8-523: McMuffin is a family of breakfast sandwiches sold by the international fast food restaurant chain McDonald's . The Egg McMuffin is the signature sandwich, which was invented in 1972 by Herb Peterson to resemble eggs benedict , a traditional American breakfast dish with English muffins , ham, eggs and hollandaise sauce . In the US and Canada the standard McMuffin consists of a slice of Canadian bacon ,
16-614: A griddle-fried egg, and a slice of American cheese on a toasted and buttered English muffin . The round shape of the egg is made by cooking it in a white plastic ring surrounded by an outer metal structure. There is also a vegetarian version named "McMuffin Egg & Cheese", in countries like France and Germany. Since 2019, it is available all day long in France. The sandwich was invented in 1972. Former McDonald's President Ray Kroc wrote that Herb Peterson and his assistant, Donald Greadel,
24-488: The sausage sandwich ; or various combinations thereof, like the bacon, egg and cheese sandwich . The breakfast sandwich is related to the breakfast roll . Breakfast sandwiches are typically made using breakfast meats (generally cured meats such as sausages, patty sausages, bacon , country ham, scrapple , Spam , and pork roll ), breads, eggs and cheese . These sandwiches were typically regional specialties until fast food restaurants began serving breakfast . Because
32-542: The Egg McMuffin opened up a whole new area of potential business for McDonald's, the breakfast trade. One reason the sandwich was served open-faced was that a small tub of strawberry preserves was provided, along with a knife. The sweet and savory approach did not catch on (at least in the US), although a packet of strawberry preserves will still be provided upon request. The first McDonald's corporate-authorized Egg McMuffin
40-613: The English-speaking world for centuries, it was not until the 19th century in the United States that people began regularly eating eggs, cheese, and meat in a sandwich. What would later be known as "breakfast sandwiches" became increasingly popular after the American Civil War , and were a favorite food of pioneers during American westward expansion. The first known published recipe for a "breakfast sandwich"
48-455: The common types of bread, such as biscuits , bagels , and English muffin , were similar in size to fast food hamburger buns , they made an obvious choice for fast food restaurants. Unlike other breakfast items, they were perfect for the innovation of the drive-through . These sandwiches have also become a staple of many convenience stores . Although the ingredients for the breakfast sandwich have been common elements of breakfast meals in
56-487: The operator of a McDonald's Santa Barbara franchise in Goleta, California , asked Kroc to look at something, without giving details because it was: ... a crazy idea — a breakfast sandwich. It consisted of an egg that had been formed in a Teflon circle with the yolk broken, and was dressed with a slice of cheese and a slice of grilled ham. It was served open-faced on a toasted and buttered English muffin. The advent of
64-460: Was served at the Belleville, New Jersey , McDonald's in 1972. Breakfast sandwich A breakfast sandwich is any sandwich filled with foods associated with breakfast . Breakfast sandwiches are served at fast food restaurants and delicatessens , sold in supermarkets, or commonly made at home. Different types of breakfast sandwich include the bacon sandwich , the egg sandwich , and
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