Breakfast is often seen as the most important meal of the day, but that doesn’t mean it has to be limited to cereal, toast, or eggs on a plate.
Enter the Breakfast Smash Burger – a mouthwatering combination of juicy smashed beef patties, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked eggs, all tucked into a soft bun.
It’s hearty, flavorful, and satisfying enough to fuel you well into the afternoon.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy edges, juicy center – the smash burger cooking technique locks in flavor.
Customizable toppings – add eggs, cheese, bacon, sausage, or even veggies.
Perfect for brunch – it’s indulgent enough for a late-morning meal.
Quick to make – from start to finish, you can have it ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make the ultimate breakfast smash burgers:
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1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
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4 brioche buns or burger buns
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4 slices of cheese (American, cheddar, or pepper jack)
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4 eggs
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4 slices of bacon (or sausage patties)
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2 tablespoons butter
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Optional toppings: hash browns, avocado, hot sauce, caramelized onions
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to build your perfect breakfast smash burger:
1. Cook the bacon – In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Set aside on a paper towel.
2. Prepare the buns – Lightly butter and toast the buns on the skillet for golden edges.
3. Form the beef balls – Divide ground beef into 4 equal balls (do not flatten yet).
4. Smash the patties – Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place a beef ball on the surface, cover with parchment paper, and smash with a spatula until thin.
5. Season and cook – Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until crispy, flip once, add cheese, and let it melt.
6. Fry the eggs – In another skillet, cook eggs sunny-side up or over easy.
7. Assemble – Place the patty on the bottom bun, top with bacon, egg, and any extras like hash browns or avocado. Cover with the top bun.
8. Serve hot – Enjoy immediately while the cheese is melty and the egg yolk is runny.
Variations to Try
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Hash Brown Smash Burger – add a crispy hash brown patty for extra crunch.
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Spicy Kick – drizzle sriracha mayo or add jalapeños.
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Double Stack – smash two patties per burger for a diner-style meal.
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Avocado Breakfast Smash Burger – add sliced avocado for creaminess.
Breakfast Smash Burgers
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Set aside.
- Butter the buns and toast them lightly on the skillet.
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal balls.
- Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place a beef ball down, cover with parchment paper, and smash thin with a spatula.
- Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until crispy, then flip once. Add cheese and let it melt.
- In a separate skillet, fry the eggs (sunny-side up or over easy).
- Assemble each burger: bottom bun, beef patty with cheese, bacon, fried egg, and any extra toppings.
- Top with the bun and serve hot.
Notes
- Add hash browns for extra crunch.
- Swap bacon with sausage for variety.
- A little hot sauce or sriracha mayo adds a nice kick.
Final Thoughts
The Breakfast Smash Burger is proof that burgers aren’t just for lunch or dinner. With crispy beef, melty cheese, and the perfect fried egg, it’s a filling and flavorful way to start your day. Whether you make it simple with just bacon and eggs or go all out with hash browns and sauces, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
