Craving that spicy breakfast heat without leaving the house? You’re in luck. McDonald’s has spiced up mornings with their limited-time Spicy Sausage McMuffin, and we couldn’t resist re-creating this fiery little sandwich right at home. The best part? You only need a handful of easy ingredients and a few minutes to pull it all together. It’s perfect for a busy morning, weekend brunch, or even a breakfast-for-dinner night. Bold, cheesy, toasty, and satisfyingly spicy.
This copycat recipe brings together savory pork sausage, melty cheese, a perfectly toasted English muffin, and that signature cayenne-forward pepper sauce. If you like a little kick in your morning routine, this one checks all the boxes.
Table of Contents
How to make the Copycat Spicy Sausage McMuffin
This sandwich comes together in three layers: a simple homemade spicy pepper sauce, a sizzling pork patty, and a warm, cheesy muffin base. It’s an easy, build-as-you-go kind of meal that delivers flavor fast.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2 sandwiches
Calories: Approximately 460 per sandwich
Ingredients, instructions and tips
Ingredients
For the pepper sauce:
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon pickled jalapeño juice
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped pickled jalapeños
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch garlic powder
- Pinch sugar
For the sandwich:
- 2 English muffins, split and lightly toasted
- 2 pork sausage patties (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 slices American cheese
- Butter or oil for pan
Instructions
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, vinegar, jalapeño juice, chopped jalapeños, cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of sugar. Mix until smooth and chill while you prep the rest.
- Cook the sausage patties: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add sausage patties and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and keep warm.
- Toast the muffins: While the patties are cooking, toast the English muffins until lightly golden. Butter them if desired for extra flavor.
- Assemble the sandwich: Place a slice of American cheese on the bottom muffin half. Add the hot sausage patty on top to help melt the cheese. Spread a generous spoonful of spicy pepper sauce on the top muffin half. Sandwich it all together.
- Serve hot: Enjoy immediately while everything is warm and melty. Optional: add a fried egg or hash brown for a deluxe version.
What to serve with the dish
This copycat Spicy Sausage McMuffin is bold enough to stand on its own, but here are a few tasty ideas to round it out:
- Hash browns or tater tots: Crispy and salty sides pair great with the creamy heat.
- Fresh fruit: Slices of orange or pineapple can balance out the spice.
- Coffee or iced latte: Keep it classic with a homemade iced caramel coffee.
- Yogurt parfait: If you’re going for balance, add something light and cold next to your sandwich.
Ingredient substitutes
- Sausage Patty
Original Ingredient: Pork breakfast sausage patty
Substitutes:
- Turkey sausage: Lighter and leaner but still flavorful.
- Plant-based sausage: For a vegetarian or vegan version.
- Homemade: Mix ground pork, sage, salt, and pepper to make your own.
- Spicy Pepper Sauce
Original Ingredient: McDonald’s proprietary cayenne sauce
Substitutes:
- Sriracha mayo: Combines heat and creaminess in one step.
- Chipotle aioli: For a smoky alternative.
- Plain hot sauce: If you like things really fiery, just drizzle your favorite.
- Cheese
Original Ingredient: American cheese
Substitutes:
- Cheddar: For a sharper, meltier bite.
- Pepper Jack: To double down on spice.
- Vegan cheese slices: For dairy-free swaps.
- English Muffin
Original Ingredient: Standard white English muffin
Substitutes:
- Whole wheat muffin: For a healthier twist.
- Brioche bun: For a softer, richer texture.
- Gluten-free muffin: Great if you’re avoiding gluten.
- Butter/Oil
Original Ingredient: Optional for toasting
Substitutes:
- Olive oil: Adds a mild savory flavor.
- Plant-based spread: For vegan-friendly toasting.
- Omit: If your muffins toast well as-is.
Ingredients
For the pepper sauce:
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon pickled jalapeño juice
1 teaspoon finely chopped pickled jalapeños
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Pinch garlic powder
Pinch sugar
For the sandwich:
2 English muffins, split and lightly toasted
2 pork sausage patties (store-bought or homemade)
2 slices American cheese
Butter or oil for pan
Instructions
Make the sauce: In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, vinegar, jalapeño juice, chopped jalapeños, cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of sugar. Mix until smooth and chill while you prep the rest.
Cook the sausage patties: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add sausage patties and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and keep warm.
Toast the muffins: While the patties are cooking, toast the English muffins until lightly golden. Butter them if desired for extra flavor.
Assemble the sandwich: Place a slice of American cheese on the bottom muffin half. Add the hot sausage patty on top to help melt the cheese. Spread a generous spoonful of spicy pepper sauce on the top muffin half. Sandwich it all together.
Serve hot: Enjoy immediately while everything is warm and melty. Optional: add a fried egg or hash brown for a deluxe version.
