This McGriddle Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate combination of sweet and savory flavors. With fluffy pancake layers infused with maple syrup, crispy bacon, and savory sausage, it’s a mouthwatering twist on a fast-food classic—perfect for a weekend brunch or a meal prep breakfast option.
The beauty of this dish is its simplicity: one bowl, one pan, and an oven-baked breakfast that feeds a crowd. Whether you drizzle it with extra maple syrup or enjoy it as-is, this casserole is sure to bring comfort and joy to your morning routine. Serve it with fresh fruit or a cup of coffee for the ultimate breakfast experience!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups complete pancake mix
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- In another skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, about 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels, then crumble.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together pancake mix and water until smooth. Stir in maple syrup.
- Fold in the cooked sausage, bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the casserole is lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Brush melted butter over the top and serve warm with extra maple syrup, if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 6
The Ultimate Sweet & Savory Brunch Dish
If you love the flavors of a McGriddle but want an easier, homemade version, this McGriddle Breakfast Casserole is the perfect solution. It combines the best parts of breakfast—fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, savory sausage, and melty cheddar cheese—into one simple, oven-baked dish. This casserole is an easy way to serve a delicious breakfast to a crowd, and it’s packed with both sweet and savory flavors that make every bite irresistible.
Why This Recipe Works
One of the best things about this McGriddle-inspired casserole is that it eliminates the hassle of making individual sandwiches or flipping pancakes. Instead, everything is combined into one dish and baked until golden brown. The pancake mix creates a soft, slightly sweet base that contrasts perfectly with the saltiness of the bacon and sausage. Maple syrup ties everything together, adding just the right amount of sweetness to balance out the savory ingredients.
Another reason this recipe is a winner? It’s incredibly easy to make. With minimal prep and a simple baking process, you can have a homemade breakfast ready to go with very little effort. Whether you’re hosting a family brunch, meal-prepping for the week, or simply looking for a quick and satisfying breakfast, this casserole is a fantastic choice.
The Inspiration Behind the McGriddle Casserole
McDonald’s McGriddle sandwich is a breakfast favorite because it combines sweet maple-infused pancakes with salty, savory fillings like sausage, bacon, and cheese. However, making individual McGriddle sandwiches at home can be time-consuming. That’s where this casserole comes in—it transforms those classic flavors into a single baked dish, saving you time while still delivering the same great taste.
The soft pancake base has just the right touch of maple sweetness, complementing the crispy bacon, flavorful sausage, and gooey melted cheese. Every bite is packed with comforting breakfast flavors, making this dish a hit with both kids and adults.
A Crowd-Pleasing Breakfast
This casserole is designed to feed a crowd. If you’ve ever tried making McGriddles from scratch, you know how time-consuming it can be to cook each component separately and assemble multiple sandwiches. With this recipe, everything is mixed together in one pan, making it much easier to serve multiple people at once.
It’s also a great make-ahead breakfast. You can prepare it the night before, store it in the fridge, and simply pop it in the oven in the morning. This makes it ideal for holiday mornings, weekend brunches, or any time you want a no-fuss meal that tastes amazing.
Tips for Making the Best McGriddle Casserole
To make sure your casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are a few expert tips:
- Use high-quality maple syrup – The maple syrup is a key ingredient that gives this dish its signature flavor. Opt for pure maple syrup rather than artificial pancake syrup for the best taste.
- Cook the bacon until crispy – Since the casserole has a soft texture from the pancake base, the crispy bacon adds a needed crunch. If the bacon is too soft, it can get lost in the dish, so cook it until it’s nice and crispy before adding it in.
- Drain excess grease – After cooking the sausage and bacon, drain off as much grease as possible. This helps prevent the casserole from becoming too oily or heavy.
- Don’t overmix the batter – When combining the pancake mix with water, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough texture instead of the light, fluffy base that makes this casserole so delicious.
- Let it rest before serving – Just like any baked dish, letting it rest for a few minutes after coming out of the oven allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to slice.
How to Serve This McGriddle Casserole
One of the best things about this casserole is how versatile it is when it comes to serving. You can enjoy it on its own, or pair it with different sides and toppings to create a complete meal.
- Drizzle with extra maple syrup – A little extra syrup on top enhances the sweet-and-savory contrast.
- Serve with fresh fruit – A side of berries, banana slices, or orange wedges balances out the richness of the casserole.
- Add scrambled or fried eggs – If you want a more filling meal, pair this casserole with eggs for a traditional breakfast combination.
- Enjoy with a hot beverage – A warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate complements the flavors perfectly.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best parts about this recipe is that you can customize it in many ways to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some variations you can try:
- Make it spicy – If you like a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a touch of hot sauce to the batter.
- Try different cheeses – While cheddar is a classic choice, you can use mozzarella, pepper jack, Swiss, or even gouda for a unique twist.
- Use turkey or plant-based sausage – If you want a lighter option, swap the pork sausage for turkey sausage or a vegetarian alternative.
- Add veggies – Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach can add a fresh, healthy touch to the casserole.
- Make it gluten-free – Use a gluten-free pancake mix to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
How to Store and Reheat
If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this casserole stores and reheats beautifully.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container or cover the baking dish with plastic wrap. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to save portions for later, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze them for up to 2 months. This makes for an easy grab-and-go breakfast.
- Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat individual slices in the microwave for 30-45 seconds until warmed through.
- Oven: To reheat a larger portion, cover the dish with foil and warm it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
This McGriddle Breakfast Casserole stands out for several reasons:
- Easy to Make: Instead of cooking pancakes, bacon, and sausage separately, this recipe combines everything in one dish and bakes it to perfection.
- Feeds a Crowd: Whether you’re cooking for family brunch, a gathering, or meal prepping, this casserole provides multiple servings without extra work.
- Perfect Sweet and Savory Balance: The fluffy pancake base and maple syrup contrast beautifully with the crispy bacon, sausage, and melted cheese.
- Customizable: You can adjust ingredients to suit your taste, dietary preferences, or what you have on hand.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This McGriddle Breakfast Casserole isn’t just for regular weekday breakfasts. It’s a fantastic choice for special occasions, too!
- Holiday mornings – Make Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter breakfast extra special with this easy, flavorful dish.
- Weekend brunches – Impress guests with a homemade casserole that tastes like a gourmet breakfast.
- Potlucks and gatherings – Bring this dish to a potluck or family gathering—it’s easy to transport and always a hit.
- Meal prep for busy mornings – Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy delicious, ready-to-eat breakfast all week long.
Conclusion
This McGriddle Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate way to enjoy the classic flavors of a McGriddle in an easy, oven-baked dish. With a fluffy pancake base, crispy bacon, savory sausage, melty cheddar cheese, and just the right touch of maple syrup, it delivers the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for a quick and delicious breakfast, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s simple to make, easy to customize, and absolutely delicious.
Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s a breakfast favorite that keeps everyone coming back for more!