There’s something irresistible about the McGriddle—the way sweet, syrupy pancakes hug savory sausage, creamy egg, and melty cheese in one bite. It’s no surprise this breakfast sandwich has become a fast-food icon. But what if you could enjoy a homemade version that’s just as satisfying (if not more), without waiting in a drive-thru line? This McGriddle-style breakfast at home delivers all the deliciousness of a Mcdonald's Mcgriddle recipe, with the bonus of fresh ingredients and a made-from-scratch touch. Think of it as the ultimate DIY McGriddle, perfect for weekend brunches, meal prepping, or even quick cheap dinners for a family when breakfast-for-dinner is on the menu.
Syrupy Pancakes Meet Sausage and Egg
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine American
Non-stick skillet or griddle ideal for getting even browning on both pancakes and sausage
Mixing bowls one for the wet, one for the dry ingredients
Whisk to combine the batter thoroughly without lumps
Silicone spatula gentle on your pan and helpful for flipping
Biscuit or cookie cutter (about 3.5 to 4 inches) helps shape perfect pancake rounds
Mason jar rings or egg molds for those perfectly round eggs, just like the fast-food version
Measuring cups and spoons
For the Pancakes (the McGriddle "buns")
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter plus more for the skillet
- 2 tbsp maple syrup plus more for drizzling
Optional: 2 tbsp maple crystals or maple-flavored sugar for that classic syrupy bite
For the Filling
- 4 breakfast sausage patties store-bought or homemade
- 4 large eggs
- 4 slices of American cheese or cheddar for a sharper kick
- 8 strips of crispy bacon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Prepare the Pancake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and maple syrup. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined—lumps are okay! If you're using maple crystals or maple sugar, fold them in now. Let the batter sit for 5 minutes while you preheat your skillet.
Cook the Pancakes
Heat your skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter. Pour about ¼ cup of batter into the pan, using your biscuit cutter or ring mold to help shape it. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Set the pancakes aside on a plate and keep warm.
Cook the Sausage Patties
In the same skillet, cook the sausage patties until they’re browned and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. If you're feeling ambitious and want a homemade option, mix ground pork with a bit of sage, thyme, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a dash of brown sugar for a great copycat flavor.
Cook the Eggs
Spray your egg mold with cooking spray and place it in the skillet. Crack an egg into the mold and cook covered on low until the whites are set and yolks slightly runny or fully set, depending on your preference. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Assemble the Sandwich
Start with a pancake on the bottom, then layer in this order: cooked sausage patty, a slice of American cheese, a few strips of crispy bacon, then the cooked egg. Top it off with another pancake. For extra flavor, you can drizzle a small amount of maple syrup over the egg before closing the sandwich.
Serve Hot
Wrap them in parchment paper for an authentic fast-food feel—or pile them onto a platter and serve with hash browns, fruit, or coffee.
Pairings in Detail
The McGriddle-style sandwich is rich, sweet, and savory, so balance is key when picking sides and drinks.
- Drink Pairings: Freshly brewed coffee (dark roast or maple-flavored blends), orange juice, or even a cold brew with sweet cream.
- Sides: Hash browns or tater tots are a no-brainer, but a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds freshness. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or oranges cuts through the richness.
- Condiments: A light smear of hot sauce, maple butter, or even a bacon jam can elevate your DIY McGriddle.
FAQs
1. Can I use bacon instead of sausage?
Absolutely! Crispy bacon works wonderfully in this recipe, adding a salty crunch. You can also try a bacon-sausage combo for a Mcgriddle casserole flavor explosion.
2. What kind of egg works best?
Use large eggs and cook them in a mold to get that round, stackable shape. Scrambled eggs work too, but they’re a bit messier and won’t give you that classic Mcdonalds copycat recipes aesthetic.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the sandwiches, wrap individually in foil or parchment, and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop them in the oven or microwave. Great for easy breakfast ideas or quick weekday meals.
4. Is there a vegetarian version?
Try swapping the sausage for a plant-based patty or sautéed mushrooms. You can also use egg substitutes and non-dairy cheese to make it fully vegan.
5. Can I make mini versions for kids?
Totally! Use a smaller cookie cutter to create Mcgriddle muffins—great for lunchboxes or portion-controlled snacking. Kids love these mini versions, and you can mix and match fillings.
