Brunch Burger Recipe

Make the sauce

In a small bowl combine 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon minced chipotle in adobo, 1 teaspoon lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon honey, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust chipotle or lime as desired. Refrigerate while you prepare the rest (can be made ahead).

Par-cook potatoes (optional faster method)

Place diced potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely and microwave on high 3–4 minutes until slightly softened but not falling apart. Drain any excess moisture.

Cook potatoes

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add diced potatoes in a single layer. Let cook undisturbed 3–4 minutes to form a crust, then stir. Add chopped onion and bell pepper, cook 4–5 minutes until vegetables are softened and potatoes are golden. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook 2–3 more minutes until potatoes are crisp and seasoning is fragrant. Taste and adjust salt. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Keep warm.

Form the patty

Divide 8 ounces ground beef into a single patty (leave loosely packed). Form into a round patty about 3/4-inch thick and slightly wider than the bun. Season both sides with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Make a shallow thumb dimple in the center to prevent doming while cooking.

Cook bacon

In a separate skillet over medium heat, cook 2 bacon slices until crisp, about 6–8 minutes, turning as needed. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and keep warm. Reserve 1 teaspoon bacon fat in the pan to add flavor to the burger if desired.

Cook the patty

Heat a griddle or heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or reserved bacon fat). When hot and shimmering, place the beef patty on the surface. Cook 3–4 minutes without moving to develop a crust. Flip and immediately top with cheese slice. Cook another 3–4 minutes for medium (internal ~140–145°F); adjust cook time for desired doneness. If using a lid, cover briefly to melt cheese. Remove patty to rest 2 minutes.

Fry the egg

In a small nonstick skillet, melt a little butter or oil over medium-low heat. Crack 1 large egg into the skillet and cook until the white is set but the yolk remains runny (about 2–3 minutes) for sunny-side or 1 minute per side for over-easy. Season with 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1/16 teaspoon black pepper. Remove and keep warm.

Toast buns

Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place cut sides of the bun down and toast until golden, about 1 minute. Remove.

Assemble burger

Spread about 1–2 tablespoons chipotle mayo on the bottom bun. Place the cheeseburger patty on top of the mayo, then add the 2 slices of crispy bacon. Gently place the fried egg on top of the bacon. Spread a light smear of chipotle mayo on the top bun and close the sandwich. Serve immediately with a generous portion of the breakfast potatoes on the side.