Breakfast doesn’t get better than the sweet and savory combination of pancakes, sausage, bacon, and maple syrup. Now imagine having all those flavors packed into one easy-to-make dish. That’s the magic of an Easy McGriddle Casserole! Perfect for busy mornings, family brunches, or meal prep, this casserole combines the classic flavors of a McGriddle sandwich into a comforting and shareable dish.
Why You’ll Love Easy McGriddle Casserole
There’s something so satisfying about a meal that checks all the boxes: delicious, easy to prepare, and packed with flavors everyone loves. Whether it’s the crispy bacon, hearty sausage, fluffy pancake base, or gooey cheese, this dish offers a bite of happiness with every forkful. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—serve it for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.
Ingredients for Easy McGriddle Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this hearty breakfast dish to life:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Breakfast sausage | 1 pound |
| Bacon | 6 slices |
| Pancake mix (complete) | 3 cups |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Maple syrup | 1/4 cup + extra for serving |
| Shredded Cheddar cheese | 1 1/2 cups |
| Softened butter | 2 tablespoons |
These simple pantry staples come together to create a rich, sweet, and savory dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick.
2. Cook the Sausage
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess grease and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Fry the Bacon
In the same skillet, cook the bacon until it’s crispy, turning occasionally (about 10 minutes). Drain the slices on paper towels, then crumble them into small pieces once cool enough to handle.
4. Make the Pancake Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pancake mix and water until smooth. Stir in 1/4 cup of maple syrup for a sweet touch.
5. Combine the Ingredients
Fold the cooked sausage, crumbled bacon, and shredded Cheddar cheese into the pancake batter. Mix gently until everything is evenly distributed.
6. Assemble the Casserole
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
7. Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
8. Add the Final Touch
Spread softened butter over the top of the hot casserole for a rich, savory finish. Serve with extra maple syrup on the side for drizzling.
Tips for the Perfect McGriddle Casserole
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for thick-cut bacon and premium sausage for the best flavor.
- Customize the Cheese: Swap Cheddar for Monterey Jack or mozzarella to suit your taste.
- Prep Ahead: Cook the sausage and bacon the night before to save time in the morning.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Add a touch more maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter casserole.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional values for one serving (based on 8 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Sodium | 920mg |
| Sugars | 8g |
This casserole is hearty, satisfying, and packs the perfect balance of protein, carbs, and fats for a filling breakfast.
Why McGriddle Casserole Is Perfect for Any Occasion
This dish isn’t just for lazy weekends—it’s perfect for a variety of occasions:
- Holiday Brunches: Impress your guests with its sweet and savory flavors.
- Meal Prepping: Slice it into portions and reheat during the week for an easy breakfast.
- Potlucks and Gatherings: Transport it easily and serve as a crowd-pleaser.
Creative Variations to Try
1. Veggie McGriddle Casserole
Add diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach to the batter for a veggie-packed twist.
2. Spicy Kick
Incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy flavor.
3. Gluten-Free Option
Use a gluten-free pancake mix to accommodate dietary restrictions.
4. Sweetened Up
Add chocolate chips or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a sweeter take.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Make-Ahead: Prepare the batter and cook the sausage and bacon the night before. In the morning, simply combine everything and bake.
Storing Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes.
FAQs About Easy McGriddle Casserole
1. Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
Yes, turkey sausage works perfectly and provides a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.
2. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free cheese and skip the butter to make it suitable for those avoiding dairy.
3. How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the casserole is done.
4. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
5. What sides pair well with this dish?
Serve it with fresh fruit, a green salad, or hash browns for a complete breakfast spread.
6. Is this casserole suitable for kids?
Absolutely! The sweet and savory flavors make it a hit with kids of all ages.
Final Thoughts: A Breakfast Worth Waking Up For
The Easy McGriddle Casserole brings the best breakfast flavors together in one dish. It’s hearty, comforting, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re feeding your family on a lazy Sunday morning or impressing a group of brunch guests, this casserole is a surefire hit.
So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of breakfast heaven. Don’t forget the extra maple syrup—it’s what makes this dish truly irresistible!
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Easy McGriddle Casserole: A Delicious Twist on a Breakfast Classic
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Sweet, savory, and oh-so-comforting, Easy McGriddle Casserole combines pancakes, sausage, bacon, and maple syrup into one irresistible breakfast dish. Perfect for family mornings, holiday brunches, or meal prep, this casserole captures the flavors of a McGriddle sandwich in an easy-to-make recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 6 slices bacon
- 3 cups complete pancake mix
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (plus extra for serving)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
Instructions
- Prep Your Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Sausage:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into crumbles. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess grease and set aside.
- Fry the Bacon:
- In the same skillet, cook the bacon until crispy, turning occasionally (about 10 minutes). Drain on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces.
- Make the Pancake Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pancake mix and water until smooth. Stir in 1/4 cup of maple syrup for sweetness.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Fold the cooked sausage, crumbled bacon, and shredded Cheddar cheese into the pancake batter. Mix gently until evenly combined.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Add the Final Touch:
- Spread softened butter over the top of the hot casserole. Serve with extra maple syrup on the side.
Notes
- Opt for thick-cut bacon and premium sausage for the best flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the batter.
- Use gluten-free pancake mix to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American