Start your day with a burger that's made for breakfast! The Smashed Breakfast Burger combines the best of both worlds: a crispy, caramelized beef patty and classic breakfast fixings. It's the ultimate brunch indulgence that's surprisingly easy to make at home.
The key is smashing the beef onto a hot griddle to get those crispy edges and juicy center. Topped with a golden hash brown, a runny fried egg, and melted cheddar, every bite is a symphony of textures and flavors.
Whether you're feeding a hungry family or impressing weekend guests, this burger is a guaranteed hit. It's hearty, satisfying, and customizable to your taste.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
1 lb (450g) ground beef (80% lean)
Use 80/20 for juiciness. Substitute ground chuck or turkey (add 1 tbsp oil).
4 burger buns (brioche or potato)
Brioche is sweet and buttery. Substitute whole wheat or gluten-free buns.
4 large eggs
Fresh eggs fry best. Substitute egg whites or tofu scramble.
4 frozen hash brown patties
Shredded or patties work. Substitute 2 cups shredded potatoes, pan-fried.
4 slices cheddar cheese
Sharp cheddar adds flavor. Substitute American, pepper jack, or Swiss.
4 tbsp (60g) butter, softened
For toasting buns. Substitute mayonnaise for a tangy spread.
2 tbsp (30ml) ketchup
Classic choice. Substitute sriracha mayo or BBQ sauce.
2 tbsp (30ml) mayonnaise
For the sauce. Substitute Greek yogurt for tang.
1 tsp (5g) salt
Use kosher salt for even seasoning. Adjust to taste.
1 tsp (2g) black pepper, freshly ground
Freshly ground is best. Substitute white pepper if needed.
Tips & Tricks
- Don't overwork the beef – handle gently to keep the patty tender.
- Smash the patty hard and thin for maximum crispy edges.
- Cook the egg to your liking – runny yolk adds a rich sauce.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Ingredients
Preheat griddle or large skillet to 400°F (200°C). Butter the cut sides of the buns and toast until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Set aside.
2. Cook Hash Browns
Add hash brown patties to the hot griddle. Cook until crispy and golden brown, 4-5 minutes per side. Keep warm.
3. Form Beef Patties
Divide beef into 4 equal balls (about 4 oz each). Do not overwork. Season generously with salt and pepper.
4. Smash the Beef
Place a ball on the hot griddle. Using a spatula, smash firmly into a thin patty (about 1/4 inch thick). Cook undisturbed until edges are browned and caramelized, 3-4 minutes.
5. Flip and Add Cheese
Flip the patty and immediately place a slice of cheese on top. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and patty is cooked to your liking (internal temp 160°F/71°C for medium-well).
6. Fry the Eggs
In a separate nonstick skillet, fry eggs sunny-side up or over easy until whites are set and yolk is runny, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Make the Sauce
Mix ketchup and mayonnaise in a small bowl until well combined. Set aside.
8. Assemble the Burgers
On each bottom bun, spread a layer of sauce. Add a hash brown, then the beef patty, then a fried egg. Top with the other bun half. Serve immediately.
Delicious Variations
Bacon Lover's
Add 2 slices crispy bacon per burger.
Southwest
Add avocado slices and a drizzle of chipotle mayo.
Veggie Swap
Use a plant-based patty and vegan cheese.
How to Store Smashed Breakfast Burger
Refrigerator
Assemble burgers and store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep components separate if possible.
Freezer
Cooked patties and hash browns can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and reheat.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes. Toast buns separately for best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, you can, but add 1 tbsp of olive oil to the meat to keep it moist. Turkey is leaner and can dry out.
Q: How do I get the egg yolk runny?
Cook the egg over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until the whites are set but the yolk is still jiggly. Don't flip if you want sunny-side up.
Q: What kind of cheese melts best?
American cheese melts the smoothest, but cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack also work well.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the patties and sauce ahead, but cook the eggs and assemble just before serving for the best texture.
Q: How do I prevent the burger from falling apart?
Don't overwork the meat, and make sure the patty is thin and pressed firmly. Also, use a spatula to flip carefully.
Ready to flip your breakfast game? Try this Smashed Breakfast Burger today and let me know how you customized it in the comments below!
Smashed Breakfast Burger
Smashed Breakfast Burger: juicy beef patty, crispy hash brown, fried egg, and cheese on a toasted bun. Perfect brunch!
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80% lean)
- 4 burger buns (brioche or potato)
- 4 large eggs
- 4 frozen hash brown patties
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 tbsp (60g) butter, softened
- 2 tbsp (30ml) ketchup
- 2 tbsp (30ml) mayonnaise
- 1 tsp (5g) salt
- 1 tsp (2g) black pepper, freshly ground
📋 Instructions
- 1Prep Ingredients — Preheat griddle or large skillet to 400°F (200°C). Butter the cut sides of the buns and toast until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Set aside.
- 2Cook Hash Browns — Add hash brown patties to the hot griddle. Cook until crispy and golden brown, 4-5 minutes per side. Keep warm.
- 3Form Beef Patties — Divide beef into 4 equal balls (about 4 oz each). Do not overwork. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- 4Smash the Beef — Place a ball on the hot griddle. Using a spatula, smash firmly into a thin patty (about 1/4 inch thick). Cook undisturbed until edges are browned and caramelized, 3-4 minutes.
- 5Flip and Add Cheese — Flip the patty and immediately place a slice of cheese on top. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and patty is cooked to your liking (internal temp 160°F/71°C for medium-well).
- 6Fry the Eggs — In a separate nonstick skillet, fry eggs sunny-side up or over easy until whites are set and yolk is runny, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- 7Make the Sauce — Mix ketchup and mayonnaise in a small bowl until well combined. Set aside.
- 8Assemble the Burgers — On each bottom bun, spread a layer of sauce. Add a hash brown, then the beef patty, then a fried egg. Top with the other bun half. Serve immediately.
