The Fried Egg Burger is a timeless creation with roots tracing back to the hearty breakfasts of diner culture in the mid-20th century. Combining the rich, runny egg yolk with crispy bacon and creamy avocado fueled busy mornings. Over time, this satisfying dish evolved into a versatile favorite, equally enjoyed at brunch, dinner, or as a quick comfort food option.
Inspired by recipes like Jalapeno Popper Burger and Smoked Bacon Mac and Cheese, the Fried Egg Burger balances indulgence and simplicity. The golden yolk sauce is the ultimate condiment, while the buttered buns and fresh toppings amplify its flavors. This burger isn’t just food—it’s an experience, perfect for upgrading your weeknight meals or impressing at weekend gatherings.
Ingredients For Fried Egg Burgers
The secret to making the best Fried Egg Burger is choosing the right ingredients and preparing them carefully.
- Ground Beef: For a juicy and flavorful burger, opt for an 80/20 fat-to-lean ratio. Grinding your own meat can elevate the taste, but it isn’t necessary.
- Cheese: To complement the savory flavors, add a slice of Swiss or cheddar. Both are great options for creaminess.
- Avocado: Provides freshness to balance the burger’s richness. Always sprinkle with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Bacon: Precook your bacon in the oven or microwave to ensure it’s perfectly crisp before adding it to the burger.
- Egg: The runny yolk is the star, acting as a rich sauce. Cook the egg to your preferred doneness.
- Butter and Buns: Use butter to toast brioche buns, sturdy enough to hold all the delicious layers.
- Inspiration: Explore ideas like Halal Cart-Style Chicken to add variety to your burger nights.
How to Make Fried Egg Burgers
Creating a Fried Egg Burger is easier than you think and delivers amazing flavors with just a few steps. This recipe combines juicy beef patties, crispy bacon, and a perfectly runny yolk for a satisfying dish you’ll love. Follow these steps to craft a burger perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
- Prepare the Patties: Mix ground beef with a pinch of salt and shape it into two 1/2-inch thick patties, slightly larger than your buns. Avoid overworking the meat to prevent toughness, and make a small indent in the middle to reduce shrinkage.
- Cook the Patties: Heat oil in a skillet until hot, add the patties, and cook for 4 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. During the last minute, add a slice of cheese for extra flavor.
- Toast the Buns: Melt butter in the skillet, then toast the brioche buns until golden and crisp. This adds a delightful crunch to the burger.
- Fry the Eggs: Add butter to the skillet, melt it, and cook the eggs until the whites are fully set, but the yolks remain wiggly for about 3-4 minutes.
- Assemble the Burger: Layer your toasted buns with the patty, crispy bacon, fresh avocado, and fried egg. The runny yolk acts as a rich sauce.
For more inspiration, check out Grilled Chicken Paillard. This burger isn’t just a recipe—it’s a flavorful experience you’ll want to recreate again and again.
Garlic Mayo
Elevate your Fried Egg Burger with homemade Garlic Mayo, a creamy, flavorful condiment that pairs perfectly with burgers, sandwiches, or burritos. The magic lies in using roasted garlic, which adds depth and richness to this simple yet versatile sauce.
- Roasted Garlic: Roast garlic until soft and caramelized to achieve a mellow, slightly sweet flavor. It’s a home cook’s must-have for creating an excellent base.
- Mayonnaise: Use real, whole mayo for the best creaminess and flavor. The quality of your mayo makes all the difference.
- Lemon Juice: Add a bit of citrus to enhance the refreshing flavor and balance the richness of the mayo.
- Paprika: Incorporate smoked paprika for an earthy, smoky twist that complements the garlic beautifully.
Runny Eggs vs. Fully Cooked
Feel free to cook your eggs to your preferred doneness, whether you crave a runny yolk cooked over easy or fully cooked eggs for a cleaner bite. Either way, the Fried Egg Burger remains irresistibly delicious.
For a twist, try poached eggs or boiled and sliced eggs to top your burger. Piled high with creamy avocado and crispy bacon, these burgers are a summer favorite. Discover more flavors with Halal Cart-Style Chicken.
Key Tips for Success
- Use 80/20 ground beef for juicy, tender burgers.
- Prepare roasted garlic mayo up to 5 days ahead and chill.
- Sprinkle avocado with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Make caramelized onions in advance and reheat when needed.
- Use a cast-iron skillet or grill; don’t move burgers while searing.
- Create a center indent in patties to avoid shrinkage.
- Rest burgers for 5-10 minutes after cooking for maximum juiciness.
- Grill for a smoky flavor and pair with Smoked Bacon Mac and Cheese.
What To Serve With Fried Egg Burgers
Elevate your Fried Egg Burgers with sides that complement their rich, savory flavors. For a hearty, indulgent pairing, serve them with smoked Mississippi pot roast (recipe here). For something lighter, a crisp arugula salad or tangy coleslaw balances the burger’s richness beautifully.
For a creative twist, try Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls (recipe here) or the flavorful Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers (recipe here). Add Candied Kumquats (recipe here) for a sweet, tangy finish that pairs surprisingly well with the savory burger. Complete the experience with a refreshing drink or classic milkshake!
Storage
- Store extra burger patties in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.
- Reheat in the microwave for a quick and easy serving.
- Top with freshly fried eggs for the best flavor.
Reheating Burgers
- Microwave: Place the burger on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, and heat on medium power (50-70%) for 1-2 minutes, checking in 15-second intervals until warmed.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), wrap the burger in aluminum foil, and heat on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes to keep it moist.
- Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, place the burger in the skillet, cover with a lid, and warm for 3-4 minutes per side. Top with freshly fried eggs for the best experience.
FAQs
- What does adding an egg to a hamburger do?
The egg acts as a binder, holding the ingredients together and adding moisture to the patty.
- Are eggs good with burgers?
Yes, eggs add flavor, richness, and a creamy texture, especially when the yolk is runny.
- Is hamburger and eggs good?
Yes, The combination is hearty, flavorful, and popular in breakfast or gourmet burger recipes.
- What does Gordon Ramsay put in his burger patty?
Gordon Ramsay typically uses ground beef, seasoning (salt and pepper), eggs, Worcestershire sauce, and occasionally Dijon mustard.
Fried Egg Burger
Equipment
- Cast-Iron Skillet or Grill: For perfectly seared, juicy patties with a crispy crust.
- Non-Stick Skillet: Ideal for frying the eggs to achieve fully set whites and runny yolks.
- Spatula: Essential for flipping patties and eggs without breaking them.
- Mixing Bowl: For combining and shaping the ground beef patties.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For prepping toppings like avocado and bacon.
- These tools ensure efficiency and precision for crafting the perfect Fried Egg Burger!
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound 8 ounces ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 slices Swiss or cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons smashed avocado
- 2 strips bacon cooked and cut into 4 slices
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
- 2 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Prepare the Patties: In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef and salt. Shape into two patties, approximately 1/2 inch thick and slightly larger than your buns. Make a small indent in the center with your thumb to prevent shrinkage. Avoid overworking the meat to maintain tenderness.
- Cook the Patties: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the patties and cook for 4 minutes on one side. Flip and cook another 4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. During the final minute, place a slice of cheese on top to melt. Transfer patties to a paper towel-lined plate to rest.
- Toast the Buns: If needed, scrape the skillet clean and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, place all four bun halves, cut side down, in the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown, then remove.
- Fry the Eggs: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet and reduce heat to low. Crack each egg into the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the whites are set but the yolks remain slightly runny, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
- Assemble the Burgers: Spread 1 tablespoon of mashed avocado on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Layer with a patty, 2 slices of bacon, and a fried egg. Carefully place the top bun on without breaking the yolk.
- Serve: When ready to eat, press the top bun gently to release the yolk and enjoy immediately.