egg mcmuffin recipe

Craving a classic American breakfast? The Egg McMuffin is an iconic morning sandwich that brings together a perfectly cooked egg, savory Canadian bacon, and melty cheese, all nestled inside a toasted English muffin.

you’re looking to recreate the fast-food favorite at home or simply want a satisfying breakfast, this homemade Egg McMuffin recipe delivers all the flavor and comfort you crave.

Ingredients List

Crafting the perfect Egg McMuffin requires just a handful of quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for each delicious layer of this breakfast sandwich:

Sandwich Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (1/2 ounce; 15 g), softened, divided
• 1 good-quality English muffin, split
• 1 slice good-quality Canadian bacon
• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1 large egg
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 slice American, cheddar, Swiss, or Jack cheese

Required Kitchen Tools

Having the right tools on hand makes assembling your Egg McMuffin a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Nonstick or Cast Iron Skillet: For toasting the muffin, browning the bacon, and cooking the egg.
2. Mason Jar Lid (Wide-Mouth, Quart-Sized): Acts as a mold for the perfectly round egg.
3. Aluminum Foil: For wrapping and warming the sandwich.
4. Spatula: For flipping and transferring ingredients.
5. Nonstick Cooking Spray: To prevent the egg from sticking to the mold.
6. Measuring Cup: For adding water to steam the egg.

Muffin, Bacon, and Egg Preparation

Preparing each component of the Egg McMuffin is key to achieving that signature taste and texture. Follow these steps to toast, sizzle, and steam your way to breakfast perfection.

Toasting the English Muffin

1. Butter and Toast:
   Spread 1 teaspoon of softened butter on each half of the English muffin. Place both halves, cut side down, in a 10-inch nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat.
2. Brown to Perfection:
   Cook, swirling the muffin halves and pressing gently to ensure even contact with the pan, until both pieces are well browned and crisp—about 5 minutes.
3. Set Aside:
   Transfer the toasted muffin halves to a sheet of aluminum foil, split side up, to keep them warm and ready for assembly.

Cooking the Canadian Bacon

1. Sizzle the Bacon:
   Melt the remaining 1 teaspoon of butter in the now-empty skillet and increase the heat to medium-high.
2. Brown the Edges:
   Add the Canadian bacon slice and cook, turning frequently, until it’s browned and crisp around the edges—about 1 1/2 minutes.
3. Transfer:
   Place the cooked bacon on the lower half of the toasted English muffin.

Steaming the Egg

1. Prepare the Egg Mold:
   Place the lid of a quart-sized, wide-mouthed Mason jar (both the lid and the sealing ring) upside down in the now-empty skillet. The side the jar screws onto should be facing up.
2. Spray and Crack:
   Spray the inside of the lid with nonstick cooking spray. Crack the egg into the mold and gently poke the yolk with a fork to break it. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Steam the Egg:
   Pour 3/4 cup (180 ml) water into the skillet, cover, and cook until the egg is set—about 2 minutes.

Assembling the Egg McMuffin

Bringing all the elements together is the final step to creating your homemade Egg McMuffin. Careful assembly ensures every bite is warm, melty, and satisfying.

Building the Sandwich

1. Remove the Egg:
   Using a thin spatula, carefully transfer the Mason jar lid (with the cooked egg inside) to a paper towel–lined plate. Pour out any excess water from the skillet and gently wipe it dry.
2. Release the Egg:
   Flip the Mason jar lid over and gently remove the egg. You may need to use a thin spatula or butter knife to help coax the egg out of the mold.
3. Layer the Ingredients:
   Place the steamed egg on top of the Canadian bacon on the lower muffin half. Immediately top the hot egg with a slice of cheese, allowing it to melt slightly from the residual heat.
4. Close the Sandwich:
   Place the upper muffin half on top to complete your sandwich.

Warming and Serving

1. Wrap and Warm:
   Wrap the assembled sandwich in aluminum foil. Return it to the now-empty skillet (with the heat off) and let it warm for about 2 minutes, flipping occasionally. This step helps the cheese melt fully and brings all the flavors together.
2. Serve:
   Unwrap your Egg McMuffin and enjoy immediately for the best taste and texture.

Serving, Variations, and Storage

A homemade Egg McMuffin is best enjoyed hot and fresh, but with a few tips, you can customize and store your breakfast sandwich for later enjoyment.

Serving and Customization

When it comes to serving your Egg McMuffin, a little creativity can go a long way. Here are some ideas to elevate your breakfast:

• Classic Style: Serve as is, wrapped in foil for that authentic fast-food experience.
• Add Greens: Layer in a handful of baby spinach or arugula for a fresh twist.
• Sauce It Up: Add a swipe of your favorite hot sauce, ketchup, or a dollop of creamy mayonnaise.
• Swap the Cheese: Try Swiss, sharp cheddar, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
• Go Vegetarian: Substitute the Canadian bacon with a slice of grilled tomato or a plant-based sausage patty.

Storage Instructions

If you want to make Egg McMuffins ahead of time, here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Refrigeration:
  Wrap cooled sandwiches tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for 30–45 seconds or in a toaster oven until warmed through.
• Freezing:
  For longer storage, wrap each sandwich in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or microwave from frozen in 30-second bursts until hot.

Conclusion

Mastering the Egg McMuffin at home means you can enjoy a warm, satisfying breakfast any day of the week.

With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a sandwich that rivals the original—customized to your taste and made with love.

So gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and start your day with a homemade Egg McMuffin that’s every bit as delicious as the drive-thru version.