Breakfast Burger Recipe

Form and season

Place ground beef in a bowl. Add kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently combine with your hands or a fork until just mixed — do not overwork. Divide into 4 portions (about 4 oz each) and form into patties about 3/4 inch thick, slightly wider than the buns. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent doming during cooking.

Cook patties

Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tsp vegetable oil. When shimmering, add patties (work in a single layer; cook in two batches if needed). Cook 3-4 minutes without moving to form a crust. Flip and cook 2-3 minutes more for medium (adjust time ±1 minute for desired doneness). During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar on each patty and cover the pan for 30-60 seconds to melt. Transfer cooked patties to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest.

Cook bacon

While patties rest (or in a separate skillet), cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, turning occasionally, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

Prepare vegetables

Slice tomato into 1/4-inch thick rounds and thinly slice the red onion. Rinse and dry spinach or lettuce. Lightly season tomato slices with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Fry eggs (sunny-side or over-easy)

In a nonstick skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium-low heat. Crack 4 eggs into the pan, spacing them evenly. Sprinkle the 0.5 tsp salt and 0.25 tsp black pepper over the eggs. For sunny-side up: cook until whites are set but yolks still runny, about 3-4 minutes; to help set tops without flipping, cover the pan for the last minute. For over-easy: cook until whites set (~2-3 minutes), carefully flip with a spatula and cook 15-30 seconds more for a runny yolk. Remove eggs to a plate.

Make sauce

In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, brown mustard, and hot sauce (if using) until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Toast buns

Spread remaining 1 tbsp butter on the cut sides of the brioche buns. In a clean skillet over medium heat, place buns cut-side down and toast until golden and lightly crisp, about 1-2 minutes.

Assemble burgers

Spread about 1 tbsp of the sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Layer 1/4 cup spinach or a few lettuce leaves, place the cheese-topped beef patty, add 1-2 slices of tomato, a few rings of red onion, and 1-2 slices of bacon per burger. Top each with a fried egg and place the top bun. Press gently, let rest 30 seconds, then serve immediately.