I've tested nearly every fast-food breakfast item — and one sandwich is clearly better than the rest

There are many fast-food breakfast sandwiches.

There's the McDonald's Egg McMuffin, Dunkin' Donuts' many bagel-clad options, and Taco Bell's breakfast-biscuit creation.

Yet none of those catch my discerning eye — not like the McGriddle.

Simply put, it's the perfect breakfast sandwich out there.

The McGriddle was released in 2003, predating the sweet and savory craze by nearly a decade. It was expertly crafted by the same fast-food genius behind the Meat Lover's Pizza and Smashburger.

It's a perfectly balanced breakfast harbinger of sweet and salty flavors.

Here's why it's the perfect sandwich.

SEE ALSO: We tried breakfast from McDonald's, Taco Bell, Burger King, and Wendy's — here's who does it best

The exalted McGriddle comes in three varieties: sausage, egg, and cheese; bacon, egg, and cheese; and plain sausage. But we're clearly focusing on the best of the best here: the sausage, egg, and cheese.

The McGriddle comes humbly wrapped — not much to look at. But just you wait.

When its inconspicuous shroud unfurls, you can see the McGriddle in all its golden, sweet splendor.