-sliced ham. It warms quickly and fits neatly between the pancakes.
- Toast over medium-low heat. This gives the cheese time to melt without over-browning the pancakes.
- Cover the skillet briefly if needed. A lid helps the cheese melt faster.
- Adjust the sweetness. Add more maple syrup to the batter for sweeter pancakes or leave it out for a less-sweet sandwich.
Delicious Variations
Egg and Ham McGriddle Melts
Add one fried or folded scrambled egg to each sandwich. Season the egg lightly with salt and pepper.
Bacon and Colby-Jack Pancake Melts
Replace some or all of the ham with crisp cooked bacon for a smoky breakfast sandwich.
Spicy Ham McGriddles
Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the pancake batter. Pepper Jack can replace the Colby-Jack cheese.
Honey-Mustard Ham Melts
Spread a thin layer of honey mustard on the inside of the pancakes before adding the ham and cheese.
Mini McGriddle Sliders
Make smaller pancakes using about two tablespoons of batter per pancake. Add a small piece of ham and cheese to each mini sandwich for a brunch platter.
Homemade Pancake Batter
Use your favorite homemade pancake recipe instead of boxed mix. Add maple syrup and melted butter to the batter for a similar sweet pancake flavor.
What to Serve with Ham and Colby-Jack Pancake Melts
These breakfast sandwiches pair well with:
- Fresh berries or sliced fruit
- Hash browns or breakfast potatoes
- Yogurt
- Scrambled eggs
- A simple green salad for a brunch spread
- Extra maple syrup for dipping
Can I Make Them Ahead?
Yes. Cook the pancakes up to two days ahead and refrigerate them in an airtight container. Warm the ham, assemble the sandwiches, and toast them in a skillet shortly before serving.
You can also assemble the sandwiches and refrigerate them for a few hours before toasting. For the best texture, store the pancakes and filling separately if preparing them farther in advance.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Reheat them in a skillet over low heat, covered, until warmed through and the cheese is melted. You can also reheat them in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes. The microwave is convenient, though the pancakes will be softer.
Can You Freeze Pancake McGriddle Melts?
Yes. Let the sandwiches cool completely, wrap them individually, and freeze in an airtight container for up to two months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a covered skillet or oven until hot. Add maple syrup after reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to add maple syrup to the pancake batter?
No. It adds a gentle sweetness that gives the pancakes a McGriddle-style flavor, but you can leave it out or serve syrup on the side.
Can I use leftover pancakes?
Yes. Use pancakes that are about the same size. Warm them briefly before assembling so the filling heats evenly.
What cheese can I use instead of Colby-Jack?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, American, or Swiss all work. Choose a cheese that melts easily.
Can I use deli ham?
Yes. Thin-sliced deli ham is convenient. Fold the slices into small stacks so they stay inside the sandwich.
How do I keep the pancakes from getting soggy?
Use just enough syrup to flavor the batter, and toast the sandwiches in butter before serving. If adding a sauce, spread on a thin layer.
Can I make these without eggs?
Yes. Use a pancake mix that doesn’t require eggs or prepare the batter according to its egg-free instructions. The sandwich filling can also be made without a fried egg.
Pro Tips
Cook the pancakes first and keep them warm under a clean towel. Assemble with warm ham and cheese, then toast the sandwiches slowly so the cheese melts before the pancakes become too dark. Serve the syrup on the side so everyone can choose how sweet to make each bite.
Final Thoughts
These Ham and Colby-Jack Pancake McGriddle Melts bring together fluffy maple pancakes, savory ham, and warm melted cheese in an easy breakfast sandwich. They’re simple enough for a weekday treat and special enough for a relaxed weekend brunch.
