McDonald’s Breakfast Bagels are BACK! Plus, Homemade Copycat Recipes!
Get ready to rejoice, breakfast lovers! After a heartbreaking hiatus that left bagel enthusiasts yearning for their cheesy, eggy goodness, McDonald’s Breakfast Bagels are officially making a comeback! This announcement has sent waves of excitement throughout the fast-food community, with many eagerly anticipating the return of this breakfast staple. But what if you can’t wait for McDonald’s, or perhaps you’re looking for a healthier (or just more customized) version? Fear not! This article will not only delve into the triumphant return of McDonald’s Breakfast Bagels but also provide you with delicious and easy-to-follow copycat recipes so you can enjoy that familiar taste from the comfort of your own kitchen.
The Return of a Legend: McDonald’s Breakfast Bagels
For many, the McDonald’s Breakfast Bagel holds a special place in their hearts (and stomachs). The combination of a toasted bagel, savory breakfast sausage or crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, melted cheese, and a creamy sauce created a symphony of flavors and textures that was simply irresistible. When McDonald’s discontinued the bagels, a collective groan echoed across breakfast tables everywhere. Petitions were signed, social media campaigns were launched, and the longing for the Breakfast Bagel became a widespread phenomenon.
Now, that longing is finally over (in select locations)! McDonald’s has heard the cries of its customers and is bringing back the Breakfast Bagel, at least for a limited time and in participating restaurants. While the exact details of the comeback – availability, specific variations offered, and duration – may vary depending on your location, the general excitement remains the same: the Breakfast Bagel is back! Check your local McDonald’s app or website to confirm participation and specific offerings.
What to Expect (Based on Previous Offerings):
While the exact details might vary, here’s what you can generally expect from the returning McDonald’s Breakfast Bagels, based on their previous iterations:
* The Bagel: A toasted bagel, usually a plain or everything bagel, providing a chewy and satisfying base.
* The Meat: Your choice of breakfast sausage patty or crispy bacon strips, adding a savory and salty element.
* The Egg: A folded egg, cooked to a fluffy and slightly firm consistency.
* The Cheese: Melted American cheese, providing a creamy and cheesy complement to the other ingredients.
* The Sauce: A creamy sauce, often a hollandaise-style sauce or a creamy cheese sauce, adding richness and flavor.
Why the Fuss?
The appeal of the McDonald’s Breakfast Bagel lies in its simplicity and satisfying combination of flavors and textures. It’s a quick, convenient, and relatively affordable breakfast option that provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, making it a filling and energizing way to start the day.
Can’t Wait? Make Your Own! Copycat Breakfast Bagel Recipes
While waiting for the official McDonald’s Breakfast Bagel to arrive at your local restaurant can be agonizing, there’s a solution: make your own! These copycat recipes will allow you to enjoy a similar taste and experience without the wait, and with the added benefit of customization. You can adjust the ingredients, seasonings, and portion sizes to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
Here are two delicious copycat recipes: one for a Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Bagel and another for a Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Bagel.
Copycat McDonald’s Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Bagel Recipe
This recipe aims to replicate the classic Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Bagel. It’s relatively simple and uses readily available ingredients.
Yields: 1 serving
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
* 1 bagel (plain, everything, or your favorite)
* 1 sausage patty (pre-cooked or raw, about 2-3 ounces)
* 1 large egg
* 1 slice American cheese
* 1 tablespoon butter or oil
* 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
* 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment:
* Toaster or oven
* Skillet or frying pan
* Spatula
* Small bowl
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bagel: Slice the bagel in half horizontally and toast it to your desired level of crispness. You can use a toaster or toast it in the oven under the broiler. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
2. Cook the Sausage: If using a pre-cooked sausage patty, heat it according to the package instructions (microwave, skillet, or oven). If using raw sausage, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and browned, about 5-7 minutes per side. Drain any excess grease.
3. Cook the Egg: There are several ways to cook the egg:
* Scrambled: Crack the egg into a small bowl, add a pinch of salt and pepper, and whisk lightly. Melt a pat of butter or a teaspoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pour the egg into the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the egg is set but still slightly moist.
* Fried: Melt a pat of butter or a teaspoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Crack the egg into the skillet and cook to your desired level of doneness (over easy, over medium, or over hard). Season with salt and pepper.
* Folded: (To mimic the McDonald’s egg) Beat the egg with a tablespoon of milk or water. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or nonstick pan to medium heat. Pour the egg onto the pan and let it cook for a minute or two, until it starts to set around the edges. Use a spatula to gently lift and fold the egg in half, then in half again, creating a square or rectangular shape. Cook until the egg is cooked through but still soft.
4. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard (if using). Mix well.
5. Assemble the Bagel:
* Spread the sauce on both halves of the toasted bagel.
* Place the cooked sausage patty on the bottom half of the bagel.
* Top the sausage with the cooked egg.
* Place the slice of American cheese on top of the egg.
* Cover with the top half of the bagel.
6. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your homemade Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Bagel while it’s warm and delicious.
Tips and Variations:
* Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone.
* Meat: Use turkey sausage, chorizo, or even a veggie sausage patty for a healthier option.
* Vegetables: Add sliced tomatoes, onions, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrients.
* Spice: Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick.
* Sauce: Try using a different sauce, such as sriracha mayo, pesto, or even a simple aioli.
* Everything Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on the bagel halves before toasting for extra flavor.
* Healthier Option: Use whole wheat bagels, lean sausage, and egg whites for a healthier version.
Copycat McDonald’s Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Bagel Recipe
This recipe recreates the Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Bagel, offering a crispy and savory alternative to the sausage version.
Yields: 1 serving
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
* 1 bagel (plain, everything, or your favorite)
* 2-3 slices bacon
* 1 large egg
* 1 slice American cheese
* 1 tablespoon butter or oil
* 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
* 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment:
* Toaster or oven
* Skillet or frying pan
* Spatula
* Small bowl
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bagel: Slice the bagel in half horizontally and toast it to your desired level of crispness. You can use a toaster or toast it in the oven under the broiler. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
2. Cook the Bacon: Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain the bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease. You can also bake the bacon in the oven for a less messy option.
3. Cook the Egg: Follow the same instructions as in the Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Bagel recipe. Choose your preferred method: scrambled, fried, or folded.
4. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard (if using). Mix well.
5. Assemble the Bagel:
* Spread the sauce on both halves of the toasted bagel.
* Place the cooked bacon strips on the bottom half of the bagel.
* Top the bacon with the cooked egg.
* Place the slice of American cheese on top of the egg.
* Cover with the top half of the bagel.
6. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your homemade Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Bagel while it’s warm and delicious.
Tips and Variations:
* Bacon: Use different types of bacon, such as thick-cut bacon or maple-flavored bacon.
* Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone.
* Vegetables: Add sliced tomatoes, onions, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrients.
* Spice: Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick.
* Sauce: Try using a different sauce, such as sriracha mayo, pesto, or even a simple aioli.
* Everything Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on the bagel halves before toasting for extra flavor.
* Healthier Option: Use whole wheat bagels, turkey bacon, and egg whites for a healthier version.
The Creamy Sauce: Recreating the McDonald’s Magic
Many people attribute the unique taste of the McDonald’s Breakfast Bagel to its creamy sauce. While the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, you can create a similar flavor at home with a few simple ingredients.
Here are a couple of options for recreating the creamy sauce:
Option 1: Hollandaise-Inspired Sauce
This sauce mimics the rich and tangy flavor of hollandaise sauce, which is often used on eggs Benedict.
Ingredients:
* 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more lemon juice for tanginess, more Dijon mustard for sharpness, or more garlic powder for flavor.
Option 2: Creamy Cheese Sauce
This sauce provides a cheesy and comforting flavor that complements the other ingredients in the bagel.
Ingredients:
* 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
* 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened
* 1 tablespoon milk
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more milk for a thinner consistency or more cream cheese for a richer flavor.
Experiment with both sauces to see which one you prefer. You can also customize them further by adding other ingredients, such as herbs, spices, or hot sauce.
Beyond the Basics: Elevating Your Homemade Breakfast Bagels
Once you’ve mastered the basic copycat recipes, you can start experimenting and creating your own unique breakfast bagel creations. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
* The Lox Bagel: Replace the sausage or bacon with smoked salmon (lox) and add cream cheese, capers, and red onion.
* The Veggie Bagel: Load up your bagel with roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant, and add a layer of hummus or pesto.
* The Spicy Bagel: Add jalapenos, sriracha mayo, and pepper jack cheese for a fiery kick.
* The Sweet and Savory Bagel: Combine bacon with maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a unique flavor combination.
* The Pizza Bagel: Spread tomato sauce on the bagel halves, top with mozzarella cheese and your favorite pizza toppings, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
The Bottom Line: Breakfast Bagel Bliss is Within Reach
The return of McDonald’s Breakfast Bagels is undoubtedly exciting news for breakfast enthusiasts. However, whether you’re able to find them at your local McDonald’s or not, you can easily enjoy a similar taste and experience by making your own copycat versions at home. With these easy-to-follow recipes and endless customization options, you can create the perfect breakfast bagel to satisfy your cravings and start your day off right. So, grab a bagel, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience breakfast bagel bliss!
Enjoy and happy cooking (and eating)!