Brunch Burger Recipe

Combine and form

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 (approximately 8 oz each) and form into patties about 3/4"–1" thick, making a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent doming during cooking.

Cook

Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add vegetable oil and swirl to coat. Place patties in the pan and cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes to develop a crust. Flip and cook 3–4 more minutes for medium (adjust time for desired doneness). During the last minute of cooking, place Swiss cheese slices over each patty and cover the pan with a lid to melt the cheese. Remove patties to a plate and let rest for 3–4 minutes.

Cook bacon

While patties rest (or beforehand), cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool slightly, then finely chop or crumble.

In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir in the chopped bacon. Taste and adjust seasoning — add a pinch of salt if needed. Refrigerate until ready to assemble. (If you prefer a smoother aioli, pulse ingredients briefly in a mini food processor.)

Toast bun

Butter the cut sides of the bun and toast in a clean skillet over medium heat until golden, about 1–2 minutes per side. Alternatively, toast under a broiler for 30–45 seconds, watching closely.

Fry egg (optional)

If using an egg, heat a tablespoon of oil or butter in a small nonstick pan over medium. Crack in the egg and cook until whites are set but yolk is still runny, 2–3 minutes for sunny-side or flip and cook 20–30 seconds for over-easy. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Assemble the burger: Spread a generous tablespoon of bacon aioli on the bottom bun. Place lettuce, then the Swiss-topped patty, tomato slice, red onion rings, and the fried egg (if using). Spread additional aioli on the top bun and place on burger. Serve immediately.