Homemade Sausage Egg McMuffin

This copycat McDonald's Sausage, Egg & Cheese McMuffin recipe brings the iconic fast-food breakfast sandwich right to your kitchen. I perfected this recipe after countless Saturday mornings trying to avoid the drive-thru line while still satisfying my family's cravings for this classic breakfast sandwich.

I started making these during busy weekday mornings when we needed something substantial but quick. Now my teenagers actually get out of bed early on weekends when they know these are on the menu.

Ingredients

• English muffins: The foundation of any good McMuffin with those nooks and crannies that catch melted butter perfectly. Look for ones with good texture and a slight tang
• Sausage patties: Provides that signature savory flavor. Choose good quality breakfast sausage with a hint of sage for authentic taste
• Cheese slices: Creates the melty goodness that holds everything together. American cheese melts most like the original but any good melting cheese works
• Large eggs: The protein cornerstone of this breakfast. Farm fresh eggs with bright yolks make a noticeable difference
• Butter: Adds richness and helps achieve the perfect toasted muffin. Use real butter not margarine for best results
• Salt and pepper: Enhances all the other flavors. Freshly ground pepper makes a difference

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Muffins:

Split your English muffins with a fork rather than a knife to preserve their nooks and crannies. Apply a thin layer of butter to the cut sides and toast them in a skillet over medium heat until they develop a golden crust with slight crispiness at the edges. The toasting should take about 2 minutes. Set them aside on a plate with the cut sides facing up so they stay warm.

Cook the Sausage Patties:

Using the same skillet to preserve flavors press the sausage patties into flat rounds approximately the size of your English muffins. Cook them over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side until you see a deep brown sear forming. Flip once and cook for another 3 minutes until cooked through with no pink remaining. Transfer to a paper towel to absorb excess grease.

Perfect the Eggs:

For authentic McMuffin style eggs lightly grease egg rings or wide mason jar lids and place them in the skillet over medium-low heat. Crack each egg directly into a ring and break the yolk gently with a fork if you prefer it fully cooked. Cook for approximately 2 minutes until the whites are set then carefully remove the ring. If you like softer yolks cook for less time. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Assemble Your Sandwich:

Place a cheese slice on the bottom half of each warm English muffin so it begins to melt from the residual heat. Add a sausage patty next which further helps melt the cheese with its warmth. Place the perfectly cooked egg on top of the sausage then crown with the top half of the English muffin applying gentle pressure to bring all components together.

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The sausage is truly what makes this recipe special. After testing numerous brands and homemade versions I found that the key is finding sausage with the right balance of sage pepper and a hint of sweetness. This creates that unmistakable breakfast sausage flavor that makes the original so addictive.

Make-Ahead Magic

These McMuffin copycats are perfect for meal prepping. Make a big batch on Sunday to enjoy throughout the week. After assembly wrap each sandwich individually in parchment paper then aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer bag. When ready to eat unwrap from the foil but keep the parchment on and microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or until heated through. The parchment helps maintain moisture while the sandwich reheats.

Customization Options

The beauty of making these at home is the ability to customize to your taste preferences. Try using bacon instead of sausage for a different flavor profile. Canadian bacon makes it more like the Egg McMuffin version. For a spicier sandwich add a dash of hot sauce between the egg and sausage or mix some red pepper flakes into your sausage meat before cooking. Vegetarians can substitute plant-based sausage patties and still enjoy the experience.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own this sandwich pairs wonderfully with crispy hash browns for the complete fast food breakfast experience at home. For a healthier option serve with fresh fruit on the side. If you have more time a small batch of homemade breakfast potatoes with bell peppers and onions elevates this from fast food copycat to gourmet breakfast. For special occasions serve with a mimosa or fresh squeezed orange juice.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of sausage is best?

Use your preferred breakfast sausage, but feel free to experiment with flavored varieties like maple or spicy sausage.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the sandwiches, wrap them tightly, and refrigerate or freeze for quick reheating later.

→ How can I cook the eggs without a mold?

Fry the eggs directly in the skillet or scramble them if you don't have a ring mold.

→ What cheese works best?

Creamy cheeses like cheddar or American are great, but you can use any meltable cheese to suit your taste.

→ How do I reheat a McMuffin?

Reheat in a microwave for 30-60 seconds or bake in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes for the best results.