Copycat McDonalds Sausage Egg McMuffin

Introduction

Recreating the fast-food classic at home lets you enjoy a hot, satisfying Sausage Egg McMuffin any time. You’ll be surprised how close this copycat recipe gets to the real thing using just a handful of simple ingredients. Perfecting it means you control the freshness and quality of every bite.

This recipe and accompanying image were created with the help of AI for inspiration and guidance. Results may vary depending on ingredients, equipment, and technique.

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 6 sandwiches

Ingredients

1 lb breakfast sausage
6 large eggs
6 English muffins
3 tbsp salted butter
6 slices American cheese

Instructions

Prepare the Sausage: Divide the breakfast sausage into 6 equal portions. Shape each portion into a thin, flat patty slightly wider than your English muffins.
Cook the Sausage Patties: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the sausage patties for 3-4 minutes per side, until fully cooked through and nicely browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Keep warm if possible.
Toast the Muffins: While the sausage cooks, split the English muffins. Spread the salted butter evenly on the cut sides. Toast the muffins in a toaster or on a skillet, butter-side down, until golden brown.
Cook the Eggs: In the same skillet, lightly grease if needed. Crack each egg individually into a small cup or ramekin, then gently pour it into the skillet. Use a round biscuit cutter or the ring from a canning lid to shape the egg into a perfect circle, cooking one at a time if needed. Cook over medium-low heat until the white is set and the yolk is cooked to your liking (cover briefly to cook the top for a more “folded” egg). For the authentic style, gently break the yolk with a spatula as it begins to set.
Assemble: Place the bottom half of each toasted English muffin on a work surface. Top each with one cooked sausage patty, one slice of American cheese, and one cooked egg. Finish with the top half of the muffin.
Serve: Serve immediately while warm.

Variations

Egg Technique: For a more uniform look, lightly scramble each egg in a bowl before pouring it into the cooking ring.
No Rings Needed: Make your eggs into a quick folded scramble in the pan for an easier, still delicious, assembly.
Open-Faced: Serve the components open-faced on the toasted muffin halves for a slightly lighter presentation.
Make-Ahead: Prepare and assemble the sandwiches, wrap them tightly in parchment paper, and freeze for a quick grab-and-go breakfast. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Tips for Success

Use a lid or metal bowl to cover the eggs while cooking; the steam helps cook the top without flipping.
Keep the sausage patties thin; they plump up as they cook, and a thinner patty mimics the fast-food texture better.
Toast the English muffins until they are quite crisp; this prevents them from getting soggy once the hot egg and cheese are added.
For the cheese to melt perfectly, place it on the hot sausage patty immediately after it comes out of the pan.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover, fully assembled sandwiches wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, remove the wrapping, wrap in a paper towel, and microwave for 45-60 seconds until hot, or reheat in a toaster oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.

FAQ

Can I use a different cheese?

This recipe is designed to replicate the specific taste, and American cheese melts best. You can use cheddar, but the flavor and melt will be different.

How do I get the eggs perfectly round without a ring?

You can use the outer ring of a wide-mouth mason jar lid, a metal biscuit cutter, or even shape one by hand with a spatula as the egg sets.

Can I use frozen sausage patties?

Yes, you can substitute homemade patties with 6 frozen pre-formed sausage patties. Cook them according to the package directions.

Why are my English muffins soggy?

This is usually from under-toasting or assembling the sandwich while the egg or sausage is still steaming heavily. Ensure components are slightly rested and muffins are toasted until crisp.

Can I make the sausage patties ahead of time?

Absolutely. Cook the patties, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before assembling.

What’s the best way to reheat a frozen assembled sandwich?

Remove any foil or plastic. Wrap in a paper towel and microwave from frozen for 1.5-2 minutes, flipping halfway, or bake in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes.