On March 2 we celebrate National Egg McMuffin Day a day to enjoy the iconic breakfast sandwich that combines a toasted English muffin, a fresh egg, Canadian bacon, and melted cheese. However, it is also a great excuse to treat yourself to a delicious breakfast or brunch, whether at home or by grabbing one from your favourite fast-food spot
Eating a filling breakfast of an egg with melted cheese and a slice of ham nesting in the middle of a warm, buttered muffin is a great way to combat a case of the week. The warm, slightly chewy English muffin, the rich and creamy egg, the savoury Canadian bacon, and the gooey melted cheese all come together. It’s a balance of salty, cheesy goodness with that comforting egginess. So there is any plans on this day, National Egg McMuffin Day.
History of National Egg McMuffin Day
Did you know it was invented in 1972, the sandwich was a game changer for breakfast everywhere. According to the then president of McDonald’s, Ray Kroc’s, 1977 autobiography Grinding it Out: The Making of McDonald’s, it all began when Herb Peterson and his assistant Donald Greadel asked Kroc to check something out, without giving any details about what it was. While trying to create their version of a fast-food eggs Benedict, they accidentally created what is credited as the first-ever breakfast sandwich. That’s right folks, everything you love about the classic breakfast sandwich wouldn’t even exist if it weren’t for the McDonald’s company and a random, but tasty, bout of experimentation!
The sandwich that Peterson and Greadel presented to Kroc consisted of an egg that had been strategically cooked and formed in Teflon circle with the yolk purposefully broken, laid on top of a slice of cheese melted perfectly and topped with a slice of grilled ham, served opened face on a toasted and buttered English muffin. Patty Turner, the wife of a McDonald’s executive, came up with the name that we all know the sandwich by today: the Egg McMuffin.
The invention of the Egg McMuffin began an entirely new era for fast-food, moving McDonald’s from being solely a burger joint to also a one-stop shop for your on-the-go, hot morning breakfast. The very first Egg McMuffin was sold at the Belleville, New Jersey location within the same year. And though it took nearly three years for the sandwich to be completely integrated within the McDonald’s system, it was already receiving praise through TIME as being an example of how the fast-food chain “pays close attention to suggestions from behind the counter.”
Always working to keep up with the food trends that their customers love, McDonald’s is famous for bringing about new creations while paying heed to their old classics. And that’s what National Egg McMuffin Day is all about!
| 1972 (An Experiment Takes Off) | In 1972, McDonald’s employees Herb Peterson and Donald Graedel attempt to make an eggs benedict but instead create an entirely new breakfast food. |
| 1975 (A McMuffin in Every Hand) | It took three years for the Egg McMuffin to find broad release but it reshaped the fast food breakfast game. |
| 1984 (Sausage takes center stage) | The Sausage McMuffin with Egg is officially put into the breakfast rotation, offering an alternative to the OG McMuffin’s ham. |
| 2003 (Pancakes, eggs, cheese, sausage, in your hand) | McDonalds changed the breakfast sandwich game again with the introduction of the McGriddle, a breakfast sandwich between two syrup filled pancakes. |
Activities for National Egg McMuffin Day
Here are some of the activities that you can do on National Egg McMuffin Day,
- DIY Egg McMuffin: On this day you can try making your own version at home! Experiment with different ingredients like avocado, spinach, or different types of cheese.
- Breakfast Brunch: Host a breakfast brunch with friends or family, featuring Egg McMuffins as the star dish along with other breakfast favorites.
- Taste Test: Buy Egg McMuffins from different places and hold a taste test to see which one you like best!
- Egg Cooking Challenge: However you can have a friendly competition to see who can create the best breakfast sandwich using eggs.
- Share on Social Media: Post a picture of your Egg McMuffin creation or the one you enjoyed, using the hashtag #NationalEggMcMuffinDay.
- Recipe Swap: If you’re into cooking, swap recipes with friends to see who can put a unique spin on the classic.
- Egg Trivia: Host a trivia night focusing on fun facts about eggs, breakfast foods, or fast-food history.
- Visit a Local Cafe: Support a local cafe by enjoying their take on the classic sandwich.
Homemade Egg McMuffin Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 English muffin
- 1 large egg
- 1 slice Canadian bacon (or ham)
- 1 slice of cheddar or American cheese
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Butter or cooking spray (optional)
Instructions:
- Split the English muffin in half and toast it until golden brown. You can use a toaster or a skillet for this.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add a little butter or cooking spray. Cook the Canadian bacon for about 1-2 minutes on each side until it’s heated through and slightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, crack the egg into the pan. You can cook it sunny-side up, over-easy, or scramble it—whatever you prefer! If you want a perfectly round shape, you can use an egg ring.
- Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the whites are set but the yolk is still runny (or to your desired doneness).
- On the bottom half of the toasted English muffin, place the slice of cheese, followed by the cooked Canadian bacon, and then the egg.
- Top with the other half of the English muffin.
- If you like, you can grill the assembled sandwich in the skillet for an additional minute to melt the cheese and warm everything through.
- Slice in half, serve warm, and enjoy your homemade Egg McMuffin!
Additional Tips:
- Feel free to customize your Egg McMuffin with additional toppings like avocado, spinach, or hot sauce.
- For a healthier version, you can use whole grain English muffins and egg whites.
Fun Facts
- Invention Date: The Egg McMuffin was invented in 1971 by Herb Peterson, a franchisee of McDonald’s, as a way to offer a breakfast option that was quick and portable.
- First Breakfast Menu Item: It was the first item introduced on McDonald’s breakfast menu, which launched in 1977, helping to revolutionize breakfast fast food.
- Breakfast Icon: The Egg McMuffin is often credited with popularizing breakfast sandwiches in the fast-food industry, paving the way for many other breakfast offerings.
- Signature Ingredients: The classic Egg McMuffin features a poached egg, Canadian bacon, American cheese, and a toasted English muffin.
- Caloric Content: An Egg McMuffin contains about 300 calories, making it a relatively moderate choice compared to other fast-food breakfast items.
- McDonald’s Breakfast Hours: Although breakfast hours vary by location, many McDonald’s offer breakfast all day, making the Egg McMuffin accessible beyond the morning rush.
- Cultural Impact: The Egg McMuffin has appeared in popular culture, including TV shows and movies, underscoring its status as a beloved breakfast option.
- Different Variations: Over the years, McDonald’s has experimented with different versions, including the Sausage McMuffin and various limited-time offerings featuring different ingredients.
- Global Versions: In some countries, McDonald’s offers unique variations of the Egg McMuffin, adapting ingredients to local tastes and preferences.
- National Holiday: National Egg McMuffin Day is celebrated on March 2, providing a fun occasion for fans to enjoy and share their love for this classic breakfast sandwich.
Conclusion
National Egg McMuffin Day is a one of breakfast’s most iconic sandwiches. However, it was introduced by McDonald’s in 1972, the Egg McMuffin has become a staple for morning meals, loved for its combination of a toasted English muffin, a perfectly cooked egg, savory Canadian bacon, and melted cheese. This classic sandwich has stood the test of time, becoming a symbol of breakfast on the go.
Celebrating this day offers a fantastic opportunity to indulge in your favorite breakfast flavors. Whether you decide to create your own version at home experimenting with unique ingredients like avocado, spinach, or different cheeses or enjoy a classic from your local McDonald’s, there are countless ways to participate. Hosting a brunch with friends or family can make the day even more special, allowing everyone to share their own takes on this beloved sandwich.
Moreover, sharing your Egg McMuffin experience on social media can spread the joy and inspire others to join in. You could even host a friendly taste test with different variations to see which ones come out on top. And for those looking for a healthier twist, there are plenty of ways to lighten things up without sacrificing flavor.
So, mark your calendar and get ready to celebrate National Egg McMuffin Day! It’s a perfect excuse to enjoy a delicious breakfast, try something new, and appreciate the simple pleasures of good food.
FAQs
Why is the Egg McMuffin so popular?
Its combination of flavors, convenience, and the fact that it’s a delicious breakfast option makes it a favorite for many.
How can I celebrate National Egg McMuffin Day?
You can make your own version at home, enjoy one from your favorite cafe, host a brunch, or share your Egg McMuffin experience on social media.
Are there any variations of the Egg McMuffin?
Yes! You can customize it with different proteins (like sausage or bacon), add veggies, or switch up the cheese to create your own version.
Is the Egg McMuffin available all day?
Availability varies by location. Some McDonald’s serve breakfast all day, while others have specific breakfast hours.
Can I make a healthier version?
Yes! You can use whole grain English muffins, egg whites, or add more veggies to make it lighter.
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