
Craving a hearty and satisfying breakfast sandwich like McDonald’s Steak, Egg & Cheese? This copycat recipe delivers tender, juicy steak, fluffy scrambled eggs, and perfectly melted cheese on a toasted bagel. It’s the kind of breakfast that fuels your day and tastes just like the fastfood favorite, but made fresh in your own kitchen.
I first made this during a weekend brunch with friends and everyone raved about how closely it matched the original. Now it’s become a staple when I want a comforting breakfast without the drive-thru line.
Ingredients
- Plain bagels: sliced to hold all the fillings with a sturdy yet soft texture
- Butter: for toasting which adds richness and crispness to the bagels
- American cheese slices: for melty creaminess or cheddar for a sharper bite
- Large eggs: whisked with milk to keep them fluffy and light
- Salt and pepper: to season the eggs to perfection
- Oil or butter: to cook the eggs gently without sticking
- Shaved beef steak: such as ribeye or sirloin for tenderness and rich flavor
- Garlic powder: for a subtle savory note
- Onion powder: to deepen the steak’s flavor
- Smoked paprika: which adds a smoky warmth — choose Spanish smoked paprika if you can for the best results
- Salt and black pepper: to season the steak evenly
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak:
- Heat oil in a skillet on mediumhigh until shimmering. Add the shaved steak seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for three to four minutes, stirring occasionally so the steak browns nicely but stays juicy. Remove from heat and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook the Eggs:
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Heat oil or butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture and scramble gently, stirring slowly to achieve fluffy, moist curds. Once set but still soft, divide eggs into four portions ready for assembling.
- Toast the Bagels:
- Slice the bagels in half. Toast them either in a toaster or on a pan with a little butter until golden brown. This creates a crisp surface that balances the tender fillings and prevents sogginess.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Place one slice of cheese on the bottom half of each toasted bagel. Add a portion of the scrambled eggs over the cheese, then top with a generous spoonful of the cooked steak. Cover with the top bagel half.
- Melt and Serve:
- If you want extra melty cheese, warm the assembled sandwiches in a skillet or oven at low heat for one to two minutes. Serve immediately while warm and satisfying.

My favorite ingredient here has to be the shaved ribeye steak. It browns quickly to caramelized perfection and adds the rich beef flavor that really sets this sandwich apart from your average breakfast. One weekend I made a batch for a family brunch. The moment everyone bit into it was pure delight, and my nephew declared it better than the restaurant version — a real compliment in our house.
Storage Tips
To keep sandwiches fresh, wrap each tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze wrapped sandwiches individually for up to one month. When reheating, a toaster oven or oven works best to keep the bagels crispy while melting the cheese and warming the fillings.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap out the bagel for an English muffin or croissant if you want a softer or flakier bread base. Any thinly sliced beef steak will work if ribeye or sirloin is not available. Feel free to use provolone or Swiss cheese instead of American cheese for a different flavor profile. You can also sauté some onions with the steak for that extra depth of taste.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this sandwich with crispy hash browns or roasted potatoes for a classic breakfast combo. Fresh fruit salad or a yogurt parfait complements the richness with a light and refreshing contrast. Coffee, tea, or a smoothie rounds out the meal nicely.

This copycat Steak, Egg & Cheese sandwich brings homemade comfort and flavor that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping breakfast for the workweek, this recipe makes mornings something to look forward to.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → Can I use different steak cuts?
Yes, sirloin and ribeye are ideal for tenderness and flavor, but thinly sliced roast beef can also work well.
- → How do I achieve fluffy scrambled eggs?
Whisk eggs with a bit of milk and cook gently over medium heat, stirring slowly until just set but still moist.
- → What is the best cheese for this sandwich?
American cheese melts smoothly, but cheddar or provolone provide sharper or richer flavor options.
- → Can I add vegetables to the sandwich?
Sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach add extra flavor and nutrition without overpowering the main ingredients.
- → How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Wrap in foil and refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze for a month. Reheat in a microwave or oven for best texture.