Ultimate Breakfast Sausage, Egg & Cheese Sandwich

Prepare the Sausage Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, finely chop the fresh sage and garlic (or use a microplane to grate the garlic). Combine the maple syrup, sage, garlic, kosher salt (1 teaspoon), sweet paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Add the ground pork and mix gently with your hands until all ingredients are fully combined; be careful not to overmix. Transfer the mixture to a zip-top bag or a covered non-reactive container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 2 days to allow flavors to meld.

Form the Patties: Once chilled, take out the sausage mixture and shape it into six 5-inch patties, approximately 1/3-inch thick.

Cook the Sausage: Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes until very hot. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Place the sausage patties in the skillet, pressing each down gently with a spatula. Cook undisturbed until the bottoms are dark brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Flip the patties carefully and press down lightly again. Continue cooking until the other side is dark golden brown and the sausage is fully cooked through, about 2-3 minutes more. Remove the cooked patties to a plate and cover them to keep warm.

Cook the Eggs: Carefully wipe down the skillet with paper towels to remove any excess oil and sausage bits. If the skillet is smoking hot, let it cool slightly. Return the skillet to medium heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil along with the remaining teaspoon of kosher salt. Gently crack each egg into a bowl, being cautious not to break the yolks. Slowly pour each egg one at a time into the skillet, spacing them out evenly. Cook until the bottoms are just set, about 1-2 minutes. Using a thin spatula, carefully flip each egg. Top each egg with a slice of cheese, then cover the skillet with a baking sheet or a lid large enough to trap the heat. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese has melted and the yolks are cooked to your liking.

Assemble the Sandwiches: While the eggs are cooking, cut the potato buns in half and toast them until golden brown. To assemble, layer the bottom of each bun with a cheesy egg, followed by a sausage patty. Place the top half of the bun over the sandwich and serve immediately while hot.