An Easy Breakfast Casserole That Rivals McDonald's McGriddle Takes Just 30 Minutes To Bake

Want a quick-to-make eye-opener that reminds you of your favorite fast food morning meal? This easy to make breakfast casserole will only take you about 30 minutes to bake up — and it'll remind you of taking a big bite out of a homemade McGriddle.

The recipe goes by multiple names, but the basic steps are the same. Combine pancake mix, maple syrup, beaten eggs, salt and pepper, cooked breakfast sausage, and cheddar or American cheese to make a casserole base. Bake it in the oven for only roughly 30 minutes.

If you have even less time in the morning, you can make it ahead of time and freeze it for reheating. Or, to speed up the process even further, replace the pancake mix with miniature frozen pancakes, topping them with cooked sausages, beaten eggs, and cheese. Top it with more pancakes, maple syrup, more eggs, and more cheese, then place it in the oven. No matter which way you slice it, the savory, salty, smoky, sweet, and cheesy flavors of the McGriddle will definitely be present in the dish.

If you'd like to add even more variety to your McGriddle casserole, you can toss in vanilla bean paste, brown sugar, and cottage cheese for added sweetness and a change in texture. You can switch up the type of sausage you put in the dish, as well — use a spicier variety, or add in a maple-flavored version. The type of cheese you use can also mean a different-tasting dish; try swapping the cheddar or American cheese out for something tangier.

A rich, savory and sweet dish like this one calls out for fresh flavors to balance it. Try out a fruit salad, or maybe some earthy vegetable-based sides like hash browns or home fries. With fruit juice or milk on the side, you'll have a flavor-balanced and complete meal — totally upgrading your McGriddle experience. If you'd like step-by-step instructions for making a McGriddle-style casserole, watch the video below.