1. Prepare the Sausage Patties: Start by forming 4 patties with the ground sausage. Depending on your preference, you can use store-bought breakfast sausage or make your own by mixing plain ground pork with a few simple seasonings, such as fennel, sage, garlic powder, and pepper. To cook the patties, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties for about 3 minutes per side or until they’re cooked through and golden brown. Once done, remove the patties from the skillet and set them aside. If you’re opting for bacon, now is the time to cook it in the same skillet for extra flavor and crispiness. Set the bacon aside for later.

2. Make the Scrambled Eggs: In a large bowl, combine the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients until well mixed. Next, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat, ensuring the pan is coated evenly. Pour ¼ of the egg mixture into the skillet and let it cook undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes. The key here is to let the eggs cook flat like an omelet without stirring them. This will create a nice, even square shape when folded. Once the eggs are set on the bottom, season lightly with salt and pepper, then flip the omelet and cook for another minute until fully cooked. After flipping, fold the omelet into thirds and then fold the top and bottom towards the center to create a square stack. Remove it from the skillet and set aside. Repeat the process with the remaining egg mixture until you have 4 omelet squares in total.

3. Prepare the Pancakes: For the pancakes, combine the flour, milk, melted butter, egg, baking powder, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Beat well until the batter is smooth and fully mixed. This is the part where the magic happens—the addition of maple syrup in the pancake batter gives these pancakes their signature sweetness, making them the perfect complement to the savory fillings of the McGriddle. Coat a skillet with a bit of butter and add about 3 tablespoons of the pancake batter for each pancake. You’ll want to cook 2 or 3 pancakes at a time in the skillet, making sure there’s enough space to flip them. Cook for about 2 minutes on the first side until bubbles start to form on the surface, then flip the pancakes and cook for another minute until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside. Continue this process until you’ve cooked all 8 pancakes—these will serve as the top and bottom “buns” for your McGriddles.

4. Assemble the McGriddles: Now it’s time to put everything together! Start by placing one pancake on a plate. Layer it with a slice of cheese (either American or cheddar), then top it with a sausage patty. Next, add one of your cooked omelet squares, followed by crispy bacon (if you’re using it). Finally, top the sandwich with another pancake to complete the McGriddle. Repeat the process until you’ve assembled all 4 McGriddles. These sandwiches are incredibly satisfying on their own, but feel free to customize them with extra toppings such as avocado, hot sauce, or extra cheese for an added kick.

5. Serve and Enjoy: Once your homemade McGriddles are assembled, serve them immediately while they’re still warm. The combination of the sweet, maple-infused pancakes, savory sausage, creamy eggs, and melted cheese is sure to delight your taste buds. These sandwiches are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a fun weekend family meal. Enjoy them with a side of fresh fruit, hash browns, or a steaming cup of coffee for the ultimate breakfast experience.