Brunch Burger Recipe

Make aioli

In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tsp minced garlic, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Whisk until smooth and taste; adjust salt or lemon for brightness. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the burger so flavors meld.

Prepare patty

Form the 8 oz ground beef into a single patty about 3/4" thick and slightly wider than the bun. Make a shallow dimple in the center with your thumb to reduce doming during cooking. Lightly season both sides with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper.

Cook bacon

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the 2 slices of applewood smoked bacon and cook 3–5 minutes per side until crisp to your liking. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Keep the bacon fat in the skillet for additional flavor if desired, else wipe skillet clean before cooking patty.

Cook patty & melt cheese

Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add 1 tsp neutral oil. When shimmering, add the beef patty. Cook 3–4 minutes without moving to develop a crust. Flip and immediately place the Cooper Sharp cheddar slice on top. Cook another 3–4 minutes for medium (adjust time +/- for desired doneness). If you want the cheese more melted, cover the pan for the last minute. Remove patty to rest for 2 minutes.

Fry sunny-side-up egg

In a separate small nonstick skillet, heat over medium-low and add a small pat of butter or a little oil. Crack 1 large egg into the pan and cook gently until whites are set but yolk is still runny, about 2–3 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. If you prefer the top set without flipping, spoon hot fat over the whites once; do not break yolk.

Toast bun & assemble

Butter the cut faces of the brioche bun with 1 tsp butter and toast in a clean skillet or on the griddle over medium heat until golden, about 1 minute per side. Spread a generous tablespoon of house aioli on the bottom bun. Place the lettuce leaf on the aioli, add the rested cheeseburger patty, then the tomato slice, followed by the two bacon slices (or broken to fit) and the sunny-side-up egg. Spread a little aioli on the top bun and close the burger. Serve immediately.

Check seasoning and serve: Taste one bite (or a corner) and add extra salt or pepper as needed. Serve the Brunch Burger hot with optional sides like fries or a small salad.