Copycat McDonald’s Steak, Egg, and Cheese Bagel: The Ultimate Breakfast Sandwich

If you’ve ever craved a McDonald’s Steak, Egg, and Cheese Bagel but were disappointed to find it missing from the menu, you’re not alone. This legendary sandwich was a favorite among breakfast lovers for years—juicy steak, fluffy eggs, gooey American cheese, and that creamy, tangy sauce all on a toasted bagel. It was everything you could want in a breakfast sandwich!

But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! With this copycat recipe, you can recreate that mouthwatering, savory goodness right at home. The best part? It’s super easy to make with simple ingredients, and you can even customize it to your liking!

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Version

✔️ Tastes just like the real thing (maybe even better!)
✔️ Quick & easy – Ready in just 25 minutes
✔️ Budget-friendly – No drive-thru needed!
✔️ Completely customizable – Use your favorite bagel, cheese, or even add extra toppings!

So, if you’re ready to bring back the beloved McDonald’s bagel sandwich, let’s get started!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this McDonald’s-style breakfast sandwich, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

For the Sandwich:

• 1 steak patty or 6 oz shaved steak – You can use a premade steak patty, thinly sliced ribeye, or even ground beef shaped into a patty.
• 1 tablespoon butter – For that classic, rich flavor.
• 1 small onion, sliced – Caramelized onions add a deliciously sweet and savory touch.
• 1 large egg – Scrambled and folded for the perfect sandwich shape.
• 1 tablespoon milk – Makes the eggs soft and fluffy.
• 1 plain bagel, toasted – The perfect base for all the goodness.
• 1 slice American cheese – Melts beautifully for that classic McDonald’s taste.

For the Signature Breakfast Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise – The creamy base.
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard – Adds a little tang.
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice – Brightens up the flavors.
• ½ teaspoon sugar – A touch of sweetness.
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder – For that subtle oniony kick.
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder – Because garlic makes everything better!

Step 1: Make the Breakfast Sauce

Before we get into the steak and eggs, let’s whip up that signature creamy sauce—one of the things that makes this sandwich so special!

🥄 In a small bowl, mix together:
✔️ 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
✔️ 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
✔️ ½ teaspoon lemon juice
✔️ ½ teaspoon sugar
✔️ ¼ teaspoon onion powder
✔️ ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Whisk until smooth, then set aside. This sauce is what brings that perfect balance of tangy, creamy, and slightly sweet flavors, just like the one from McDonald’s!

👉 Pro Tip: This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week—so feel free to make extra!

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

Caramelized onions are another key part of this sandwich—they add sweetness and depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the steak.

🔥 Heat ½ tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium heat.
🧅 Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden brown—this should take about 5-7 minutes.
🔸 Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside.

👉 Pro Tip: If your onions start to brown too quickly, add a splash of water to deglaze the pan and keep them from burning.

Part 2: Cooking the Steak & Eggs + Assembling the Ultimate Breakfast Bagel

Now that our signature breakfast sauce is ready and our onions are perfectly caramelized, it’s time to move on to the real stars of the show—the steak and eggs! This is where all the flavors start coming together to recreate that classic McDonald’s Steak, Egg, and Cheese Bagel we all know and love.

Step 3: Cook the Steak

Now, let’s get that savory, juicy steak ready for our sandwich.

🔥 In the same pan where you cooked the onions, add your steak patty or shaved steak over medium heat.

🥩 If using a steak patty:

• Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until browned and fully cooked.
• Flip once to get a nice sear on both sides.

🥩 If using shaved steak:

• Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is fully browned.
• If needed, season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor.

Once the steak is done, remove it from the pan and set it aside while we move on to the eggs.

👉 Pro Tip: Want even more flavor? Add a small pat of butter or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the steak while it cooks for a rich, umami boost.

Step 4: Scramble the Egg

Eggs are a big part of what makes this sandwich so satisfying, and the key here is to cook them soft and fluffy so they fold neatly onto the bagel.

🥚 In a small bowl, whisk together:
✔️ 1 large egg
✔️ 1 tablespoon milk – This makes the eggs extra creamy.

🔥 Heat the remaining ½ tablespoon of butter in the pan over medium-low heat.

🥄 Pour the egg mixture into the pan and cook slowly, using a spatula to gently push the eggs toward the center as they set.

🔹 Pro Tip: To get that McDonald’s-style folded egg, let the eggs cook into a flat, round shape, then fold the edges inward until you have a square that will fit perfectly onto the bagel.

Once the egg is cooked through but still soft, remove it from the heat.

Step 5: Toast the Bagel & Assemble the Sandwich

🔥 Toast the bagel until golden brown—this helps keep it sturdy and prevents it from getting soggy.

🥄 Spread the breakfast sauce generously on both halves of the toasted bagel.

Now, let’s stack everything together:
1️⃣ Bottom Bagel Half – With a generous layer of breakfast sauce.
2️⃣ Cooked Steak – That juicy, flavorful meat!
3️⃣ Caramelized Onions – Adds sweetness and depth.
4️⃣ Scrambled Egg – Soft and fluffy for the perfect bite.
5️⃣ American Cheese – Let it melt slightly over the warm egg.
6️⃣ Top Bagel Half – Spread with more breakfast sauce for extra flavor.

Now, press it all together and get ready for one of the best homemade breakfast sandwiches you’ve ever had!

Pro Tips & Variations for the Best Steak, Egg, and Cheese Bagel

Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious variations to make this sandwich your own:

1. Make It Extra Cheesy 🧀

If one slice of cheese isn’t enough, double up with another slice or swap American cheese for cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack for a bolder flavor.

2. Give It a Spicy Kick 🌶️

Love some heat? Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the breakfast sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes on the steak while cooking.

3. Use a Different Bagel 🍞

Try this sandwich with:
✔️ Everything bagels for extra seasoning.
✔️ Cheddar jalapeño bagels for a spicy twist.
✔️ Whole wheat bagels for a healthier option.

4. Add Crispy Bacon 🥓

Want even more flavor? Add a couple of strips of crispy bacon for an irresistible smoky crunch.

By now, your homemade Steak, Egg, and Cheese Bagel is stacked high with juicy steak, caramelized onions, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese—all smothered in that signature creamy breakfast sauce. It’s warm, buttery, and everything you’ve been missing since McDonald’s took it off the menu. But before you take that first bite (or plan when you’ll make it again), let’s answer some frequently asked questions to make sure you get perfect results every time.

FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered

1. What kind of steak is best for this sandwich?

McDonald’s originally used thinly sliced seasoned steak, which you can replicate with:
✔️ Shaved steak (ribeye or sirloin works great!)
✔️ A thin steak patty
✔️ Ground beef shaped into a patty for a homemade version

For the most authentic flavor, go with shaved steak or a thinly sliced ribeye.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! If you want a make-ahead breakfast, try this:
🥩 Cook the steak, onions, and eggs ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🥯 Toast the bagel fresh when ready to serve.
🥄 Reheat the steak and eggs in a pan for the best texture.

3. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

✔️ Storage: Keep leftover assembled sandwiches wrapped in foil or an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
✔️ Reheating:

• Oven: Wrap in foil and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat for 30-45 seconds, but the bagel may get a little soft.

4. Can I freeze these sandwiches?

Yes! Assemble the sandwich without the sauce, then wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month.

• To reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

5. What can I use instead of American cheese?

American cheese melts beautifully, but you can swap it out for:
🧀 Cheddar – A sharper, bolder flavor.
🧀 Provolone – Smooth and creamy.
🧀 Pepper Jack – If you love a little heat!

6. What other sauces go well with this sandwich?

While the creamy breakfast sauce is a fan favorite, you can switch things up with:
✔️ Spicy sriracha mayo – For a kick of heat.
✔️ Garlic aioli – Rich and flavorful.
✔️ Honey mustard – Sweet and tangy twist.

7. Can I make this on an English muffin or toast instead?

Absolutely! While the bagel adds a chewy texture, you can swap it for:
🥪 An English muffin – A lighter option with a crispy edge.
🍞 Thick sourdough toast – For an upscale, café-style breakfast.

Final Thoughts: Why This Copycat McDonald’s Steak, Egg, and Cheese Bagel is a Must-Try

If you’ve been missing McDonald’s Steak, Egg, and Cheese Bagel, this homemade version is the ultimate fix. It’s:
✔️ Savory, cheesy, and packed with flavor
✔️ Easy to make in just 25 minutes
✔️ Way better than the drive-thru!

So, if you’re ready to bring back the breakfast sandwich you love, give this recipe a try! Make it, customize it, and let me know how it turns out. Did you add extra cheese? Try a different sauce? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite of this McDonald’s-inspired breakfast classic! 🍔🥯🍳🔥

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