Irresistible Fried Egg Burgers: The Perfect Breakfast for Dinner Recipe

There’s something truly magical about a perfectly crafted burger, and when you combine that with the comforting flavors of breakfast, you get an absolute masterpiece: the **Fried Egg Burger**. Imagine biting into a juicy, savory beef patty, topped with crisp bacon, creamy avocado, and a slice of melted cheese, all cradled between two perfectly toasted, buttered buns. But the real star? A beautifully fried egg with a gloriously golden, runny yolk that cascades over the other ingredients, acting as the ultimate, rich “sauce.” This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, especially when served as a delightful and easy **breakfast for dinner recipe**.

I must admit, I am far from a morning person. The thought of waking up early enough to whip up an elaborate breakfast often feels like an impossible feat. I sometimes marvel at how I ever managed to function as a child, with school starting at the ungodly hour of 7 AM. Even in my adult life, commencing work at 8 AM can be a struggle, though I rise to the occasion when necessary. Being self-employed offers the small luxury of a slightly later start to my workday, which is a win-win as long as all my tasks are completed efficiently.

This flexible schedule, however, often means I’m never quite awake enough to embark on a culinary adventure first thing in the morning. While my heart yearns for a classic breakfast spread of eggs, bacon, and crispy hashbrowns, the reality is that it rarely materializes on most weekdays. On those truly fortunate occasions, my past self might have thoughtfully prepared a Quiche Florentine for dinner the night before, leaving me with delicious leftovers to enjoy for breakfast. But when that planning doesn’t happen? My morning routine typically involves grabbing some fruit and a strong cup of coffee to kickstart the day, inevitably leading to an early lunch because a substantial breakfast just didn’t happen. Whoops!

This personal predicament is precisely why I wholeheartedly embrace “brinner” – the wonderful concept of breakfast for dinner. By the time evening rolls around, I’m fully awake, energized, and genuinely excited to cook. The kitchen transforms from a morning challenge into an evening playground. And that’s where this incredible Fried Egg Burger truly shines. It’s the quintessential breakfast burger, featuring all the beloved components: crispy bacon, a perfectly fried egg, and creamy avocado, all nestled between two golden-brown, buttered, and toasted buns. The crowning glory, as mentioned, is that exquisite, runny egg yolk – a naturally rich and flavorful “sauce” that ties every element together beautifully.

A friend and I once found ourselves in a good-natured debate: is this truly a “brunch burger” or a “breakfast burger”? Honestly, when a dish is this delicious, does the label truly matter? The beauty of a burger like this lies in its versatility. You could just as easily serve my popular Avocado Burgers or my indulgent BBQ Bacon Burgers for brinner if you’re looking for other hearty options. Regardless of what you call it or when you choose to enjoy it, this Fried Egg Burger stands out as an easy, satisfying, and utterly delightful meal that you can effortlessly bring to your table, any time of day.

Key Ingredients for Crafting the Best Fried Egg Burgers

To embark on the journey of creating these incredible breakfast burgers, you’ll need a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the perfect flavor and texture profile:

• Ground Beef: The foundation of any great burger. Opt for a ground beef with an ideal fat-to-lean ratio, such as 80/20. This blend ensures a juicy, intensely flavorful burger that won’t dry out during cooking. While it’s not strictly necessary, grinding your own chuck or sirloin at home can elevate the texture and freshness even further, but a good quality store-bought grind works perfectly. Season it simply with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to let the beef’s natural flavor shine.
• Cheese: What’s a burger without a melty slice of cheese? I personally love the subtle nutty flavor of Swiss cheese, which melts beautifully over the hot patty. However, sharp cheddar cheese is another fantastic option, offering a bolder, more classic burger taste. Provolone or American cheese are also excellent choices for their superb melting qualities.
• Avocado: This creamy, nutrient-rich addition provides a wonderful balance to the richness of the bacon and beef. Its fresh, buttery texture adds a delightful contrast and a touch of healthy fat, preventing the burger from feeling overly heavy. Choose a ripe avocado that yields slightly to gentle pressure.
• Bacon: The essential crispy, salty component that elevates any breakfast-inspired dish. You’ll need to pre-cook your bacon to your desired crispness before adding it to the burger. Whether you prefer the convenience of microwave bacon for a quick preparation or the consistent crispiness of oven-baked bacon, the choice is entirely yours. Thick-cut, smoked bacon often offers the most satisfying flavor and texture.
• Egg: The undeniable star of this breakfast burger! A perfectly fried egg with a runny yolk acts as a luxurious, natural burger sauce, adding an incredible richness and a beautiful visual appeal. The golden yolk coats every bite, enhancing the overall flavor. While a runny yolk is highly recommended for the full experience, you can certainly cook your eggs a little longer to your preferred doneness, whether that’s over medium or over hard.
• Butter: A simple yet indispensable ingredient. Butter is crucial for toasting the hamburger buns to a golden perfection, giving them a delightful crisp edge and a rich flavor. It’s also used to fry the eggs, contributing to their taste and ensuring they cook evenly without sticking.
• Buns: The vehicle that holds all these glorious ingredients together. It’s important to use a sturdy bun that can stand up to the juicy patty and the runny egg yolk without falling apart. Brioche buns are an excellent choice due to their rich flavor, soft texture, and robust structure. Potato rolls or a good quality artisan hamburger bun would also work wonderfully.

For more mouth-watering burger inspiration, be sure to explore my recipes for Pesto Burgers and savory Teriyaki Turkey Burgers – perfect for expanding your burger repertoire!

Mastering the Art: How To Make Fried Egg Burgers

Creating these sensational breakfast burgers is a straightforward process, but paying attention to a few key details will ensure a truly gourmet experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieving perfection:

1. **Prepare Your Patties:** In a large bowl, gently mix together your ground beef with a generous pinch of kosher salt. Avoid overworking the meat, as this can lead to a tough, dense burger. Once seasoned, gently shape the mixture into two patties, each roughly 1/2 inch thick and slightly larger in diameter than your hamburger buns. Burgers tend to shrink during cooking, so starting slightly larger prevents them from becoming dwarfed by the bun. Crucially, make a slight indent in the middle of each patty with your thumb. This simple trick helps prevent the burger from puffing up in the center, ensuring an even cook and a flatter surface for your toppings.
2. **Cook the Burgers to Perfection:** Heat a skillet – cast iron works wonderfully for a great sear – over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of neutral oil (like vegetable or canola) until it shimmers. Once hot, carefully add your beef patties. You might want to have a splatter screen ready, as the beef fat can sputter. Trust me – your stovetop (and your cleanup time!) will thank you. Cook the patties for approximately 4 minutes per side for a medium-rare to medium doneness, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F for a well-done burger. During the final minute of cooking, place a slice of your chosen cheese on top of each patty, allowing it to melt into a gooey, irresistible layer. Once cooked, transfer the burgers to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
3. **Pre-Prep Your Toppings:** While your burgers are cooking, take a moment to prepare your avocado by smashing it or slicing it, and ensure your bacon strips are cooked to your desired crispness and cut into manageable pieces. This parallel preparation saves time and ensures everything is ready for assembly.
4. **Toast the Buns:** Once the burgers are out of the skillet, if necessary, quickly scrape out any accumulated grease or burnt bits from the pan. Then, add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet and let it melt. Once bubbling, place your hamburger buns, cut side down, into the melted butter. Toast them for 1-2 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and slightly crispy. This step is vital for both texture and flavor, adding another layer of deliciousness and preventing the buns from becoming soggy. Transfer the toasted buns to a clean plate.
5. **Fry the Eggs:** Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, reduce the heat to low. Carefully crack each egg into the skillet, ensuring they don’t overlap. Season the eggs with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Fry the eggs until the whites are completely set but the yolks still have a beautiful, gentle wiggle to them – this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Immediately remove the eggs from the heat to prevent the yolks from overcooking and losing their delightful runniness.
6. **Assemble and Serve:** With all your components ready, it’s time for the grand assembly! Spread a tablespoon of smashed avocado onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a cheesy burger patty on top, followed by two slices of crispy bacon, and finally, the glorious fried egg. Gently place the top bun, being careful not to break that precious yolk just yet. Repeat for the second burger. When you’re ready to dive in, firmly but gently smash the top bun down onto the egg to break the yolk, allowing its golden goodness to ooze over the other ingredients. Serve immediately and prepare for a truly satisfying meal!

Why You’ll Love This Fried Egg Burger Recipe

Beyond being incredibly delicious, this Fried Egg Burger recipe offers several compelling reasons to make it your next culinary endeavor:

• **The Ultimate “Brinner” Solution:** Perfect for those evenings when you crave something comforting and hearty, but dinner inspiration is low. It brings the joy of breakfast flavors to the dinner table.
• **Simple Yet Gourmet:** The instructions are straightforward, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels, yet the result feels like something you’d order at a fancy brunch spot.
• **Customizable:** While the core ingredients are fantastic, you can easily adapt this burger to your taste with different cheeses, additional sauces, or extra veggies.
• **Satisfying and Flavorful:** The combination of savory beef, salty bacon, creamy avocado, and the rich, runny egg yolk creates an explosion of flavors and textures in every bite.
• **Quick to Prepare:** With minimal prep time and efficient cooking steps, you can have these gourmet burgers on your table in under an hour.

Tips for the Perfect Fried Egg Burger

• **Room Temperature Eggs:** For more even cooking and a consistent runny yolk, allow your eggs to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before frying.
• **Don’t Overmix the Beef:** When forming patties, handle the ground beef as little as possible to keep the burgers tender and juicy.
• **The Thumbprint Trick:** Don’t skip the indent in the middle of the patty. It truly helps create a flat, evenly cooked burger.
• **Hot Skillet for Sear:** Start with a hot skillet for the patties and buns to get that beautiful Maillard reaction (browning) which adds incredible flavor. Reduce heat for the eggs.
• **Freshness is Key:** High-quality fresh ingredients, especially the avocado and good ground beef, make a noticeable difference in the final taste.

What To Serve With Fried Egg Burgers

While these breakfast burgers are incredibly satisfying on their own, pairing them with a delicious side dish can elevate the meal even further. Here are some fantastic suggestions that complement the rich flavors of the burger:

• For a light and refreshing counterpoint, try a vibrant Green Onion Salad, offering a crisp texture and tangy dressing.
• If you’re looking for something hearty and unique, a Really Good Freekeh Salad provides a wholesome, nutty grain base that pairs wonderfully.
• For a classic comfort side, my creamy and flavorful Italian Potato Salad offers a delightful contrast in texture and taste.

Fried Egg Burger

Yield:
2 burgers

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
25 minutes

Total Time:
40 minutes

Fried Egg Burgers are breakfast burgers with fried egg, bacon and avocado with a beautifully golden yolk “sauce”. Serve as a delicious breakfast for dinner recipe.

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

1. In large bowl gently mix together beef and salt. Shape into two patties that are roughly 1/2 inch thick and slightly larger than your buns, making a slight indent in the middle with your thumb. You don’t want to overwork your meat or they’ll become tough.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. When hot, add patties. Cook for 4 minutes. Flip then cook another 4 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 160F degrees. During the last minute of cooking, add cheese on top to melt. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
3. If necessary, scrape your skillet clean then add 1 tablespoon butter. Once melted, add all 4 bun halves, sliced side down. Cook for about 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the skillet.
4. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Once melted, turn the heat down to low. Crack each egg, add to the skillet, and season with salt and pepper.. Cook until the whites are set but the yolks still wiggle a little, about 3-4 minutes. Immediately remove from the heat so the yolks don’t overcook.
5. Once ready to assemble, add 1 tablespoon avocado to the bottom of one bun. Add 1 burger, 2 slices bacon, and 1 egg. Gently add the top bun, being careful to not break the yolk yet. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
6. When ready to serve, smash the top bun down to break the yolk then eat immediately.

Notes

• Enjoyed this recipe? Check out my Avocado Burger, Pesto Burger, BBQ Bacon Burger, and Teriyaki Turkey Burgers.

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