Breakfast Burger with Bacon, Egg & Cheese
A rich and savory breakfast burger made with crispy bacon, a runny fried egg, and melted cheese. It’s a juicy, all-in-one sandwich that turns simple ingredients into a seriously satisfying meal.
This breakfast burger with bacon and a fried egg is the perfect sandwich for an indulgent breakfast, weekend brunch, or even a go-to hangover cure.
Made with simple, everyday ingredients, this burger comes together quickly and easily. A juicy, seared beef patty is topped with melted American cheese, crispy bacon, and a golden, runny fried egg.
This easy breakfast burger is finished with a simple mix of ketchup and mayonnaise along with fresh, crunchy lettuce. For an upgrade, try using our homemade fry sauce instead to add extra flavor!
Best Sauces for This Breakfast Burger
While fry sauce is the go-to for this recipe, there are other sauces for burgers that work just as well depending on the flavor you’re after.
- Fry sauce – The classic choice. Its creamy, tangy flavor pairs perfectly with the savory beef, egg, and cheese, tying everything together without overpowering the sandwich.
- Classic burger sauce – An elevated version of fry sauce with added pickles brings a little crunch.
- Honey mustard – Offers a sweet and tangy contrast that balances the richness of the beef and egg while adding a brighter flavor profile.
- Spicy garlic mayo – Adds a kick of heat and zesty garlic for an easy, spicy addition.
- BBQ sauce – Its smoky sweetness complements the bacon while adding extra depth and richness.
What Makes This Burger Special
- Hearty and satisfying – Made with crispy bacon and a runny fried egg, it’s full of protein and rich breakfast flavors.
- Quick and easy to make – Made in just one pan with simple ingredients, this recipe is a fantastic option for mornings, weekends, or as a hangover remedy.
- Works for any time of day – Great for breakfast or brunch, but just as good for lunch, dinner, or a late-night craving.
- Customizable to your taste – Easily switch up the toppings, cheese, or sauces to make it exactly how you like it.
Key Ingredients
This breakfast burger combines juicy beef, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and a fried egg for a rich, savory burger with balanced texture and flavor.
Base & Body — Ground beef forms the foundation of the burger, delivering rich, juicy flavor. An 80/20 blend keeps the patty tender and flavorful. The burger bun holds everything together, while a light layer of butter helps create a crisp, toasted surface that prevents sogginess.
Richness & Savory Depth — A fried egg adds richness and a runny yolk that acts like a built-in sauce. Bacon brings smoky, salty flavor and crispy texture, while American cheese melts smoothly over the patty to tie all the components together.
Sauce & Balance — Mayonnaise adds a creamy base that balances the saltiness of the bacon, while ketchup provides light sweetness and acidity to cut through the richness of the beef and egg.
Texture & Freshness — Lettuce adds a fresh, crisp texture that balances the heavier ingredients. Pickled jalapeños (optional) add brightness and a slight kick.
Seasoning — Kosher salt and black pepper enhance the flavor of the beef and help balance the burger as a whole.
How to Make It
Step 1 — Cook the bacon
Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, flipping halfway through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate or cooling rack.
Step 2 — Form and cook patty
Form the ground beef into a patty and season both sides with salt and pepper. Cook in a skillet over medium-high heat on the first side.
Step 3 — Flip and add cheese
Flip, add the cheese, and continue cooking until melted and the burger reaches your preferred doneness.
Step 4 — Fry the egg
Cook the egg in the skillet until the whites are set and the yolk is still runny.
Step 5 — Toast the bun
Toast the buttered bun until golden and lightly crisp.
Step 6 — Make the sauce
Stir together the mayonnaise and ketchup until smooth and combined.
Step 7 — Assemble and serve
Spread the sauce, layer with lettuce, pickled jalapeños, the patty, bacon, and fried egg. Serve immediately.
Find the detailed recipe, including all measurements, in the recipe card below.
Tips to Remember
- Keep an eye on the egg — Keep the yolk slightly runny so it adds richness and acts as an extra natural sauce for the burger.
- Don’t overcook the patty — Cooking to medium or medium-well keeps the beef juicy and prevents it from becoming dry.
- Toast the bun — A lightly toasted bun adds structure and prevents it from becoming soggy once assembled.
Breakfast Burger with Bacon, Egg & Cheese
Equipment
- Cast-iron skillet
- Tongs
- Spatula
- Pan (for toasting the bun)
- Small mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
Ingredients
- 4-5 oz ground beef, 80/20 preferred
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 2 bacon strips
- 1 slice American cheese (or cheddar)
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp ketchup
- 1 burger bun (toasted)
- ½ tbsp butter
- Small handful shredded lettuce
- 3-4 pickled jalapeños (optional)
Directions
- Place the bacon in a cold skillet and turn the heat to medium. Cook until crispy and rendered (about 6-8 min), flipping halfway through. Then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate or cooling rack.
- Gently shape the ground beef into a patty slightly larger than your bun. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In the same skillet (with a little bacon fat left), increase the heat to medium-high and cook the patty for 3-4 min on the first side (leave it undisturbed).
- Flip the patty, add the cheese, and cook for 2-3 more min. Remove from the pan and let it rest for 2-3 min.
- Lower the heat to medium-low, crack the egg into the skillet and lightly season with salt. Cook until the whites are set and yolk is still runny. Optional – briefly cover with a lid to set the top.
- While the egg is cooking, toast the lightly buttered bun in a separate dry pan until golden and slightly crisp. Set aside.
- Combine the mayonnaise and ketchup in a small mixing bowl and spread onto the bottom bun.
- Assemble the burger starting with a layer of shredded lettuce on the bottom, followed by pickled jalapeños (if using), the patty with melted cheese, the bacon (break strips in half), fried egg, and top bun.
- Serve and enjoy while hot & fresh.
Notes
- Don’t overwork the ground beef.
- Cooking the patty so it’s medium makes it juicy, not dry. The internal temperature should be ~135–140°F.
- Use a room temperature egg.
- Don’t overcook the egg so the runny yolk acts as a sauce.
- Be sure to toast the bun so the burger doesn’t end up soggy.
- 1 lb of ground beef will yield about 4 burger patties (4 oz each).
- Don’t overcrowd the pan if making more than one patty at a time.
What to Pair It With
Devouring this wonderfully simple burger on its own is enough to satisfy, but if you’re looking for a side to go with it, here are a few ideas:
- Breakfast-style sides — For a complete brunch, serve with extra eggs or skillet home fries.
- Crispy potatoes — Try it with a classic pairing of oven-baked fries or sweet potato wedges that make the meal more filling.
Variations and Substitutions
This breakfast burger is rich and satisfying as-is, but it’s easy to adjust depending on your preferences. These variations let you customize the flavor and texture.
- Make it spicier — Add hot sauce to the egg or sauce, include sliced jalapeños, or swap in chipotle mayo for a smoky, slightly spicy kick.
- Add freshness — To balance the richness, add tomato slices, extra crisp lettuce or arugula, or a few slices of avocado. For a brighter, herb-forward option, add a small spoonful of chimichurri.
- Swap the cheese — American cheese melts smoothly, but you can change the flavor easily. Use cheddar for a sharper bite, pepper jack for added heat, or Swiss for a milder, slightly nutty finish.
- Switch the bacon — Turkey bacon is just as delicious if you prefer something leaner.
Storage and Reheating
Storage
- Burger patty & bacon: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze the patties for 3-4 months.
- Egg: It’s best cooked fresh, but can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 day if needed, although the texture may change.
- Assembled burger: Not recommended for storage, as the bun will become soggy and the textures will degrade.
Reheating
Stovetop (Best Method)
- Reheat the burger patty in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes per side until warmed through.
- Reheat the bacon in the same pan briefly to restore crispiness.
Microwave (Quick Option)
Heat the patty and bacon in short intervals (30–45 seconds), though this will soften the texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a breakfast burger?
A breakfast burger is a cheeseburger that includes breakfast-style ingredients such as a fried egg and bacon. The runny egg yolk adds richness and works like a natural sauce, making the burger more indulgent and flavorful than a traditional burger.
What sauce goes best on a breakfast burger?
A basic mix of mayonnaise and ketchup adds creaminess and tang, but any sauce can work well that balances the beef patty, bacon, and fried egg. Spicy mayo and honey mustard offer different flavor profiles.
Can I make a breakfast burger ahead of time?
You can prepare the components ahead of time, but the burger should be assembled fresh. The beef patties and bacon can be cooked and stored in advance, but the egg should always be cooked just before serving. This keeps the texture and flavor at their best and prevents the bun from becoming soggy.
Is a breakfast burger good for hangovers?
Yes, a breakfast burger is often considered a great hangover meal because it is rich in protein, fat, and salt. These elements make it filling and satisfying, which is why it is commonly enjoyed as a hearty recovery-style breakfast or brunch.
Do I need to use a cast-iron skillet?
A cast-iron skillet is ideal because it creates a strong sear on the burger and bacon and allows you to cook everything in one pan for better flavor development. However, stainless steel also works well, and nonstick can be used if needed, though it will not produce the same level of crust.
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