Sausage, Egg and Cheese Sandwich

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Toast the English muffin, then spread the cut sides with butter.

2. Step 2

   Roll the sausage into a loose ball. Heat a small (8-inch) or medium (10-inch) cast-iron skillet over medium-high. Add the sausage and immediately press down with a spatula or second skillet until ¼-inch thick. Cook, undisturbed, until browned and crisp, 1 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to the bottom of the muffin and turn off the heat.

3. Step 3

   Wipe out the skillet and add a pat of butter. With the heat still turned off, add the egg. Cook until the whites are set but the yolk is not firm, 3 to 5 minutes. The heat of the skillet should gently cook the eggs, but if the egg isn’t sizzling, turn the heat to medium-low. Use a spatula to burst the yolk and spread it over the whites. Season with salt and pepper. Flip the egg and let the yolk cook for just 30 seconds or so to set slightly, then flip back. Top with the cheese, cover, and let sit until the cheese has melted, 1 to 2 minutes.

4. Step 4

   Place the egg on top of the sausage, add ketchup and hot sauce as desired, then add the top muffin and press down. You can wrap in parchment or foil for later, or eat right away.