Sunny Side Up Burger Recipe

Mix and form patties

Place ground beef in a bowl. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce over the meat. Gently combine with your hands until just evenly mixed — do not overwork. Divide into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each) and form into patties slightly wider than the Kaiser rolls, about 3/4-inch thick. Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to reduce puffing while cooking.

Season before cooking

Lightly season the top of each patty with a pinch of additional salt and pepper just before placing on the hot pan or grill.

Cook bacon

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Lay bacon slices in a single layer and cook until crisp, about 3–5 minutes per side depending on thickness. Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel–lined plate to drain. Keep the rendered fat in the pan for extra flavor (you can remove excess if desired).

Fry eggs sunny-side up

Wipe the bacon-pan if you want less bacon flavor, or use a separate nonstick skillet. Add 1 tsp neutral oil and 1 tbsp butter to a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. When the butter stops foaming, crack eggs into the pan spaced apart. Cook gently until whites are set but yolks remain runny, about 3–4 minutes. If whites are taking too long, cover the pan for 20–30 seconds to finish the tops without flipping. Season each egg with about 1/8 tsp salt and a light dusting of black pepper. Keep eggs warm on a plate covered with foil.

Cook patties

Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat until hot. If using the bacon skillet, carefully wipe out most of the fat and use the residual flavor. Add the patties and cook for 3–4 minutes on the first side without pressing. Flip and cook 2–3 minutes on the second side for medium (adjust time ±1 min for desired doneness).

Add cheese

During the last 60–90 seconds of cooking, place a slice of cheddar on each patty. Remove the skillet from heat and loosely cover with a lid or tent with foil for 30–60 seconds to fully melt the cheese.

Toast buns

Slice Kaiser rolls in half. Spread about 1/2 tbsp butter on each cut face. Toast buttered sides on a hot skillet or grill for 30–60 seconds until golden and crisp.

Build the Sunny Side Up Burger

Spread 1 tbsp mayonnaise on the bottom half of each toasted Kaiser roll. Place a lettuce leaf (if using) and a tomato slice (if using) on the mayo. Set the cheddar-topped patty onto the tomato or directly onto the mayo if not using tomato. Top the patty with 1–2 slices of bacon (arrange to cover the patty). Carefully place a sunny-side-up egg on top of the bacon. Season the egg with a small pinch of salt and pepper if desired. Close with the top half of the Kaiser roll.

Serve

Serve immediately while the egg yolk is runny and cheese is melted. Offer extra napkins and recommended sides such as fries or a simple green salad.