Sausage & Cheddar Bagel Recipe

Slice bagels in half and set aside. In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, minced chipotle in adobo, lime juice and honey if using. Stir until smooth and taste; adjust salt as needed (use up to the indicated 1 tsp). Refrigerate until assembly.

Toast bagel halves in a toaster or in a skillet with a little butter until golden and crisp. Keep warm.

In a mixing bowl combine the ground pork sausage with onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix just until combined; do not overwork.

Divide the sausage mixture into two equal portions (about 3–4 oz each). Form each portion into a patty slightly larger than the bagel hole so it will fit the bagel diameter.

Heat 1 tablespoon neutral oil in a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. When shimmering, add sausage patties. Cook 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently once to flatten slightly, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and exterior is nicely browned. Remove patties and keep warm on a plate tented with foil.

Whisk the eggs with 1 tablespoon milk or water, 1/4 tsp salt and a pinch of black pepper in a small bowl until combined.

In the same skillet (add a little butter if needed) reduce heat to medium-low. Melt 1/2 tbsp butter and pour the egg mixture in. For folded eggs: let the eggs set at edges, gently push cooked portions toward center so runny egg flows out, repeating until mostly set but still slightly soft. For a round fried style: use a 3–4 inch ring mold and crack egg into it, cooking until whites set and yolk reaches desired doneness. Total cook time about 1–3 minutes depending on method.

Place a slice of sharp cheddar on top of each cooked egg or directly on the hot sausage patty so it melts slightly. Turn off heat and let cheese melt for 30–60 seconds.

Spread about 1 tablespoon of the chipotle aioli on the bottom half of each toasted bagel.

Place the warm sausage patty onto the aioli-coated bottom half, then top with the cheddar-topped egg.

Add optional pickled jalapeño slices and cilantro if using. Spread a thin layer of aioli on the top half of the bagel, close the sandwich and press gently.

Serve immediately while hot.