The Egg McMuffin has been a beloved breakfast staple at McDonald’s for decades. This iconic sandwich has not only changed the way people think about fast food breakfast but has also become a cultural phenomenon. Many fans grab this quick and convenient meal to start their day, but there’s more to the Egg McMuffin than meets the eye.

The Egg McMuffin’s creation and evolution have shaped the fast food breakfast landscape. From its humble beginnings as an experiment by a franchisee to its current status as a menu mainstay, this simple combination of egg, cheese, and Canadian bacon on an English muffin has a rich history. The following facts shed light on the lesser-known aspects of this popular breakfast sandwich.

1) Invented by Herb Peterson

The Egg McMuffin, a breakfast staple at McDonald’s, was created by Herb Peterson in 1972. Peterson was a McDonald’s franchisee and advertising executive who saw an opportunity to expand the fast food chain‘s menu offerings.

Peterson drew inspiration from eggs Benedict, a classic American breakfast dish. He aimed to create a portable version that could be easily served at McDonald’s restaurants.

The inventor faced challenges in adapting eggs Benedict for fast food service. He replaced the traditional Hollandaise sauce with a slice of cheese, as the sauce wasn’t practical for quick preparation.

Peterson’s creation consisted of a toasted English muffin, a slice of Canadian bacon, a poached egg, and a slice of cheese. This combination became the foundation for the now-famous Egg McMuffin.

The new breakfast sandwich was first introduced at Peterson’s Santa Barbara, California McDonald’s location. It quickly gained popularity among customers and caught the attention of McDonald’s corporate leadership.

Ray Kroc, the CEO of McDonald’s at the time, was impressed by Peterson’s invention. The Egg McMuffin soon became a staple on McDonald’s menus nationwide, revolutionizing fast food breakfast offerings.

2) Introduced in 1971

The Egg McMuffin made its debut in 1971, revolutionizing fast food breakfast options. Herb Peterson, a McDonald’s franchisee in Santa Barbara, California, developed this innovative menu item.

Peterson aimed to create a handheld breakfast sandwich that could be eaten on the go. He drew inspiration from eggs Benedict, a classic breakfast dish, but adapted it for quick service.

The original Egg McMuffin consisted of a toasted English muffin, a slice of Canadian bacon, a poached egg, and a slice of cheese. Peterson used a Teflon ring to cook the egg, giving it its distinctive round shape.

Initially, the Egg McMuffin was only available at Peterson’s Santa Barbara location. Its popularity grew quickly, catching the attention of McDonald’s corporate leadership.

By 1972, the Egg McMuffin began appearing on menus at select McDonald’s restaurants across the United States. This marked the beginning of McDonald’s venture into the breakfast market.

The introduction of the Egg McMuffin paved the way for McDonald’s to expand its operating hours and offer a full breakfast menu. It became a cornerstone of the chain’s morning offerings and remains popular today.

3) Original price was $0.63

The Egg McMuffin debuted in 1971 with a price tag of just $0.63. This modest cost made it an affordable breakfast option for many Americans at the time.

Over the decades, the price of the Egg McMuffin has gradually increased. By 1980, it had risen to $1.00, and by 1990, it reached $1.99.

In 2000, customers were paying $2.29 for the iconic breakfast sandwich. The price continued to climb, hitting $3.99 by 2023.

Despite these increases, the Egg McMuffin remains competitively priced compared to other fast food breakfast offerings. Its relatively low cost has contributed to its enduring popularity.

To celebrate the sandwich’s 50th anniversary in 2021, McDonald’s offered a special promotion. For one day only, customers could purchase an Egg McMuffin at its original price of $0.63.

This limited-time offer was available during breakfast hours on November 18, 2021. Customers had to use the McDonald’s app to take advantage of this nostalgic pricing.

4) Breakfast all day since 2015

McDonald’s introduced all-day breakfast in 2015, marking a significant shift in their menu strategy. This move allowed customers to enjoy popular breakfast items like the Egg McMuffin beyond traditional morning hours.

The decision came in response to long-standing customer demand. For years, patrons had expressed interest in accessing breakfast items throughout the day.

All-day breakfast proved initially successful, increasing foot traffic and catering to late-rising Egg McMuffin enthusiasts. It also positioned McDonald’s to compete with other chains offering extended breakfast hours.

Despite its popularity, the all-day breakfast menu faced challenges. Operational complexities arose from preparing both breakfast and regular menu items simultaneously in limited kitchen spaces.

In 2020, McDonald’s temporarily suspended all-day breakfast due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This pause allowed the company to streamline operations during uncertain times.

While some locations have since reintroduced all-day breakfast options, the full menu has not returned universally. McDonald’s continues to evaluate the balance between customer preferences and operational efficiency.

5) Contains Canadian bacon

The Egg McMuffin features Canadian bacon as a key ingredient. This distinctive meat adds a savory flavor and protein boost to the breakfast sandwich.

Canadian bacon differs from traditional bacon. It’s made from pork loin rather than pork belly, resulting in a leaner cut of meat.

The name “Canadian bacon” can be misleading. In Canada, this product is often called “back bacon” or simply “ham.”

McDonald’s uses a round slice of Canadian bacon in the Egg McMuffin. It’s typically placed on top of the egg and beneath the cheese slice.

Canadian bacon contributes to the Egg McMuffin’s protein content. It helps make the sandwich a more substantial breakfast option for those seeking a protein-rich meal.

The inclusion of Canadian bacon sets the Egg McMuffin apart from other breakfast sandwiches. It provides a unique taste profile that has become synonymous with this McDonald’s classic.

6) Used a Teflon-coated ring mold

The original Egg McMuffin utilized a Teflon-coated ring mold to achieve its signature round shape. This innovative tool allowed McDonald’s to consistently produce perfectly circular eggs for their breakfast sandwiches.

The Teflon coating prevented the egg from sticking to the mold during cooking. This ensured easy removal and maintained the egg’s shape and integrity. The non-stick surface also made cleaning and maintenance simpler for kitchen staff.

The ring mold’s design enabled efficient mass production of uniform eggs. It standardized the size and appearance of Egg McMuffins across all McDonald’s locations. This consistency became a hallmark of the popular breakfast item.

While specialized equipment was used in McDonald’s kitchens, home cooks can replicate similar results. A mason jar lid or small round cookie cutter can serve as makeshift egg rings for DIY McMuffin-style eggs. These alternatives allow for circular eggs without investing in professional equipment.

7) Patented egg cooking process

McDonald’s utilizes a unique patented process to cook the eggs for their Egg McMuffins. The method involves using specially designed round metal rings placed on the grill surface.

These rings serve multiple purposes. They help shape the eggs into perfectly round discs that fit neatly onto the English muffins. The rings also ensure consistent egg size and cooking across all locations.

Fresh eggs are cracked directly into the rings on the grill. This allows the eggs to cook evenly while maintaining their shape. The process results in a perfectly round fried egg with an intact yolk.

The cooking rings are part of McDonald’s efforts to standardize their food preparation methods. This patented approach helps maintain quality and consistency for Egg McMuffins across thousands of restaurants worldwide.

8) Thomas’ English Muffins

Thomas’ English Muffins play a crucial role in the Egg McMuffin’s composition. This brand has been a household name for over a century, with their original variety being the top-selling option.

Thomas’ offers a range of flavors beyond the classic original. These include whole wheat, honey wheat, and multi-grain varieties. For those with a sweet tooth, cinnamon raisin and even banana bread flavors are available.

The term “nooks and crannies” is closely associated with Thomas’ English Muffins. This phrase describes the unique open grain and texture characteristic of their product, which helps distinguish it from competitors.

Interestingly, the original Thomas’ bakery, known as The Muffin House, still exists in New York City. While it has been converted into an apartment building, the original oven used by Mr. Thomas remains hidden behind a wall in one of the units.

Thomas’ English Muffins continue to be a popular choice not only for Egg McMuffins but also for various home-cooked breakfast sandwiches. Their versatility and distinctive texture have helped maintain their popularity over the years.

9) Inspiration from Eggs Benedict

The Egg McMuffin owes its creation to the classic brunch dish, Eggs Benedict. In the early 1970s, McDonald’s franchise owner Herb Peterson set out to develop a breakfast sandwich for the fast-food chain.

Peterson drew inspiration from his favorite breakfast, Eggs Benedict. He aimed to create a portable version that could be easily eaten on the go. The result was a simplified take on the traditional dish.

The Egg McMuffin features many of the same components as Eggs Benedict. Both include an English muffin, egg, and ham or Canadian bacon. However, Peterson replaced the notoriously tricky hollandaise sauce with a slice of cheese.

This adaptation made the sandwich more suitable for mass production and extended shelf life. It also eliminated the need for utensils, making it perfect for McDonald’s fast-paced environment.

The Egg McMuffin’s success paved the way for McDonald’s to introduce a full breakfast menu. This innovation helped establish the fast-food breakfast market we know today.

10) Traditional cheese is American

The Egg McMuffin’s iconic flavor profile includes a slice of American cheese. This processed cheese variety has been a staple of the sandwich since its inception in 1971.

American cheese melts smoothly and evenly, making it ideal for fast food applications. Its mild flavor complements the other ingredients without overpowering them.

The choice of American cheese reflects the sandwich’s origins and target market. It appeals to American palates and aligns with the country’s culinary preferences of the time.

While some may consider American cheese less sophisticated than other varieties, its consistent texture and flavor contribute to the Egg McMuffin’s enduring popularity.

McDonald’s commitment to using American cheese in this breakfast classic has remained unchanged for over five decades. This consistency has helped maintain the sandwich’s familiar taste that customers expect and enjoy.

History of the Egg McMuffin

The Egg McMuffin revolutionized fast food breakfast when it debuted in 1972. This iconic sandwich transformed McDonald’s menu and American eating habits.

Creation and Original Recipe

Herb Peterson, owner of a Santa Barbara McDonald’s, invented the Egg McMuffin in 1971. He aimed to create a handheld breakfast item resembling eggs Benedict. Peterson replaced hollandaise sauce with cheese and used a slice of Canadian bacon.

The original recipe featured a toasted English muffin, butter, a slice of Canadian bacon, a poached egg formed in a Teflon ring, and a slice of cheese. Peterson presented his creation to McDonald’s chairman Ray Kroc, who immediately loved it.

McDonald’s officially added the Egg McMuffin to menus in 1972, priced at 63 cents. It became the first nationally available fast-food breakfast sandwich.

Cultural Impact Over Time

The Egg McMuffin’s introduction marked a significant shift in American breakfast habits. It made grabbing a quick breakfast on-the-go socially acceptable and convenient.

As the cornerstone of McDonald’s breakfast menu, the Egg McMuffin paved the way for other fast-food chains to develop breakfast offerings. Its popularity led to expanded morning menus and extended breakfast hours across the industry.

In 2015, McDonald’s launched all-day breakfast, allowing customers to enjoy Egg McMuffins beyond traditional morning hours. This move further cemented the sandwich’s place in American food culture.

The Egg McMuffin remains a popular choice nearly 50 years after its creation, with 17 grams of protein per serving. It continues to be a staple for millions of customers worldwide.

Nutritional Profile

The Egg McMuffin offers a balance of nutrients in a compact breakfast sandwich. Its composition provides a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats.

Caloric Content

An Egg McMuffin contains approximately 300-310 calories. This calorie count makes it a relatively moderate option for breakfast, fitting into many dietary plans. The sandwich’s energy content comes from its key components:

• English muffin: Provides carbohydrates
• Egg: Contributes protein and healthy fats
• Canadian bacon: Adds lean protein
• American cheese: Offers additional protein and fat

For those monitoring their calorie intake, the Egg McMuffin can be a suitable choice when incorporated into a balanced diet.

Nutritional Benefits and Drawbacks

The Egg McMuffin packs about 17-18 grams of protein, making it a protein-rich breakfast option. This nutrient is essential for muscle maintenance and satiety. The sandwich also contains vitamins and minerals from its ingredients.

On the nutritional downside, the Egg McMuffin is high in sodium, with approximately 750 mg per serving. This accounts for a significant portion of the recommended daily intake. The American cheese and Canadian bacon contribute to its sodium and saturated fat content.

The sandwich provides a mix of macronutrients:

• Protein: 17-18g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 13g

While it offers nutritional benefits, consumers should be mindful of its sodium content and consider it as part of their overall dietary intake.