Million Dollar McDonald’s McGriddle Breakfast Casserole

If you love a McDonald’s McGriddle, this breakfast casserole is about to become a problem in the best way.

It has everything you love about a McGriddle, the fluffy pancake, savory breakfast sausage, eggs, melted cheddar and that little hit of maple sweetness, but instead of making individual breakfast sandwiches, everything gets baked together into one easy breakfast casserole.

And listen, I almost called this my Million Dollar McGriddle Breakfast Casserole because it is THAT good. This is absolutely the type of breakfast you make once and suddenly everybody wants you in charge of breakfast forever.

The best part? The ingredient list is super simple. Pancake mix, sage breakfast sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, eggs, milk and maple syrup make up the base. I add a few pinches of brown sugar to bring out that signature sweet-and-savory McGriddle flavor, plus my secret ingredient: vanilla bean paste.

That vanilla bean paste takes the whole thing over the top. Don’t skip it!

Why You’ll Love This McGriddle Breakfast Casserole

I’m a sucker for anything sweet and savory at breakfast, which is exactly why a McGriddle works so well. You get sausage, egg and cheese followed by that little maple sweetness from the pancakes. This casserole gives you the same vibe without having to stand over the stove making a bunch of individual sandwiches.

It’s easy enough for a lazy Saturday morning but also good enough to pull out for Christmas morning, Easter brunch, Mother’s Day or when you have overnight guests.

And because everything goes into one baking dish, it’s also a great option when you need to feed a crowd without doing the absolute most.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this easy McGriddle breakfast casserole so good:

• Pancake mix: Your favorite pancake mix makes this incredibly easy and gives us that fluffy McGriddle-inspired base.
• Sage breakfast sausage: I love sage-flavored breakfast sausage here because it adds so much savory breakfast flavor.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Definitely go sharp. You want a cheese with enough flavor to stand up to the sweet pancake and maple syrup.
• Eggs: This is still a breakfast casserole, after all!
• Milk: Helps create the pancake batter and keeps everything soft and tender.
• Maple syrup: This is where that classic sweet McGriddle flavor comes in.
• Brown sugar: Just a few pinches. We’re not making dessert, but that extra sweetness makes a difference.
• Vanilla bean paste: My secret ingredient! It gives the pancake portion a deeper vanilla flavor that makes this casserole taste extra special.
• Cottage cheese: for a little added protein

How to Make a McGriddle Breakfast Casserole

Start by browning your sage breakfast sausage in a skillet, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Once it’s browned and cooked through, drain off any excess grease and set it aside.

Next, prepare your pancake mixture with the pancake mix, milk, egg, maple syrup and vanilla bean paste. Add a few pinches of brown sugar for a little extra sweetness.

Now comes the easy part. Layer everything into your prepared baking dish so you get sausage, sharp cheddar and that sweet pancake mixture throughout.

Bake until the casserole is golden, fluffy and cooked through in the center.

When it comes out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes before slicing. I love serving it warm with an extra drizzle of maple syrup right over the top.

SO GOOD.

What Does a McGriddle Breakfast Casserole Taste Like?

Think of this as somewhere between a breakfast casserole, a pancake bake and a giant McGriddle cake.

You get the sweetness of pancakes and maple syrup with little bites of savory sage sausage, egg and melted sharp cheddar cheese. The brown sugar and vanilla bean paste make the pancake flavor even better without turning the casserole into a full-blown dessert.

It’s sweet. It’s salty. It’s cheesy. It’s fluffy. And when you pour a little warm maple syrup over the top? Game over.

Make It for Brunch or Meal Prep

This easy breakfast casserole is especially good when you’re feeding a group because you can slice it into squares and let everybody serve themselves.

Serve it with fresh fruit and coffee for an easy brunch spread, or add crispy breakfast potatoes if you’re making a bigger breakfast.

You can also portion leftovers into individual containers and reheat them for breakfast throughout the week. Just don’t forget the maple syrup!

Tips for the Best McGriddle Breakfast Casserole

Don’t overmix your pancake batter. Mix everything just until combined so the casserole stays nice and fluffy.

I also recommend using real maple syrup if you have it. Since maple is one of the main flavors we’re trying to recreate, you’ll taste the difference.

And please use the vanilla bean paste! Vanilla extract can work in a pinch, but the vanilla bean paste gives this such a rich flavor and makes a very simple breakfast casserole taste like you did way more than you actually did.

Finally, don’t be scared of the sweet and savory combination. The brown sugar doesn’t need to be heavy-handed. A few pinches are enough to bring everything together.

Can I Make McGriddle Breakfast Casserole Ahead of Time?

You can absolutely do some of the prep ahead. Cook your sausage, shred your cheese and measure your ingredients the night before, then assemble and bake everything fresh in the morning.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheated for an easy breakfast the next day.

Million Dollar McGriddle Casserole

I’m officially sticking with the name because regular McGriddle casserole just isn’t doing it justice.

This Million Dollar McGriddle Breakfast Casserole has all the flavors that make the McDonald’s breakfast sandwich so good, but it’s easier to serve, made with simple ingredients and perfect when you’re feeding the whole family.

The combination of fluffy pancake, sage breakfast sausage, sharp cheddar, maple syrup, brown sugar and vanilla bean paste is ridiculous.

Make it once and don’t be surprised when your family nominates you to make breakfast every single time.

Inspired by the viral mcgriddle cake by forgetthetakeout