1. Cook the Sausage Patties:

• Form the ground breakfast sausage into 4 equally sized patties.
• Heat a large skillet (cast iron recommended) over medium-high heat.
• Cook the sausage patties for about 3 minutes per side, or until they are fully cooked through and browned.
• Remove the cooked patties from the skillet and set them aside.

2. Cook the Bacon (Optional): If using bacon, cook it to your desired crispness using your preferred method (skillet, oven, or microwave). Set aside.

3. Prepare the Eggs:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the 6 eggs, 1 cup of milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined and frothy.
• Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Ensure the butter coats the pan evenly.
• Pour 1/4 of the egg mixture into the heated skillet. Let the eggs cook undisturbed, like an omelet, until nearly set (about 1-2 minutes). Season lightly with salt and pepper.
• Carefully flip the egg “omelet” and cook for about 1 minute more, or until fully cooked through.
• Fold the cooked egg into a square shape: Fold the edges in towards the middle to form thirds, then fold the top and bottom in towards the middle to create a square stack.
• Remove the folded egg square from the skillet and set aside.
• Repeat the process with the remaining butter and egg mixture, adding 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet for each egg square, until you have 4 cooked egg squares.

4. Make the Pancake “Buns”:

• In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, 2/3 cup milk, melted and slightly cooled butter, egg, baking powder, maple syrup, and pinch of salt. Beat well with a whisk or electric mixer until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
• Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
• Pour about 3 tablespoons of the pancake batter onto the hot skillet for each pancake. You should be able to cook 2-3 pancakes at a time, depending on the size of your skillet/griddle. Do not overcrowd the pan.
• Cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Flip the pancakes when bubbles start to form on the surface and the edges look set.
• Remove the cooked pancakes from the skillet and set aside. Repeat until you have 8 pancakes. These pancakes will serve as the “buns” for your McGriddles.

5. Assemble the McGriddles:

• Lay out 4 of the cooked pancakes.
• Top each pancake with a slice of American or cheddar cheese (if using).
• Place a cooked sausage patty on top of the cheese.
• Place a folded egg square on top of the sausage patty.
• Add 2 slices of cooked bacon (if using) on top of the egg.
• Top with the remaining 4 pancakes.

6. Serve: Serve the homemade McGriddles immediately.