Sunrise Burger Recipe

Form patties

Place the ground beef in a bowl. Add kosher salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently mix with your hands until just combined — do not overwork. Divide into two equal portions and shape into 3/4-inch-thick patties slightly wider than the buns. Press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly.

Cook patties

Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. When shimmering, add the patties. Cook without moving for 3-4 minutes until a brown crust forms. Flip and cook 3 minutes on the second side for medium; adjust 1-2 minutes for rarer or more well-done. During the last 1 minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of cheddar cheese, cover the pan briefly to melt the cheese.

Cook bacon

In a separate skillet over medium heat, add bacon strips (no additional oil). Cook 3-4 minutes per side until crisped to your liking. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain.

Fry eggs (sunrise style)

Wipe the bacon pan lightly if it has excessive fat (leave a little for flavor). Add 1 tablespoon butter and heat over medium. Crack two eggs into the pan. For a 'sunrise' presentation, cook sunny-side up: cook undisturbed 2-3 minutes until whites are set but yolks still runny. If you prefer the tops set slightly, cover the pan for 30–45 seconds. Season eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Prepare vegetables

While eggs and patties cook, slice the tomato into 1/4-inch rounds and thinly slice the red onion. Rinse and dry the spinach or lettuce. Lightly season the tomato slices with the optional 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper if using.

Prepare sauce

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, brown mustard, and optional hot sauce. Stir until smooth and taste — adjust seasoning as needed.

Toast buns

Split the brioche buns and spread a thin layer of butter on the cut sides. Toast cut-side down in a dry skillet or on a griddle over medium heat until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.

Assemble burgers

Spread a generous tablespoon of the prepared sauce on the bottom bun. Place a handful of spinach or lettuce, then the cheeseburger patty. Lay two bacon strips across the patty, then a tomato slice and a few rings of red onion. Carefully place the sunny-side-up egg on top (use a spatula to support the yolk). Add pickles if using, then cap with the top bun. Repeat for the second burger. Serve immediately so the runny yolk creates the 'sunrise' effect over the burger.

Serve with extra pickles on the side and an additional sprinkle of salt and pepper if desired. Offer napkins — runny yolks can be messy but delicious.