All Iowa Recipe

Cook bacon

Lay 4 bacon strips in a cold skillet without overlapping. Set skillet over medium heat and cook, turning occasionally, until bacon is evenly browned and crisp (about 8–10 minutes). Transfer to a paper-towel–lined plate to drain. Keep skillet with residual bacon fat for later use.

Cook turkey sausage

In a second nonstick skillet or the same skillet after removing most bacon fat, add 2 turkey sausage patties. Cook over medium heat 3–4 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and patties are browned. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

Warm ham and melt cheese

In the sausage skillet (or briefly in the bacon skillet over low heat), place 2 ham slices and warm 30–60 seconds per side until edges just begin to brown. Place 2 slices pepper jack cheese over the ham (or over sausage if you prefer) and cover the skillet for 30–45 seconds to melt the cheese slightly. Remove to plate and keep warm.

Fry eggs

In a clean small nonstick skillet, add 1 tsp neutral oil and warm over medium-low. Crack 2 large eggs into the skillet (or crack into ramekin first and slide in). Season with 1/4 tsp kosher salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. For sunny-side-up: cook gently until whites are set and yolks slightly thickened but runny, about 3–4 minutes. For over-easy: cook 2–3 minutes then carefully flip and cook 20–30 seconds. For a folded/omelet-style egg (if preferred): beat eggs lightly, pour into skillet, cook until set, fold to size of the muffin.

Shape eggs (optional)

If you prefer a compact sandwich egg, use an egg ring or a small round cutter: cook eggs inside the ring, then remove ring to retain a neat round shape roughly the diameter of your muffin/roll.

Toast and butter

Split 1 English muffin (or sandwich roll) and toast to golden. Spread 1 tsp butter on the cut sides while warm so it melts in.

Spread condiments

On one toasted half, spread 1 tsp mayonnaise mixed with 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional) for a mild tang. On the other half leave plain or spread remaining mayo if desired.

Assemble sandwich

Layer the bottom half of the muffin with: warmed ham with melted pepper jack (or place cheese over the sausage), then 2 turkey sausage patties (if you put cheese on ham, put cheese-topped ham on top of sausage or vice versa), then transfer the fried eggs on top, and finally place the 4 bacon strips. Top with the other muffin half. Press gently to compact.

Optional final toast

If you like the cheese more melted and a crisper exterior, return the assembled sandwich to a skillet over low heat for 1–2 minutes per side (cover once) until cheese is fully melted and bread is warmed through.

Slice sandwich in half if desired and serve immediately while hot. Provide hot sauce or ketchup on the side if desired.