Breakfast Sandwich
● United StatesThe American breakfast sandwich became a category in itself with McDonald's introduction of the Egg McMuffin in 1972, the idea of McDonald's executive Herb Peterson. It drew on the longstanding tradition of the New York deli egg sandwich — an egg-on-a-roll eaten standing up — but standardised and franchised it into a national habit.
The breakfast sandwich is the morning ritual of millions of Americans. New York bodega egg-and-cheese sandwiches have achieved near-mythical status — the specific combination of butter on a hard roll, a fried egg, American cheese, and either bacon or sausage is inseparable from the city's identity. Every region has its version.
Cook 2 slices of bacon or a sausage patty until done. Crack 2 eggs into the pan, break the yolks, and cook into a flat disc. Place American cheese on top to melt. Toast an English muffin or split a hard roll. Layer the egg, cheese, and meat on the toasted bread. Add hot sauce or ketchup.