Copycat McDonald’s Sausage Egg McMuffin

This copycat McDonald’s Sausage Egg McMuffin turns a handful of breakfast staples into a hot, satisfying sandwich: a toasted English muffin, savoury sausage patty, round egg and melting cheese. The components cook quickly, and a simple ring mould helps the egg fit neatly on the muffin.

Make the sausage patties yourself so you can adjust the seasoning and salt. Cook the egg until the white and yolk are set, or keep the yolk softer if that is your preference and food-safety needs allow. This is a home-cooking interpretation, not an official McDonald’s recipe.

Ingredients

Makes 4 sandwiches: 4 English muffins; 4 slices American-style cheese or mild cheddar; 4 large eggs; 450 g pork mince with about 15–20% fat; 5 g dried sage; 3 g salt; 2 g black pepper; 1 g dried thyme; 1 g garlic powder; 1 g onion powder; 15 ml cold water; 15 g butter, plus a little for the muffins; neutral oil for the pan.

Equipment and timing

Use a large skillet, toaster or grill, spatula, and four greased egg rings or clean wide-mouth jar rings made for cooking. Prep takes 15 minutes; cooking takes about 20 minutes. The recipe yields four sandwiches.

How to make a copycat Sausage Egg McMuffin

1. Season and shape the sausage

Combine pork mince, sage, salt, pepper, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder and cold water. Mix gently just until the seasonings are evenly distributed; overmixing can make the patties dense. Divide into four equal portions and shape each into a patty slightly wider than the muffin, since it will shrink as it cooks.

2. Cook the sausage patties

Heat a skillet over medium heat with a thin film of oil. Cook the patties for about 4–5 minutes per side, adjusting for thickness, until browned and cooked through. Check the centre with a clean thermometer: ground pork should reach 71°C. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

3. Cook the eggs

Lightly grease the egg rings and place them in the skillet over low to medium-low heat. Crack an egg into each ring and break the yolk gently with a fork if you want a flatter, fully set egg. Add a teaspoon of water to the pan and cover for 2–3 minutes to help the tops set. Remove the lid and rings carefully. Cook until the whites and yolks are fully set for the safest option.

4. Toast the muffins

Split the muffins and toast them until golden. Spread a little butter on the cut sides if desired. For a crisp base and soft top, toast in a dry skillet or under a grill, watching closely so they do not burn.

5. Assemble

Place a slice of cheese on the bottom half of each muffin. Add the hot sausage patty, then the egg, and finish with the muffin top. Rest for about a minute so the cheese softens. Serve immediately.

Recipe card

Yield: 4 breakfast sandwiches. Prep: 15 minutes. Cook: 20 minutes. Season and shape four pork patties; pan-cook to 71°C. Cook eggs in greased rings until the whites and yolks are set. Toast English muffins, layer with cheese, sausage and egg, and serve hot.

Make-ahead and customisation tips

Cook the sausage patties in advance, cool them quickly and refrigerate. Reheat only once until steaming hot. You can also freeze cooked patties individually, then thaw safely in the refrigerator before reheating. Toast muffins and cook eggs just before serving for the best texture.

If you do not own egg rings, cook the eggs as small folded omelettes or use a lightly greased ramekin set in a covered skillet. Keep the heat moderate so the bottom does not overcook before the top sets. A lid traps steam and makes round eggs easier.

For a lighter sandwich, use a leaner pork mince or swap in turkey mince, adding a teaspoon of oil to prevent dryness. Add a slice of tomato or a little hot sauce if you like, though classic versions are intentionally simple. A vegetarian sausage patty can be substituted; follow its packet directions.

Storage and food safety

Refrigerate cooked eggs and sausage within two hours and use within 48 hours, or freeze. Store components separately where possible so muffins do not become soggy. Reheat leftovers only once until steaming hot all the way through. Keep raw pork separate from cooked food and wash hands, utensils and work surfaces after handling.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get a perfectly round egg?

Grease an egg ring, set it in a skillet and cook over moderate-low heat with a lid. A splash of water creates steam to set the top. A broken yolk makes the egg flatter and easier to stack.

What sausage seasoning tastes like a breakfast patty?

Sage is the defining herb, supported by black pepper, thyme and a little garlic or onion powder. Start with the quantities listed and adjust the next batch to taste.

Can I use ready-made sausage?

Yes. Shape plain breakfast sausage meat into patties, or use pre-formed patties. Check the package for cooking guidance and make sure the centre is fully cooked.

What cheese should I use?

American-style cheese melts quickly and gives a familiar fast-food texture. Mild cheddar is a good alternative, though it may take slightly longer to soften.

Can I make this without pork?

Use turkey sausage, chicken sausage or a plant-based breakfast patty. Cooking times vary, so follow package instructions and ensure the centre is safely cooked.

How do I meal-prep these sandwiches?

Cook the patties and eggs, cool them promptly, then refrigerate in sealed containers. Assemble and reheat one sandwich at a time; keep the muffin separate until reheating to preserve its texture.

Can I freeze the assembled sandwiches?

Yes, though the muffin may soften. Wrap each cooled sandwich tightly and freeze. Reheat from thawed in an oven or microwave until steaming hot, adding the muffin top later if you want it less soft.

Why are my sausage patties dry?

The mince may be too lean, the patties may be overmixed or they may have cooked too long. Use mince with some fat, mix gently and check the internal temperature.

Can I cook the eggs sunny-side up?

You can, but fully set whites and yolks are the safer choice, especially for people at higher risk from foodborne illness. Use pasteurised eggs if you prefer a runny yolk.

Is this the official McDonald’s recipe?

No. It is a homemade copycat-style breakfast sandwich inspired by the familiar combination, not an official or endorsed McDonald’s formula.

More breakfast ideas

Try Denny’s Chicken Fajita Breakfast Skillet, Wendy’s Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit, Pumpkin Chai Waffles, Healthy Breakfast Apple Crumble and Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls.