Dunkin' Donuts Pancake Bites Scare Everyone -- Even Its Employees!

on November 9, 2010 at 11:25 AM

Was it just me being hyper self-conscious or did the employee at Dunkin' Donuts actually snicker when I ordered the new Sausage Pancake Bites?

Nope, nope, I definitely wasn't imagining it because of what happened next: She turned to another employee and said something I couldn't understand; but I do know it ended in "Sausage Pancake Bites," an eye-roll, and then peels of laughter. Yup, they were definitely laughing at me. Oh, and when they called out my order, the male customer next to me muttered, "Ew, gross" and shot me a look of utter disgust.

It's not like I blame them.

In fact, I probably would react the exact same way if anyone willingly put a Meat Munchkin into their digestive tract. Just look at it!

Images of the handheld breakfast treat have been terrorizing people on TV, online, and even on the subway. There's just something about pancake balls stuffed with sausage links that makes me want to shield my eyes and run screaming into another room. And, as the anecdote above clearly demonstrates, DD employees are scared of them, too!

So how do they taste? I can honestly say: Not as frightening as they look. It's really just fried batter slightly sweetened with meatiness inside. In fact, one order is comparable to eating three mini corn-dogs. (For breakfast.)

I could use more sweetness in the dough; and they were a little too greasy for a handheld product. But overall I emerged unharmed from the experience, though I don't think I would ever repeat it again of my own accord.

If I was wickedly hungover, had a giant bottle of syrup, and it were the only hot food within a 5-mile radius, then maybe I could see Pancake Bites and I having a future together.

Until then, I think I'll just order my usual hazelnut coffee with milk and call it a day. (That is if I can ever show my face in there again; after today's humiliation, I'm having serious doubts.)

Have you tasted Dunkin' Donuts new Sausage Breakfast Bites? Thoughts?

About the author Kim Conte

has shoes that make people stop her on the street and ask "Where did you get those?" but it doesn't work for taxi cabs as she was hit by one ... and lived to tell the tale. She has more freckles than Lohan but way less attitude. And she's a fierce cook with tons of recipes to share -- and wishes she could share some with Bourdain.

Filed Under: breakfast, eating out, food, trends

Comments (18)

cafemama

on Nov 9, 2010 at 11:33 AM

Ha ha. They sure do look unappetizing. You're a brave woman!

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SallyAM

on Nov 9, 2010 at 11:58 AM

I can say they look much worse than they taste. I was very skeptical/grossed out, but they weren't so bad. That said, I don't think I'll have them again.

Nonmember comment from Carolyn

on Nov 9, 2010 at 12:40 PM

I am just envious that you have a Dunkin' Donuts. We don't have them on the West Coast. Oh Boston Cream Donuts how I miss you. :-(

billsfan1104

on Nov 9, 2010 at 12:46 PM

My daughter would probably eat them in a minute. They have this maple sausauge egg breakfast sandwich on a croissant. I get that all the time with extra cheese. Its sooooooooooooooooooooo good. Its sweet, salty, cheesy and spicey all on a buttery croissant.. yummy

SweetPieMama24

on Nov 9, 2010 at 12:58 PM

Agree - it looks disgusting but it doesnt taste as bad as it looks. They are definitely greasy for a handheld food. The maple smell was soooo delicious smelling, but the sausage was a little over powering with spicyness for me. I wouldn't order them again though, but it was worth a try. And btw - that maple cheddar sausage croissant is DISGUSTING.

on Nov 9, 2010 at 2:22 PM

I LOVE IT SWEETPIE, BUT I LOVE CHEESE, all kinds of cheese. I think alot of people dont like the thickness or the pungent cheese thats on it. But I do. lololol

Jet101

on Nov 9, 2010 at 2:24 PM

You have got to be hungry ( or desparate for a tasting) to try this item.

MadelynMc

on Nov 9, 2010 at 2:49 PM

Mmmmmm nitrates dipped in batter. That's how I want to start my day :) I did love the sausage/pancake corn dogs when I was a kid, though.

hoticedcoffee

on Nov 9, 2010 at 5:23 PM

They look like dog treats.

Nonmember comment from ToHypocrites

on Nov 10, 2010 at 7:35 AM

What cracks me up is that the same people who complain about how gross this is will make pancakes and sausage for breakfast, cut up the pancakes and sausage, then stick a fork into a piece of pancake, then into a piece of sausage (so that they're on the same fork) and eat it. It's the same thing! Get over yourselves...