Back to School, college edition is back! Ep. 1
Back to School, college edition is back! Ep. 1 is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 400 calories per serving. Recipe by COOKING WITH SHEREEN on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 25 min
Cost: $9.98 total, $1.66 per serving
Ingredients
- 6 pieces Sausage Patties (flatten with a spatula for faster cooking and reheating)
- 6 large Eggs (beat lightly before cooking)
- 1.5 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (for cooking the eggs)
- to taste pinch Salt (season the scrambled eggs)
- 6 pieces English Muffins (split and lightly buttered before assembling)
- 1 tablespoon Butter (for spreading on the English muffin halves)
- 6 slices Cheddar Cheese (place on the sandwich before closing)
- 6 sheets Parchment Paper (wrap each sandwich for freezing)
Instructions
Cook Sausage Patties
Heat a non‑stick skillet over medium‑low heat. Add the sausage patties, flatten each with a spatula, and cook 3 minutes on the first side.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium‑low heat
Flip Sausage and Finish
Flip the patties and cook another 3 minutes until browned but still juicy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium‑low heat
Prepare Scrambled Eggs
Reduce heat to low, add 1‑2 Tbsp unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, pour in the beaten eggs, season with a pinch of salt, and stir continuously until just set (soft scramble).
Time: PT2M
Temperature: low heat
Toast and Butter English Muffins
While the eggs are cooking, split the English muffins. Lightly spread a thin layer of butter on each half (optional to toast in the skillet for extra crispness).
Time: PT2M
Assemble Sandwiches
On the bottom half of each muffin, place a cooked sausage patty, a spoonful of scrambled eggs, and a slice of cheddar cheese. Top with the other muffin half.
Time: PT3M
Wrap for Freezing
Wrap each sandwich tightly in a sheet of parchment paper, then place all wrapped sandwiches in a freezer‑safe bag or container.
Time: PT1M
Reheat When Ready
When you want to eat, remove a sandwich from the freezer, unwrap, and microwave on high for 2 to 2½ minutes, or until hot throughout.
Time: PT2M30S
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 400
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: High protein, Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Contains eggs
Allergens: Eggs, Dairy, Wheat
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Sausage Patties: turkey sausage patties, plant‑based sausage
- Instead of Eggs: egg replacer, silken tofu (for vegans)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine, olive oil
- Instead of Salt: seasoned salt, soy sauce (small amount)
- Instead of English Muffins: bagels, toast
- Instead of Butter: margarine, cream cheese spread
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese: American cheese, Swiss cheese, vegan cheese
- Instead of Parchment Paper: wax paper, plastic wrap (for short‑term storage)
Equipment Needed
- Non‑Stick Skillet
- Spatula
- Paper Towels
- Whisk or Fork
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Microwave
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Flatten the sausage patties before cooking to ensure even cooking and quick reheating.
- Do not wash the skillet after cooking sausage; the residual fat flavors the eggs.
- Stir the eggs constantly and remove from heat while still slightly soft; they will finish cooking during reheating.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use medium‑low heat for the sausage and eggs; high heat can cause burning before the interior cooks.
- A light butter spread on the muffin halves creates a barrier that keeps the bread from soaking up egg moisture.
- If you like extra flavor, add a pinch of black pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the scrambled eggs.
Troubleshooting
Sausage patties are still pink in the center.
Return the patties to the skillet and cook an additional 1‑2 minutes per side, covering the pan briefly to retain heat.
Eggs become dry and rubbery.
Remove the eggs from the heat while they are still slightly soft; they will finish cooking during reheating.
Sandwich becomes soggy after microwaving.
Make sure the parchment is tightly wrapped and microwave on a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
Storage
Refrigerator: Can be kept for up to 3 days if not frozen; keep wrapped in parchment and a sealed container.
Freezer: Best stored frozen for up to 2 weeks. Keep individually wrapped and placed in a zip‑top bag.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; risk of bacterial growth.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Wrap each sandwich individually in parchment before freezing to prevent them from sticking together.
- Label the freezer bag with the date for easy rotation.
- If you prefer a toasted muffin, toast the halves briefly in the skillet before assembling; they will still reheat well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of the breakfast sandwich in American college cuisine?
The breakfast sandwich became a staple on American college campuses in the mid‑20th century as a quick, portable meal that could be prepared in dorm kitchens. It combines classic breakfast items—eggs, meat, cheese, and bread—into a handheld format that fits busy student schedules.
What regional variations of egg sausage breakfast sandwiches exist within the United States?
In the South, biscuits often replace English muffins and sausage may be spicier. In the Northeast, bagels or kaiser rolls are common, and cheese choices shift to American or Swiss. West Coast versions sometimes use avocado or plant‑based sausage for a health‑focused twist.
How is a traditional American breakfast sandwich typically served in diners versus college dorms?
Diners usually serve the sandwich hot off the griddle with a side of hash browns and coffee, often on a plate. In college dorms, the sandwich is assembled, wrapped, and frozen for later microwaving, prioritizing convenience over presentation.
What occasions or celebrations is the egg sausage breakfast sandwich associated with in American culture?
While not tied to a specific holiday, the sandwich is a go‑to for back‑to‑school mornings, exam‑week fuel, and weekend brunches when quick, hearty food is needed.
What authentic traditional ingredients are used in an American breakfast sandwich and what are acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include pork sausage, eggs, cheddar or American cheese, and a bread roll such as an English muffin or biscuit. Acceptable substitutes are turkey or plant‑based sausage, egg replacer, vegan cheese, and gluten‑free bread for dietary needs.
What other American dishes pair well with the egg sausage breakfast sandwich?
Pair it with classic sides like hash browns, fresh fruit salad, or a simple mixed green salad with vinaigrette. A cup of coffee or fresh orange juice completes the traditional American breakfast.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the egg sausage breakfast sandwich?
Common errors include over‑cooking the eggs, which makes them dry, and not flattening the sausage, which leads to uneven cooking and longer reheating times. Also, forgetting to wrap tightly can cause freezer burn.
Why does this recipe use medium‑low heat for the sausage and eggs instead of high heat?
Medium‑low heat cooks the sausage evenly without burning the exterior while keeping the interior juicy, and it allows the eggs to set gently, preserving a soft texture that reheats well. High heat would crisp the outside too quickly and over‑cook the eggs.
Can I make the egg sausage breakfast sandwich ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, assemble, wrap each sandwich in parchment paper, and place them in a freezer‑safe bag. Store in the freezer for up to two weeks. Reheat directly from frozen in the microwave for 2–2½ minutes.
What does the YouTube channel COOKING WITH SHEREEN specialize in?
The YouTube channel COOKING WITH SHEREEN focuses on simple, budget‑friendly meals for students and busy home cooks, emphasizing meal‑prep techniques, quick cooking methods, and comfort food twists.
How does the YouTube channel COOKING WITH SHEREEN's approach to American breakfast cooking differ from other cooking channels?
COOKING WITH SHEREEN tailors recipes specifically for dorm‑friendly kitchens, using minimal equipment, emphasizing freezer‑ready meals, and providing humor‑filled commentary that resonates with college audiences, unlike many channels that target gourmet or family‑style cooking.
Last updated: August 30, 2026








