Copycat McDonald’s Spicy Egg McMuffin

Some mornings just call for spice, something to jolt your senses before your first sip of coffee even hits. That’s exactly what McDonald’s is offering this summer with their brand-new Spicy Egg McMuffin, a fiery glow-up of their beloved classic. But if you can’t wait for July 8 or want to bring the flavor home for good, we’ve got you covered.

This copycat Spicy Egg McMuffin recipe recreates the golden-brown English muffin, Canadian bacon, melty cheese, and cage-free egg combo you know and love, plus a creamy, peppery kick that’s all about that Spicy Pepper Sauce. It’s quick, satisfying, and packs just enough heat to wake up your morning in style.

Let’s turn your kitchen into a drive-thru window, no app order required.

How to make a copycat Spicy Egg McMuffin

This sandwich is all about smart layering and timing. Toast your muffin just right. Crack that egg into a metal ring for perfect fast-food shape. And don’t skimp on the homemade spicy sauce, it’s the flavor bomb that takes this from copycat to craveable.

Ingredients, instructions and tips

Ingredients:

For the sandwich:

• 1 English muffin, sliced and toasted
• 1 large egg
• 1 slice Canadian bacon (or ham steak)
• 1 slice American cheese
• Butter for toasting

For the spicy pepper sauce:

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1–2 tsp habanero hot sauce (or to taste)
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Make the sauce: Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl. Taste and adjust heat level. Let it sit in the fridge for 10 minutes while you prep the rest.
2. Toast and butter your English muffin until golden. Set aside.
3. Cook the egg: Spray a metal egg ring (or mason jar ring) with oil. Crack egg into the ring on a nonstick pan. Add 1 tbsp of water around the edge and cover with a lid. Steam-cook until the yolk is just set, about 3 minutes.
4. Sear the bacon in the same pan until warm and slightly crispy.
5. Assemble: Spread spicy pepper sauce on the bottom muffin. Add bacon, egg, cheese, and the top muffin. Wrap in parchment for a few minutes to help it steam into itself, McDonald’s-style.

Tips:

• Want a saucier bite? Spread sauce on both muffin halves.
• Use a slice of cheddar for a bolder cheesy hit.
• If you love heat, try adding a thin slice of pickled jalapeño between the egg and cheese.
• Make a batch of the pepper sauce and use it on hash browns, breakfast burritos, or as a spicy mayo for sandwiches.

What to serve with the dish

You can’t go wrong with hash browns, a side of fruit, or a cup of cold brew to balance the spice. For a McDonald’s-at-home vibe, try these:

• Crispy hash browns or homemade potato patties
• Orange juice or iced coffee for that classic pairing
• A yogurt parfait for a lighter contrast
• Mini pancakes with maple syrup if you want sweet and spicy in the same bite

This sandwich also holds up well as part of a make-ahead breakfast rotation, just wrap and freeze for easy weekday mornings.

Ingredient substitutes

1. English Muffin
   Original Ingredient: English muffin
   Substitutes:

• Brioche bun: Softer, sweeter option for a rich bite
• Whole grain muffin: Adds texture and fiber
• Gluten-free bun: Works well for dietary needs

2. Canadian Bacon
   Original Ingredient: Canadian bacon
   Substitutes:

• Turkey bacon: Lower fat option with a similar bite
• Plant-based ham slices: For vegetarians or flexitarians
• Regular ham: Pan-fried thin-sliced ham works great too

3. Egg
   Original Ingredient: Fresh cracked egg
   Substitutes:

• Egg whites only: Lighter protein version
• Plant-based egg (like JUST Egg): Vegan-friendly option
• Poached egg: Similar shape and texture

4. American Cheese
   Original Ingredient: American cheese slice
   Substitutes:

• Cheddar: Sharper and more melty
• Swiss: Adds a nuttier depth
• Vegan cheese: If dairy-free is needed

5. Spicy Pepper Sauce
   Original Ingredient: McDonald’s signature pepper mayo
   Substitutes:

• Sriracha mayo: Spicy and tangy
• Chipotle aioli: Smoky twist
• Harissa-yogurt mix: For Mediterranean heat

6. Butter for toasting
   Original Ingredient: Regular butter
   Substitutes:

• Plant-based butter or margarine: For vegan variation
• Olive oil: Adds a hint of fruitiness
• Ghee: Clarified butter with nutty flavor

Serves: 4 Prep Time: 20 mins Cooking Time: 10 mins 10 mins

Nutrition facts: 360 calories 26 fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 voted )

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Ingredients

For the sandwich:

• 1 English muffin, sliced and toasted

• 1 large egg

• 1 slice Canadian bacon (or ham steak)

• 1 slice American cheese

• Butter for toasting

For the spicy pepper sauce:

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise

• 1 tsp white vinegar

• ½ tsp Dijon mustard

• ¼ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• 1–2 tsp habanero hot sauce (or to taste)

• Salt to taste

Instructions

• Make the sauce: Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl. Taste and adjust heat level. Let it sit in the fridge for 10 minutes while you prep the rest.

• Toast and butter your English muffin until golden. Set aside.

• Cook the egg: Spray a metal egg ring (or mason jar ring) with oil. Crack egg into the ring on a nonstick pan. Add 1 tbsp of water around the edge and cover with a lid. Steam-cook until the yolk is just set, about 3 minutes.

• Sear the bacon in the same pan until warm and slightly crispy.

• Assemble: Spread spicy pepper sauce on the bottom muffin. Add bacon, egg, cheese, and the top muffin. Wrap in parchment for a few minutes to help it steam into itself, McDonald’s-style.