What the heck is this?
Remember when McDonald’s had that absolute UNIT of a breakfast sandwich? The Steak, Egg & Cheese Bagel that was basically a full meal disguised as breakfast? Yeah, they broke our hearts when they discontinued it, but guess what? We’re bringing that bad boy back to life in your own kitchen. This copycat recipe nails that tender, seasoned steak, fluffy scrambled eggs, melty American cheese, and toasted everything bagel combo that made mornings worth getting up for. It’s indulgent, it’s satisfying, and honestly? It’s probably better than the original because you control the quality and can make it exactly how you want it.
Why This Recipe Will Ruin All Other Breakfast Sandwiches for You
- Tastes exactly like the original — Seriously, close your eyes and you’re back in 2014
- Way better quality ingredients — Real steak, fresh eggs, actual cheese
- Customizable portions — Want extra steak? Go for it, champ
- Fresh and hot every time — No more lukewarm drive-thru disappointments
- Weekend breakfast game-changer — Feels fancy but stupid easy to make
- Meal prep friendly — Make the components ahead for quick assembly
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
For the Steak:
- 8 oz beef sirloin or ribeye, sliced thin against the grain
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp butter
For the Eggs:
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk or cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp butter
For Assembly:
- 2 everything bagels, sliced and toasted
- 4 slices American cheese (don’t @ me, it’s the right choice here)
- Optional: a little mayo or butter for the bagels
Let’s Recreate Some Magic
Step 1: Prep That Steak Like a Pro
Slice your steak as thin as possible against the grain — we’re talking 1/4 inch max. Toss it in a bowl with all the seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, salt, paprika) and let it hang out for at least 10 minutes. This is where the flavor magic happens.
Step 2: Cook the Steak
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and let it get hot. Toss in your seasoned steak and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. You want it cooked through but not tough. Add the butter in the last 30 seconds for that rich finish. Set aside and keep warm.
Step 3: Scramble Those Eggs to Perfection
In a bowl, whisk eggs with milk, salt, and pepper. Heat butter in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Pour in the eggs and gently scramble, stirring constantly with a spatula. Pull them off the heat while they’re still slightly creamy — they’ll finish cooking from residual heat.
Step 4: Toast and Assemble
Toast your bagel halves until golden and crispy. Now here’s the McDonald’s secret: build it in this exact order:
- Bottom bagel half
- One slice of American cheese
- Half the scrambled eggs
- All the seasoned steak
- Remaining scrambled eggs
- Another slice of cheese
- Top bagel half
Step 5: The Final Touch
If you want that authentic experience, wrap the whole sandwich in foil or parchment and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. This melts the cheese perfectly and melds all the flavors together.
Pro Tips That’ll Make You the Breakfast Hero
- Freeze the steak for 30 minutes before slicing — it cuts way easier
- Room temperature eggs scramble more evenly
- Don’t skip the milk in the eggs — it makes them extra fluffy
- Toast the bagel well — it needs to hold up to all that goodness
- American cheese is non-negotiable — it melts perfectly and tastes right
- Keep components warm while you assemble for the best experience
Switch It Up (Because You’re Not McDonald’s)
- Cheese options: Try sharp cheddar or Swiss if you’re feeling fancy
- Bagel varieties: Plain, sesame, or asiago work great too
- Steak upgrades: Filet mignon if you’re feeling bougie
- Add some heat: A few dashes of hot sauce or jalapeños
- Veggie boost: Sautéed onions or peppers (though that’s not really copycat territory)
- Sauce it up: A little garlic aioli or herb butter on the bagel
Make-Ahead Game Strong
- Prep the steak: Season and slice the night before, store covered in fridge
- Bagel prep: Slice and store in airtight container
- Batch cook: Make multiple servings of steak and reheat as needed
- Freezer friendly: Wrap assembled sandwiches and freeze for up to 1 month
- Quick reheat: From frozen, wrap in damp paper towel and microwave 60-90 seconds
Storage & Leftover Magic
- Steak keeps 3-4 days in the fridge, reheats great in a skillet
- Best eaten fresh — but leftovers beat no breakfast sandwich
- Reheat tip: Disassemble, warm components separately, then rebuild
- Meal prep style: Keep components separate and assemble fresh each morning
Questions People Always Ask Me
Q: Can I use pre-cooked steak? A: Sure, but season it with the spice blend and warm it up with butter for best results.
Q: What if I can’t find everything bagels? A: Plain bagels work fine, or make your own everything seasoning to sprinkle on top.
Q: Can I make this healthier? A: Use whole wheat bagels, egg whites, and lean sirloin. Still tastes great!
Q: How thin should I really slice the steak? A: Think deli meat thin. If you can see through it, you’re in the right ballpark.
Q: Can I use a different type of beef? A: Absolutely! Just avoid super tough cuts. Flank steak, strip steak, or even good ground beef works.
Q: Why does mine not taste exactly like McDonald’s? A: Theirs probably has more sodium and preservatives. Add a pinch more salt and garlic powder if needed.
Print
Copycat McDonald’s Steak, Egg & Cheese Bagel: Bringing Back the Legend
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 massive sandwiches 1x
Description
Remember when McDonald’s had that absolute UNIT of a breakfast sandwich? The Steak, Egg & Cheese Bagel that was basically a full meal disguised as breakfast? Yeah, they broke our hearts when they discontinued it, but guess what? We’re bringing that bad boy back to life in your own kitchen. This copycat recipe nails that tender, seasoned steak, fluffy scrambled eggs, melty American cheese, and toasted everything bagel combo that made mornings worth getting up for. It’s indulgent, it’s satisfying, and honestly? It’s probably better than the original because you control the quality and can make it exactly how you want it.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 8 oz beef sirloin or ribeye, sliced thin against the grain
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp butter
For the Eggs:
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk or cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp butter
For Assembly:
- 2 everything bagels, sliced and toasted
- 4 slices American cheese (don’t @ me, it’s the right choice here)
- Optional: a little mayo or butter for the bagels
Instructions
Step 1: Prep That Steak Like a Pro
Slice your steak as thin as possible against the grain — we’re talking 1/4 inch max. Toss it in a bowl with all the seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, salt, paprika) and let it hang out for at least 10 minutes. This is where the flavor magic happens.
Step 2: Cook the Steak
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and let it get hot. Toss in your seasoned steak and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. You want it cooked through but not tough. Add the butter in the last 30 seconds for that rich finish. Set aside and keep warm.
Step 3: Scramble Those Eggs to Perfection
In a bowl, whisk eggs with milk, salt, and pepper. Heat butter in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Pour in the eggs and gently scramble, stirring constantly with a spatula. Pull them off the heat while they’re still slightly creamy — they’ll finish cooking from residual heat.
Step 4: Toast and Assemble
Toast your bagel halves until golden and crispy. Now here’s the McDonald’s secret: build it in this exact order:
- Bottom bagel half
- One slice of American cheese
- Half the scrambled eggs
- All the seasoned steak
- Remaining scrambled eggs
- Another slice of cheese
- Top bagel half
Step 5: The Final Touch
If you want that authentic experience, wrap the whole sandwich in foil or parchment and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. This melts the cheese perfectly and melds all the flavors together.
Notes
- Freeze the steak for 30 minutes before slicing — it cuts way easier
- Room temperature eggs scramble more evenly
- Don’t skip the milk in the eggs — it makes them extra fluffy
- Toast the bagel well — it needs to hold up to all that goodness
- American cheese is non-negotiable — it melts perfectly and tastes right
- Keep components warm while you assemble for the best experience
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~650 kcal
- Fat: ~35g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Protein: ~45g