Sausage, egg, and cheese copycat mcmuffins!

Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Copycat McMuffins

Makes 6 McMuffins

Ingredients:

1 package Great Value English muffins – $1.88

6 eggs – less than $1
1 package Great Value sausage patties – $6
Butter

6 Kraft cheese slices
Foil
Cling wrap

Directions:

Prepare the Sausage:

Heat a skillet over medium heat.

Place the sausage patties in the skillet and cook until browned on both sides and fully cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Remove the sausage patties from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.

Cook the Eggs:

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Lightly grease the skillet with cooking spray or a small amount of butter.
Use a silicone egg ring to shape the eggs into perfect circles.

Crack an egg into each ring and cook until the whites are set and the yolk is cooked to your preference, about 3-4 minutes. For fully cooked yolks, cover the skillet with a lid for the last minute of cooking.
Carefully remove the egg rings and set the eggs aside.

Toast the English Muffins:

Split the English muffins in half and lightly toast them in a toaster or under a broiler until they are golden brown.
While the muffins are still warm, spread a thin layer of butter on the inside of each half.

Assemble the McMuffins:

Place a slice of Kraft cheese on the bottom half of each English muffin.
Add a cooked egg on top of the cheese slice.
Place a sausage patty on top of the egg.

Cover with the top half of the English muffin.

Wrap for Freezing:

Tightly wrap each assembled McMuffin in cling wrap to seal in freshness.

Then, wrap each McMuffin in foil to protect it in the freezer.
Label each McMuffin with the contents and the date using a marker.

Freezing and Reheating:

Store the wrapped McMuffins in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat, remove the foil and cling wrap, then wrap the McMuffin in a paper towel.
Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.

Benefits of Homemade Sausage, Egg, and Cheese McMuffins

Cost-Effective:

Making these McMuffins at home is significantly cheaper than buying them from a fast-food restaurant. You can make six for a fraction of the cost, with each homemade McMuffin costing less than $1.50, compared to $3 or more at McDonald’s.

Convenient:

These McMuffins are easy to make and can be prepared in batches ahead of time. This makes them a quick and convenient breakfast option for busy mornings. Simply reheat and go!

Customizable:

You can customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Try using different types of cheese, adding vegetables like spinach or tomatoes, or using turkey sausage for a lighter option.

Healthier:

By controlling the ingredients, you can ensure that your homemade McMuffins are made with high-quality, fresh ingredients and have no added preservatives or artificial flavors. You can also opt for whole wheat English muffins and reduced-fat cheese to make them healthier.

Freezer-Friendly:

These McMuffins can be frozen for up to 3 months, allowing you to have a ready-to-eat breakfast option available at all times. This is perfect for meal prep and saves you time during the week.

Portion Control:

Making McMuffins at home allows you to control the portion sizes, which can help with managing your caloric intake. You can also adjust the amount of cheese and sausage to fit your dietary goals.

Quality Control:

Preparing food at home gives you the peace of mind of knowing exactly what goes into your meal. You can choose organic, hormone-free meats and fresh, high-quality eggs, ensuring a nutritious start to your day.

Satisfying and Delicious:

Homemade McMuffins are not only satisfying but also delicious. Freshly made with melted cheese, perfectly cooked eggs, and savory sausage, they provide a hearty and flavorful breakfast that can keep you full and energized throughout the morning.

Q & A for Homemade Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Copycat McMuffins

Q: Can I use any type of English muffins?
A: Yes, you can use any type of English muffins you prefer, including whole wheat, multigrain, or even gluten-free varieties. Great Value English muffins are a budget-friendly option, but feel free to choose your favorite brand.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! While Kraft cheese slices are used in this recipe, you can substitute with any cheese you like, such as cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack. Just make sure it melts well.

Q: What if I don’t have a silicone egg ring?
A: If you don’t have a silicone egg ring, you can use a metal ring mold or even a round cookie cutter. Alternatively, you can cook the eggs in a small bowl-shaped ramekin or muffin tin to achieve a similar shape.

Q: How long can I store the McMuffins in the freezer?
A: The McMuffins can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap them tightly in cling wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn and maintain freshness.

Q: How do I reheat the frozen McMuffins?
A: To reheat, remove the foil and cling wrap, then wrap the McMuffin in a paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.

Q: Can I add vegetables to the McMuffins?
A: Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, or bell peppers to make the McMuffins more nutritious. Simply add them between the egg and sausage layer during assembly.

Q: What type of sausage patties should I use?
A: Great Value sausage patties are recommended for their taste and affordability, but you can use any brand you prefer. Look for sausage patties that are pre-cooked and only need to be heated through.

Q: Can I make these McMuffins vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by using a plant-based sausage patty and omitting the meat. There are several delicious vegetarian sausage options available in stores.

Q: Can I prepare the ingredients the night before?
A: Yes, you can cook the sausage patties and eggs the night before, then assemble the McMuffins in the morning. This can save you time during busy mornings.

Q: Is it necessary to butter the English muffins?
A: Buttering the English muffins adds flavor and helps to keep them moist, but it is not strictly necessary. If you’re looking to reduce fat or calories, you can skip this step.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect McMuffins

1. Use Quality Ingredients:

Opt for high-quality English muffins, fresh eggs, and premium sausage patties. Using good ingredients will enhance the overall flavor and texture of your McMuffins.

2. Pre-Cook Ingredients:

Cook the sausage patties and eggs in advance. This makes the assembly process quicker and more efficient, especially if you are making a large batch.

3. Utilize Silicone Egg Rings:

To achieve perfectly round eggs like the ones at McDonald’s, use silicone egg rings. Grease the rings lightly to prevent the eggs from sticking.

4. Avoid Overcooking:

Cook the eggs on medium-low heat to avoid overcooking. Overcooked eggs can become rubbery, so keep an eye on them and remove from heat as soon as they are set.

5. Toasting Tips:

Lightly toast the English muffins for a perfect balance of crunch and softness. This step ensures the muffins hold up well after freezing and reheating.

6. Butter the Muffins:

Spread a thin layer of butter on the inside of the toasted muffins. This adds flavor and helps to keep them moist during freezing and reheating.

7. Assembly Line:

Set up an assembly line for efficiency. Place the bottom half of each muffin on a clean surface, add cheese, egg, sausage, and then top with the other half of the muffin.

8. Wrapping for Freezing:

Wrap each assembled McMuffin tightly in cling wrap to prevent freezer burn, then wrap again in foil for extra protection. Label each one with the date to keep track of freshness.

9. Reheating Techniques:

For best results, thaw the McMuffins in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Use a microwave or oven to reheat, and toast the muffins lightly in a toaster oven if desired.

10. Experiment with Flavors:

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheeses, meats, or even add-ons like avocado, hot sauce, or a sprinkle of herbs to customize your McMuffins.

11. Portion Control:

Making these at home allows you to control portion sizes. You can make smaller or larger versions depending on your preference or dietary needs.

12. Healthy Swaps:

For a healthier version, use whole grain muffins, turkey sausage, reduced-fat cheese, and egg whites or an egg substitute.

13. Meal Prep Friendly:

These McMuffins are perfect for meal prep. Spend a little time on the weekend preparing a batch, and you’ll have a quick and nutritious breakfast ready for the entire week.

14. Kid-Friendly:

Get kids involved in the preparation. They can help with tasks like buttering the muffins or assembling the sandwiches. It’s a fun way to get them interested in cooking.

15. Versatility:

These McMuffins aren’t just for breakfast. They make a great snack or light meal any time of day. Pair with a side salad or fruit for a complete meal.