McGriddle Casserole

Breakfast is by far my family’s favorite meal of the day. My kids love it because sometimes it involves chocolate (hello, chocolate chip pancakes). But my husband? He’s just there for the bacon. And as for me, I’m just happy that I can get everyone to eat the same thing. So naturally this McGriddle casserole was an instant hit—probably because it combines all of our favorite things into one easy breakfast casserole.

Pancake batter crowns a crunchy potato crust and a savory filling with breakfast sausage, cheese and egg. In the oven, the pancake layer puffs, turning golden on the outside and irresistibly fluffy on the inside. Each slice of the breakfast bake is served warm with a kiss of extra maple syrup on top.

Ingredients for McGriddle Casserole

• Frozen potato crowns: Not to be confused with Tater Tots, potato crowns are small, bite-sized hash browns with a flattened disc shape.
• Turkey breakfast sausage: Turkey breakfast sausage keeps this egg casserole lean. If you prefer, you can use pork or chicken sausage instead.
• Scrambled eggs: No special tricks needed here! Simply whisk eggs with milk and seasoned salt to make a quick, fluffy batch of scrambled eggs.
• Cheddar cheese: You can use any kind of cheddar for this recipe. Personally, I like using an extra-sharp yellow or white cheddar to maximize the cheese flavor.
• Pancake mix: Use your favorite boxed pancake mix from the store or an equal amount of homemade pancake mix.
• Maple syrup: If possible, splurge on the best maple syrup you can buy for the best taste.

Directions

Step 1: Bake the hash brown crust

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Layer the potato crowns into the bottom of a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Bake them until they’re golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes.

Editor’s Tip: Like blind baking a pie crust, this step is key to ensuring the potatoes turn golden and form a satisfyingly crispy, sturdy crust.

Step 2: Brown the sausage

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the turkey sausage over medium heat until it’s no longer pink, about five to seven minutes, breaking it into crumbles as you work. Drain any excess water or fat, and then set it aside.

Step 3: Scramble the eggs

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk and seasoned salt until they’re blended. Pour the mixture into the same skillet you used to cook the sausage. Cook and stir the eggs until the mixture has thickened and almost no visible liquid remains. Remove them from the skillet.

Editor’s Tip: Slightly undercooking the eggs helps prevent them from drying out and overcooking as the casserole finishes baking.

Step 4: Layer the cheese, sausage and eggs

Gently press the potato crowns down to form a crust.

Add half the shredded cheddar, followed by the cooked sausage and eggs. Top with the remaining half of the cheddar.

Step 5: Add the pancake batter and syrup, then bake it

In a small bowl, combine the pancake mix and water until they form a smooth batter. Pour it over the cheese, and then drizzle it with maple syrup. Bake the casserole, uncovered, until the pancake batter has set and the top is crisp, 40 to 45 minutes.

Step 6: Serve it warm

Cut the McGriddle casserole into squares and top it with additional maple syrup, if desired.

McGriddle Casserole Variations

• Play with other potato possibilities: Potato crowns are the right shape and size for an easy breakfast casserole crust. That said, if you can’t find them at your supermarket, you can use Tater Tots or shredded hash browns instead. Just keep a close eye on them as they bake in the oven, as the cook time may need to be adjusted slightly.
• Mix up the meat: Like a real McGriddle sandwich from McDonald’s, you can change up the meat in this casserole to suit your preference. Replace the sausage with cooked and crumbled bacon, or opt for diced ham. You could also do a combination of multiple meats if you have meat lovers in your household.
• Choose another cheese: Try making this McGriddle casserole recipe with a different melting cheese. Mozzarella, provolone, pepper jack, Gouda, Gruyere, fontina and Parmesan are all varieties to consider.
• Make it spicy and sweet: If you need a little kick in your breakfast to wake up, consider adding diced jalapenos or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the casserole. You could also experiment with a drizzle of hot honey before serving it.

How to Store McGriddle Casserole

McGriddle casserole should be refrigerated in an airtight food storage container.

How long does McGriddle casserole last?

For the best taste and freshness, McGriddle casserole should be enjoyed within three to four days.

Can you freeze a McGriddle casserole?

You can freeze McGriddle casserole after baking it. Let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with storage wrap and aluminum foil.

How should you reheat a McGriddle casserole?

Individual portions of McGriddle casserole can be warmed in the microwave until they’re heated through. Alternatively, for the best taste and texture, we recommend reheating the casserole in a preheated 350º oven, uncovered, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165º.

McGriddle Casserole Tips

How can you prep McGriddle casserole in advance?

This McGriddle casserole is a go-to for sleepy weekend mornings and holiday brunch gatherings with friends and family. For a make-ahead breakfast that saves you time in the morning, you can prep most of this McGriddle casserole recipe the night before. After all, nobody should be stuck washing a mountain of dishes on holidays or weekends!

Bake the potato crust as directed, and layer it with cheese, scrambled egg and cooked sausage. Cover and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, top the casserole with the pancake batter and maple syrup, then bake it as directed.

What can you serve with McGriddle casserole?

A McGriddle casserole covers almost all the bases for breakfast. Round out your menu with a fresh, colorful fruit salad or a pitcher of strawberry-banana smoothies. If you like something extra sweet at brunch, pair this casserole with a cinnamon coffee cake or a batch of chocolate muffins.