Hearty McDonald's Breakfast Copycat

This hearty breakfast sandwich recreates the famous McDonald's steak bagel that many still crave since it disappeared from the menu. With perfectly seasoned beef, fluffy scrambled eggs, sweet caramelized onions, and that signature special sauce, this copycat version brings the fast-food favorite right to your kitchen with elevated homemade quality.

I first created this recipe after McDonald's discontinued their steak bagel sandwich, leaving my husband devastated. After several test batches and tweaking the special sauce, he declared this version even better than the original.

Ingredients

• Shaved steak the star of the show that gives this sandwich its hearty appeal. Look for packages labeled "beef for cheesesteak" for best results
• Montreal steak seasoning this magical blend provides the perfect balance of garlic, pepper, and salt that makes the meat so flavorful
• Yellow onion caramelizing the onion adds natural sweetness that balances the savory meat
• Eggs use fresh, large eggs for the fluffiest texture
• American cheese provides that melty consistency that holds everything together
• Bagels opt for fresh bakery bagels rather than packaged for authentic texture
• Mayonnaise creates the creamy base for the special sauce that makes this sandwich iconic
• Yellow mustard adds tangy brightness to cut through the richness
• Dried dill the secret ingredient that gives the sauce its distinctive flavor profile

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Special Sauce

Mix mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and dried dill in a small bowl until completely combined. The sauce should have a pale yellow color with visible specks of dill throughout. Refrigerate while preparing the other components to allow flavors to meld together.

Caramelize the Onions

Melt one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it stops foaming. Add sliced onions with a pinch of salt and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they develop a golden brown color and become soft and sweet. The key is patience here do not rush this step as properly caramelized onions create a foundation of flavor.

Cook the Eggs

Add another tablespoon of butter to the same skillet over medium-low heat. Pour in beaten eggs and let them set slightly before gently folding with a spatula. Continue folding until eggs are just set but still slightly glossy. They will continue cooking from residual heat so slightly undercooking prevents them from becoming dry. Divide into two portions and set aside.

Season and Prepare the Steak

Place shaved steak in a bowl and sprinkle with Montreal steak seasoning. Drizzle Worcestershire sauce over the meat and use your hands to massage the seasonings evenly throughout. This step ensures every bite has that signature savory flavor profile.

Cook the Steak

Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in the skillet over medium-high heat. Once bubbling, add the seasoned steak in an even layer. Allow it to sear for 30 seconds before stirring. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes total until just cooked through with some caramelized edges for flavor.

Combine Steak and Onions

Return the caramelized onions to the skillet with the steak. Mix thoroughly to combine the flavors, then divide into two equal portions in the pan. Place a slice of American cheese on top of each portion, then cover the skillet for 30 seconds to help the cheese melt perfectly.

Prepare the Bagels

Toast the bagel halves until golden brown and crisp around the edges. This creates a sturdy foundation that prevents sogginess when adding the fillings.

Assemble the Sandwich

Spread a generous layer of the special sauce on both the top and bottom halves of each toasted bagel. On the bottom half, layer the scrambled eggs first, followed by the steak and onion mixture with melted cheese. Cap with the top bagel half, pressing gently to compress slightly.

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The special sauce is truly what elevates this sandwich to copycat perfection. I spent weeks perfecting the ratio of mayonnaise to mustard, and discovered the dried dill was the missing flavor component that makes this taste authentic. My husband now requests a jar of this sauce in the fridge at all times for everything from sandwiches to burger night.

Make-Ahead Options

The components of this breakfast sandwich work beautifully for meal prep. The special sauce can be made up to a week ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The eggs can be scrambled, cooled, and refrigerated for up to two days simply reheat them gently in the microwave for 20-30 seconds before assembling your sandwich. Even the steak and onion mixture reheats well, making this an excellent option for busy weekday mornings.

Customization Ideas

While this recipe aims to recreate the classic McDonald's version, there are several delicious variations you might enjoy. Try using different cheese options like pepper jack for heat or provolone for a milder flavor. The bagel can be swapped for an English muffin, croissant, or thick-cut sourdough. For a lighter version, use egg whites instead of whole eggs and lean beef instead of traditional shaved steak.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty breakfast sandwich stands perfectly well on its own, but pairing it with some fresh fruit creates a more balanced meal. Crispy breakfast potatoes or hash browns make an excellent side if you're serving this for a weekend brunch. For a coffee shop experience at home, serve alongside a strong cup of coffee or cappuccino. A small dish of the special sauce on the side allows for extra dipping if desired.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute American cheese with Swiss, provolone, or cheddar. Each will provide a different flavor profile, though American cheese delivers that classic melty fast-food texture.

→ How can I make this ahead of time?

Prepare the special sauce and caramelized onions up to 3 days ahead. Cook the steak and eggs just before serving. For meal prep, assemble components separately and reheat the steak and eggs before final assembly to prevent soggy bagels.

→ What's the best type of bagel to use?

Plain, everything, or sesame bagels work best for this sandwich. Choose freshly baked bagels if possible, as their sturdy texture holds up well to the hearty fillings without becoming soggy.

→ Can I make this sandwich without a griddle?

Absolutely! A large non-stick skillet works perfectly. If cooking for a crowd, you can use multiple pans or cook in batches, keeping the prepared ingredients warm in a low oven (around 200°F).

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store the components separately in airtight containers. The steak mixture and eggs will keep for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a microwave or skillet before assembling on freshly toasted bagels with the special sauce.

→ What can I substitute for Montreal steak seasoning?

You can make your own by combining equal parts black pepper, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, coriander, dill, and crushed red pepper flakes. Alternatively, any all-purpose steak seasoning will work well.