Name: Homemade McDonald’s-Style Breakfast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 steak patty (or 6 oz shaved steak); 1 tablespoon butter; 1 small onion, sliced; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon milk; 1 plain bagel, toasted; 1 slice American cheese; 1 tablespoon creamy breakfast sauce (see below); 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon yellow mustard; ½ teaspoon lemon juice; ½ teaspoon sugar; ¼ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Jump to Recipe

You haven’t truly experienced breakfast comfort until you build your own Homemade McDonald’s-Style Breakfast right in your kitchen. Imagine tucking into a thick, savory steak patty topped with caramelized onions, creamy American cheese, and a perfectly folded egg, all held together in a toasty bagel with a dreamy, tangy sauce—fast food nostalgia with an irresistible homemade twist. Whether you’re craving that iconic breakfast sandwich at home or just want to impress your family, this recipe lets you recreate the magic in your own way, using fresh ingredients and a little culinary love.

Homemade McDonald's-Style Breakfast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing overly complicated about this breakfast delight, but each ingredient serves a purpose—balance, richness, color, or that signature fast-food flavor you’re after. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each element matters.

Steak patty (or 6 oz shaved steak): The juicy, savory main event—choose a well-marbled cut for extra flavor, or use shaved steak for quick cooking.
Butter: Adds richness to both the eggs and onions, creating that irresistible breakfast aroma.
Small onion, sliced: When caramelized, onions lend both sweetness and depth, essential for replicating that classic flavor.
Large egg: Adds protein and creaminess—the trick is folding it for a neat, sandwich-ready square.
Milk: Just a splash makes the eggs extra fluffy and light.
Plain bagel, toasted: The sturdy, flavorful vehicle for all those delicious fillings. Toasting brings a wonderful crunch.
Slice American cheese: Melty, creamy, and nostalgic—it’s the unmistakable “taste of breakfast out.”
Creamy breakfast sauce (see below): This tangy, savory sauce pulls everything together with its zingy punch.
Mayonnaise: The base of the sauce, lending creaminess and a rich mouthfeel.
Yellow mustard: A dash of sharpness to brighten the sauce.
Lemon juice: Adds a pop of acidity and freshness to balance the richness.
Sugar: Just a hint to mellow out the tang and round out the flavors.
Onion powder: Elevates the savory depth of the sauce.
Garlic powder: The final touch for a warming, aromatic note.

How to Make Homemade McDonald’s-Style Breakfast

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Breakfast Sauce

This is where the magic starts! In a small bowl, combine your mayonnaise, yellow mustard, lemon juice, sugar, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth—you’ll instantly catch the aroma of classic breakfast sandwiches. Set the sauce aside, letting the flavors meld while you prepare the rest.

Step 2: Caramelize Those Onions

Add half your butter to a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the sliced onions and stir occasionally for about 5-7 minutes until they turn irresistibly golden and sweet. Don’t rush—slow cooking is key for that soft, deeply flavored finish you remember from a true Homemade McDonald’s-Style Breakfast.

Step 3: Sizzle Up the Steak

No need for takeout here! In the same pan, place your steak patty—or pile in your shaved steak. Cook over medium heat, flipping for even browning, until fully cooked through (about 3-4 minutes per side for a patty, a little less for shaved steak). Remove from heat and keep warm—you want those juices locked in!

Step 4: Scramble and Shape the Egg

Time for fluffy eggs! Whisk together your egg and milk until well combined. Melt the remaining butter in the pan, pour in your egg mixture, and gently fold the edge toward the center as it cooks. Try shaping the egg into a square—that way, it’ll fit snugly inside your bagel, just like your favorite Homemade McDonald’s-Style Breakfast sandwich.

Step 5: Build Your Dreamy Bagel Sandwich

Let the layering begin! Generously slather your creamy breakfast sauce over both toasted bagel halves. On the bottom half, layer on your steak, followed by the caramelized onions, that perfectly folded egg, and a slice of American cheese. Carefully top it off with the other bagel half for the full effect.

Step 6: Serve and Dig In

Give your Homemade McDonald’s-Style Breakfast a gentle press to help everything meld together. Serve immediately—ideally when the cheese is still melty and the steak is steaming hot. Take a moment to admire your handiwork, then savor every bite!

How to Serve Homemade McDonald’s-Style Breakfast

Garnishes

A few simple garnishes can make your breakfast sandwich presentation truly pop. Freshly cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of sliced chives over the egg brings color and a little extra oomph. If you like a little heat, dash on some hot sauce or lay a few pickle slices beside your sandwich for crunch and tang.

Side Dishes

No Homemade McDonald’s-Style Breakfast is complete without the perfect side. Crispy hash browns or diced breakfast potatoes pair beautifully, offering that diner vibe. Fresh fruit salad can balance the richness, while a hot coffee or orange juice rounds out the meal—just like the real thing, but better.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get playful with your presentation! Stack your bagel sandwich in a small basket lined with parchment for a retro fast food feel. Cut your sandwich in half for an impressive cross-section display, or skewer smaller versions with toothpicks for a brunch platter. Breakfast at home can be fun and photo-worthy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though they do seem to disappear fast), wrap your cooled Homemade McDonald’s-Style Breakfast tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge. For the best flavor and texture, enjoy within 1-2 days.

Freezing

To make busy mornings even easier, assemble the sandwiches without the sauce and cheese, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze them. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat, adding fresh sauce and cheese just before serving for that original meltiness and tang.

Reheating

Reheating is simple! For best results, warm your sandwich in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F until heated through (about 10 minutes). The microwave works in a pinch—wrap in a damp paper towel and heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking. Add fresh sauce after reheating for ultimate freshness.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of bread?

Absolutely! While a classic plain bagel brings an unmistakable McDonald’s vibe, feel free to experiment with English muffins, croissants, or even hearty sandwich rolls if that’s what you have on hand.

What’s the best cut of steak for this recipe?

Any well-marbled beef works well. Shaved ribeye or sirloin delivers juicy results and cooks quickly, but you can also use pre-formed steak patties for extra convenience. Even leftover steak strips from dinner make a great shortcut!

Can I make the creamy breakfast sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to three days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Letting it sit actually helps the flavors come together beautifully.

What’s the trick to getting the egg perfectly square?

Pour the egg mixture into a nonstick skillet, then gently fold the edges toward the center as it begins to set, creating a rough square. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—once stacked in your bagel, it’ll look just right!

Is there a vegetarian version of this sandwich?

Definitely! Swap out the steak for a plant-based patty or a slice of roasted portobello mushroom, and follow the same instructions for a delicious meatless version. The creamy sauce and caramelized onions will still make it totally craveable.

Final Thoughts

If you adore breakfast sandwiches as much as I do, this Homemade McDonald’s-Style Breakfast has your name written all over it. There’s just something so satisfying in recreating the flavors you love, right down to the last saucy bite. Go ahead—treat yourself and those you care about to this home-cooked classic. Here’s to mornings that taste incredible, wherever you are!

Homemade McDonald’s-Style Breakfast Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 28 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Recreate the classic McDonald’s-style breakfast sandwich at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. Juicy steak, caramelized onions, fluffy scrambled egg, and melted cheese, all nestled between a toasted bagel with a creamy breakfast sauce.

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, sugar, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth and set aside.
Caramelize the Onions: Heat ½ tablespoon butter in a pan over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
Cook the Steak: In the same pan, add the steak patty or shaved steak. Cook over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and keep warm.
Scramble the Egg: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Melt the remaining butter in the pan and pour in the egg mixture. Cook, folding the egg into a square shape for easy sandwich assembly.
Assemble the Bagel: Spread the breakfast sauce on both halves of the toasted bagel. Layer the cooked steak, caramelized onions, scrambled egg, and American cheese on the bottom half.
Serve Hot: Close the sandwich, press lightly, and enjoy your homemade McDonald’s-style breakfast! 🍽️☕

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Pan-fry
Cuisine: American