Perfect Breakfast Sandwich

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground pork (80% lean)
• 4 slices Bacon (chilled, finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp Maple syrup (pure maple)
• 2 tbsp Fresh sage leaves (finely chopped)
• 1 tsp Fennel seed (lightly crushed)
• 1 clove Garlic (grated)
• 0.25 tsp Cayenne pepper (optional heat)
• 1 tsp Kosher salt (Diamond Crystal)
• 3 pieces English muffin dough (or store‑bought English muffins) (split and flattened; if using dough, keep refrigerated until ready)
• 3 each Large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 tbsp Butter (for griddle and toasting)
• 3 slices American cheese (standard thickness)
• 1 tbsp Ketchup (optional)
• to taste Hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. Prep herbs and aromatics

   Finely chop 2 Tbsp fresh sage leaves, lightly crush 1 tsp fennel seeds on the cutting board, and grate the garlic clove.

   Time: PT4M

2. Combine sausage ingredients

   In a large mixing bowl add 1 lb ground pork, the chopped sage, crushed fennel, grated garlic, 1 Tbsp maple syrup, 1/4 tsp cayenne, 1 tsp kosher salt, and the chilled, finely chopped bacon. Mix with clean hands using a folding‑and‑pressing motion until the mixture becomes slightly sticky and cohesive.

   Time: PT5M

3. Test patty for seasoning

   Form a 1‑Tbsp portion of the sausage into a flat patty and cook in a pre‑heated skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes per side. Taste and check salt, sage, and maple balance.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 350°F

4. Form final patties

   Divide the mixture into three 3‑4 oz patties. Place each patty between sheets of parchment paper and chill for 5 minutes while you finish prep.

   Time: PT4M

5. Preheat griddle over fire pit

   Place the carbon‑steel griddle on the fire pit grate. Let it heat for about 5 minutes until it’s hot enough that a drop of water sizzles and evaporates quickly.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: high (≈400°F)

6. Cook English muffins

   Lay the wet English muffin dough (or store‑bought muffins split in half) directly on parchment paper on the cooler side of the griddle. Cook 3‑4 minutes per side until golden brown and the interior is cooked through. Remove and keep warm under foil.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: medium (≈350°F)

7. Cook sausage patties

   Move the patties to the hot side of the griddle. Using the press, flatten each patty to about ½‑inch thickness. Cook 3‑4 minutes per side until deeply caramelized and cooked through.

   Time: PT8M

   Temperature: high (≈400°F)

8. Fry eggs

   Add a little butter to the cooler side of the griddle. Crack each egg, breaking the yolk gently so it stays partially runny. Cook 2‑3 minutes until whites are set and edges are lightly crisp, then flip quickly for a brief 30‑second second side.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: medium (≈350°F)

9. Melt cheese on eggs

   Place a slice of American cheese on each egg during the last 30 seconds of cooking, allowing it to melt fully.

   Time: PT1M

10. Assemble sandwiches

    On the bottom half of each toasted English muffin, layer a sausage patty, then the cheesy fried egg. Add a drizzle of ketchup and a few drops of hot sauce if desired, and top with the muffin lid.

    Time: PT3M

11. Serve immediately

    Transfer the sandwiches to plates and enjoy while hot. Optionally serve with extra hot sauce on the side.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

500

Protein

20 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

30 g

Fiber

2 g