✔ Updated · homemade sausage patties to 160°F, steamed round eggs + freezer tips
This copycat McDonald's Sausage Egg McMuffin stacks a peppery sausage patty, a perfectly round steamed egg and melty American cheese on a buttered English muffin. I make four at once, and the trick is a lid and a splash of water.
At a glance
The one tip that matters: Cook the sausage patties to 160°F, then steam the eggs in rings with a lid on so they set into soft, round, fully cooked discs.
Why You'll Love These
- That round egg, fluffy and tender, made in rings or canning lids.
- Better sausage: season your own patties just the way you like them.
- Freezer-friendly, so a hot breakfast sandwich is 2 minutes away.
What's in a Sausage Egg McMuffin?
It's five simple things: a toasted, buttered English muffin, a thin pork sausage patty, a round steamed egg and a slice of American cheese. The magic is in the textures, a crisp muffin, a peppery patty and that soft, puffy egg.
The McDonald's down the road does a great one, but only until breakfast ends (here's when McDonald's serves lunch). My copycat-style version is ready whenever you are. If you prefer a buttery croissant, try our Burger King Croissan'wich too.
Step-by-Step Photos
Here's how it comes together. Exact amounts, times and temperatures are in the recipe card below.
Tips for Success
- Make the patties thin and wide. Sausage shrinks by about a quarter as it cooks, so press it a bit wider than the muffin. I press mine between two sheets of parchment with the bottom of a pan.
- Check the sausage temperature. Ground pork needs to reach 160°F (71°C) in the center, the USDA safe temperature for ground meat. Thin patties get there fast, so test early.
- Steam, don't fry. The splash of water and the lid are what make the egg puffy and tender, with no crispy brown edges. Keep the heat medium-low.
- Break the yolk. A gently broken yolk cooks evenly and sets fully, just like the drive-thru version, and it won't run down your sleeve.
- No egg rings? Wide-mouth canning lid rings work perfectly. Grease them well and set them flat side down.
- Butter the muffin. Salted butter on a properly toasted muffin is half the flavor. Don't skip it.
McDonald’s Sausage Egg McMuffin (Copycat)
4
sandwiches10
minutes15
minutes500
kcal25
minutesA copycat-style McDonald’s Sausage Egg McMuffin: a thin, seasoned pork sausage patty cooked to 160°F, a round egg steamed in a ring until fully set, a slice of American cheese and a buttered, toasted English muffin. Makes 4.
Ingredients
- Sausage Patties
8 ounces ground pork breakfast sausage
1/4 teaspoon ground sage (optional, for a classic breakfast flavor)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Eggs and Muffins
4 large eggs
4 English muffins, split
2 tablespoons salted butter, softened
4 slices American cheese
1/4 cup water, for steaming
as needed cooking spray or oil, for the egg rings
Directions
- Cook the Sausage
- Mix the sausage with the sage and pepper. Divide into 4 portions and press each into a thin patty about 4 inches wide, a little wider than the muffin, since it shrinks as it cooks.
- Cook the patties in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until browned and 160°F (71°C) in the center. Move to a plate and keep warm. Wipe out most of the fat.
- Steam the Eggs
- Grease four 3 1/2-inch egg rings (or wide-mouth canning lid rings) and set them in the skillet over medium-low heat. Crack an egg into each ring and gently break the yolk with a fork.
- Pour the water into the skillet around the rings, cover with a lid and steam for 3 to 4 minutes, until the whites and yolks are completely set. Run a knife around each ring to release the eggs.
- Assemble
- While the eggs steam, toast the English muffins and butter the cut sides. Layer each bottom half with a slice of cheese, a sausage patty and an egg, then add the top. Wrap each sandwich in foil or parchment for 1 minute so the cheese melts. Serve hot.
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Make-Ahead and Freezing
- Fridge: wrap cooled sandwiches individually and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.
- Reheat: unwrap, wrap in a paper towel and microwave 45 to 60 seconds from the fridge or 1 to 2 minutes from frozen, turning once, until 165°F (74°C) in the center.
- Crisp it up: warm reheated sandwiches for 2 minutes in a dry skillet or toaster oven to bring back the crunch.
More McDonald's Breakfast Copycats
Round out the tray with our McDonald's breakfast burrito, golden McDonald's hash browns and fluffy McDonald's pancakes, or browse all our McDonald's copycat recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is on a McDonald's Sausage Egg McMuffin?
A Sausage McMuffin with Egg is a toasted, buttered English muffin with a seasoned pork sausage patty, a round egg and a slice of American cheese. This copycat uses the same five parts: homemade sausage patties, eggs steamed in rings, American cheese, butter and English muffins.
How many calories are in a Sausage Egg McMuffin?
McDonald's lists the Sausage McMuffin with Egg at about 480 calories in the US. This homemade version is about 500 calories per sandwich, depending on your sausage. For fewer calories, use turkey sausage, skip the butter or leave off the cheese, which saves about 50 to 70 calories.
How does McDonald's make the round egg?
The round egg is a freshly cracked egg cooked in a round ring on a griddle and steamed so it sets soft and fluffy. At home, use greased egg rings or canning lid rings in a skillet, add a splash of water around them and cover with a lid for 3 to 4 minutes.
Can you freeze homemade Sausage Egg McMuffins?
Yes. Cool the assembled sandwiches, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Unwrap, wrap in a paper towel and microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, turning once, until 165°F in the center.
What sausage is best for a copycat Sausage McMuffin?
A mild pork breakfast sausage gives the closest flavor. Look for one seasoned with sage and black pepper, or season plain ground pork with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon sage, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and a pinch of marjoram per 8 ounces.
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YUM! Love using up my costco croissants with this recipe.