Savory Egg-Topped Brunch Burger

This brunch-style burger transforms the classic burger experience by adding breakfast favorites for an indulgent meal that works any time of day. The runny egg yolk creates a natural sauce that elevates this dish beyond ordinary burgers, making it perfect for weekend gatherings or special brunches.

I first created this recipe when hosting friends for a late morning gathering where some wanted breakfast and others lunch. The combination was such a hit that it became our go-to weekend tradition, especially after late nights when we need something substantial.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: 80/20 blend – perfect ratio of fat to meat ensures juicy burgers that won't dry out
• Large eggs: choose the freshest eggs possible for that perfect runny yolk
• Cheddar or American cheese: both melt beautifully but cheddar offers more flavor complexity
• Bacon: thick cut provides better texture and more pronounced flavor
• Brioche buns: the slight sweetness complements the savory elements
• Baby spinach or arugula: adds freshness and slight peppery notes to balance richness
• Avocado: provides creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the egg
• Tomato: fresh acidity cuts through the richness of the other ingredients
• Simple sauce: combines mayonnaise, Dijon, maple syrup and paprika for sweet heat balance

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Optional Sauce:

Combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and smoked paprika in a small bowl until completely smooth. This sauce adds a sweet and tangy dimension that ties together the breakfast and lunch elements. Make this first so flavors can meld while you prepare other components.

Cook the Bacon:

Lay bacon strips in a cold skillet then turn heat to medium. Starting with a cold pan helps render the fat slowly, resulting in perfectly crisp bacon without burning. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, turning occasionally until bacon reaches desired crispness. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease.

Form and Season Patties:

Handle the ground beef gently to avoid overworking, which can make tough burgers. Divide into four equal portions and form into patties slightly larger than your buns as they will shrink during cooking. Create a slight dimple in the center with your thumb to prevent doming. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides just before cooking.

Cook the Burger Patties:

Heat skillet or grill to medium high heat. Place patties on the hot surface and resist the urge to press down or move them for at least 3 minutes. Flip once and cook an additional 3–4 minutes for medium doneness. Add cheese slices during the final minute of cooking and cover briefly to melt completely.

Fry the Eggs:

Use a nonstick pan with a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Crack eggs directly into the pan, spacing them apart. Cook until whites are set but yolks remain runny, about 2–3 minutes. For extra flavor, spoon some of the butter over the egg whites as they cook. Season with salt and pepper.

Toast the Buns:

Spread butter on the cut sides of brioche buns and place cut side down in a clean skillet or on the grill for 30–60 seconds until golden and crisp. Toasting prevents soggy buns when all those delicious juices come together.

Assemble the Burger:

Start with the bottom bun spread with sauce. Layer spinach or arugula first to create a barrier that prevents the bun from getting soggy. Add tomato slice, then the cheese-topped burger patty. Arrange bacon strips, followed by the fried egg. Place avocado slices if using and crown with the top bun. Serve immediately while egg is still warm.

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My favorite part of this recipe is watching everyone's reaction to that perfect moment when they bite in and the egg yolk breaks, creating a natural sauce that ties all the flavors together. My husband initially thought the egg addition was strange but now requests this burger specifically for special occasions.

Make Ahead Options

While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare certain components ahead of time to streamline the cooking process. Cook and refrigerate bacon up to two days in advance, then briefly reheat before serving. The special sauce can be made up to three days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to develop more fully while saving you time during assembly.

Perfect Egg Technique

Achieving the ideal runny yolk takes practice but makes this burger extraordinary. For consistent results, use room temperature eggs rather than cold ones straight from the refrigerator. Heat your pan thoroughly before adding butter, then reduce to medium low heat before adding eggs. The lower temperature gives you more control over the cooking process. Cook just until egg whites are fully set but the yolk remains runny. If you prefer a more set yolk, cover the pan with a lid for the final 30 seconds of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Transform this burger into a complete meal with thoughtfully paired sides. For a true brunch experience, serve alongside crispy hash browns or breakfast potatoes. For lighter fare, a simple mixed green salad with vinaigrette provides refreshing contrast. During summer months, fresh fruit salad offers a sweet counterpoint to the savory burger. If serving for lunch or dinner, classic french fries or sweet potato fries make excellent companions. Consider offering mimosas or bloody marys for adults when serving at weekend gatherings.

Alternative Protein Options

While beef creates a classic burger experience, this recipe adapts beautifully to other proteins. Ground turkey forms a lighter patty but benefits from adding 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture to prevent dryness. Ground chicken works similarly to turkey but pairs especially well with pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. For plant-based options, substantial portobello mushrooms caps provide meaty texture and absorb flavors brilliantly. Beyond Meat or Impossible burger patties can be prepared following the same cooking instructions as beef for those seeking meat alternatives.

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Common Questions

→ What's the best way to cook the egg for this burger?

For the best experience, cook the egg sunny-side up or over-easy with a runny yolk, which creates a natural sauce when you bite into the burger. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat with a little butter or oil, crack in the egg, and cook until the white is set but the yolk remains soft, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper just before serving.

→ Can I prepare any components ahead of time?

Yes! The bacon can be cooked up to a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, then reheated briefly before assembly. The special sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and kept refrigerated. The patties can be formed and seasoned several hours before cooking and kept covered in the refrigerator. However, for the best experience, fry the eggs and toast the buns just before serving.

→ What's the best beef blend for these burgers?

An 80/20 beef blend (80% lean meat, 20% fat) is ideal for these burgers as it provides enough fat for flavor and juiciness while holding together well during cooking. If you prefer leaner meat, you can use 85/15, but avoid anything leaner as the burgers may become dry. For extra flavor, consider asking your butcher for a custom blend that includes chuck, brisket, and short rib.

→ What can I serve with these brunch burgers?

These versatile burgers pair beautifully with several sides. Traditional options include hash browns, home fries, or a simple fruit salad for a lighter touch. For a more substantial meal, try roasted breakfast potatoes with herbs, a light green salad with vinaigrette, or sweet potato fries. For drinks, consider mimosas, Bloody Marys, coffee, or fresh orange juice to complete the brunch experience.

→ How can I adapt this for dietary restrictions?

For gluten-free diners, substitute the brioche buns with gluten-free buns or serve the burger wrapped in large lettuce leaves. For a lower-carb version, skip the bun entirely and serve the components in a bowl over greens. Turkey or plant-based patties can replace beef for those limiting red meat, while plant-based cheese, eggs, and bacon alternatives work for vegetarian or vegan adaptations. Just adjust cooking times accordingly as these substitutes often cook faster than their traditional counterparts.

→ What's the best cheese to use on these burgers?

Cheddar and American cheese are specified because they melt beautifully and complement the other flavors well. However, Swiss cheese adds a nutty flavor that pairs nicely with eggs, while pepper jack brings a spicy kick. Blue cheese creates a more gourmet experience with its tangy, robust flavor. For best melting, add the cheese during the last minute of cooking the patty and cover with a lid to trap heat.