Start your day with the ultimate breakfast indulgence: the Smashed Breakfast Burger. This recipe combines a juicy, caramelized beef patty with a crispy hash brown, a perfectly fried egg, and melted cheese, all stacked on a toasted brioche bun.
It's the perfect fusion of breakfast and burger, designed to satisfy your morning cravings with a savory, satisfying crunch. Whether you're fueling up for a busy day or treating yourself to a weekend brunch, this burger delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20)
Use 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest patties. You can also use ground chuck or a mix of beef and pork.
4 brioche burger buns
Brioche buns are soft and buttery; substitute with potato rolls or whole wheat buns for a healthier option.
4 slices cheddar cheese
Sharp cheddar adds a bold flavor; use American or pepper jack for a different taste.
4 large eggs
Fresh, large eggs work best. For a richer flavor, try pasture-raised eggs.
4 frozen hash brown patties
Use frozen hash browns for convenience; you can also make your own from shredded potatoes.
4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, softened
For toasting the buns and frying the eggs. Use vegan butter or oil if preferred.
2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
For cooking the patties and hash browns. Canola or avocado oil also work.
Salt and black pepper to taste
Season generously; use flaky sea salt for finishing.
Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, ketchup, mustard
Add freshness or extra flavor as desired.
Tips & Tricks
Don't overwork the beef
Handle the ground beef as little as possible to keep the patties tender.
Get the pan screaming hot
A hot skillet ensures a proper crust on the smashed patty.
Toast the buns
Toasting the buns with butter prevents sogginess and adds flavor.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Toast the Buns
Spread butter on the cut sides of the buns. Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat (350°F/175°C) and toast the buns cut-side down until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Set aside.
2. Cook Hash Browns
In the same skillet, add vegetable oil and cook the frozen hash brown patties over medium-high heat (375°F/190°C) for 4-5 minutes per side, until crispy and golden brown. Keep warm.
3. Form and Smash Patties
Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape into loose balls. Preheat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat (400°F/200°C). Place a ball in the pan and smash flat with a spatula to about 1/4-inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook the Patties
Cook for 2-3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms, then flip. Place a slice of cheese on each patty and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and the patty is cooked to your desired doneness (internal temp 160°F/71°C for medium-well).
5. Fry the Eggs
In a clean skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat (325°F/163°C). Crack eggs into the pan and cook until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Assemble the Burgers
Place a hash brown on the bottom bun, top with a cheese-covered patty, then a fried egg. Add optional toppings and close with the top bun.
7. Serve Immediately
Serve the burgers hot with your favorite sides like fruit or home fries. Enjoy the crunchy, savory layers!
Delicious Variations
Spicy Smashed Breakfast Burger
Add sliced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo.
Veggie Smashed Breakfast Burger
Use a plant-based patty and vegan cheese, and swap the egg for a fried tofu slice.
Bacon Smashed Breakfast Burger
Add crispy bacon strips between the patty and egg for extra smoky flavor.
How to Store Smashed Breakfast Burger
Refrigerator
Store cooked burgers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep components separate if possible.
Freezer
Wrap assembled burgers individually in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or in a microwave for 1-2 minutes, until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this burger ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the patties and hash browns in advance and assemble when ready to eat. Cooked burgers can be stored and reheated as described.
Q: What is the best cheese for a breakfast burger?
Cheddar, American, or Swiss are great choices because they melt well and complement the beef and egg.
Q: How do I get the patty to stay juicy?
Use 80/20 ground beef, don't overmix, and avoid pressing down on the patty while cooking, except for the initial smash.
Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes, you can shred fresh potatoes, squeeze out excess moisture, and fry them in a skillet until crispy.
Q: What can I serve with this burger?
Serve with a side of fruit, a simple green salad, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
If you love this Smashed Breakfast Burger, leave a review below and share your favorite variation! Don't forget to tag us on social media when you make it.
Smashed Breakfast Burger
Smashed Breakfast Burger: juicy beef patty, crispy hash browns, egg & cheese on a toasted bun. A hearty 30-minute breakfast.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20)
- 4 brioche burger buns
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 4 frozen hash brown patties
- 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, ketchup, mustard
📋 Instructions
- 1Toast the Buns — Spread butter on the cut sides of the buns. Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat (350°F/175°C) and toast the buns cut-side down until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Set aside.
- 2Cook Hash Browns — In the same skillet, add vegetable oil and cook the frozen hash brown patties over medium-high heat (375°F/190°C) for 4-5 minutes per side, until crispy and golden brown. Keep warm.
- 3Form and Smash Patties — Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape into loose balls. Preheat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat (400°F/200°C). Place a ball in the pan and smash flat with a spatula to about 1/4-inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
- 4Cook the Patties — Cook for 2-3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms, then flip. Place a slice of cheese on each patty and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and the patty is cooked to your desired doneness (internal temp 160°F/71°C for medium-well).
- 5Fry the Eggs — In a clean skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat (325°F/163°C). Crack eggs into the pan and cook until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- 6Assemble the Burgers — Place a hash brown on the bottom bun, top with a cheese-covered patty, then a fried egg. Add optional toppings and close with the top bun.
- 7Serve Immediately — Serve the burgers hot with your favorite sides like fruit or home fries. Enjoy the crunchy, savory layers!
