California Breakfast Burger Recipe

It is truly satisfying to combine the hearty elements of a classic burger with the delightful notes of a breakfast favorite. The California Breakfast Burger does just that.

It brings together the richness of a brioche burger bun and a perfectly cooked 1/3 lb ground beef patty. This creation is all about balance.

Salt and pepper enhance the savory depth, while two slices of crispy bacon add a delectable crunch. And what breakfast sandwich is complete without an egg?

I love adding the final creamy touch with a fried egg. And let me tell you, it is a life-changing event when you puncture the yolk and let it flow down over the rest of the sandwich.

The large egg with its runny yolk that adds a luscious texture when it blends with the sweet and tangy tomato slice is the star of this burger for me. Fresh romaine lettuce brings in a refreshing crunch.

On the toasted bun, I often find a good pat of butter to be the perfect complement to the savory layers of this burger. A tablespoon of mayonnaise is arguably the final touch that elevates the flavor profile of this burger.

Nutritionally, it’s a great choice. This thing is loaded with protein and healthy fats, and I can’t think of a better way to start the day.

Ingredients

Beef Patty: Provides a protein-rich, juicy flavor base.

Avocados are packed with healthy fats and fiber, so they add rich creaminess.

Egg: An outstanding source of protein, delivers a rich satisfaction.

Bun: Brioche.

Mildly sweet, with a soft, buttery interior.

Cheddar Cheese: Introduces sharp, tangy elements that heighten the overall taste of umami.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 brioche burger bun
• 1/3 lb ground beef patty
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 slices of cooked bacon
• 1 large egg
• 1 slice cheddar cheese
• 1/2 avocado, sliced
• 1 slice tomato
• 2 leaves of romaine lettuce
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

1. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, take the ground beef and form it into a patty. Season it liberally with salt and pepper. Place the seasoned patty in the pan and allow it to cook for about 3-4 minutes. After that, flip the patty and place the cheddar slice on top. Cook the patty for another 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and you have reached your desired level of doneness.

2. In a different pan, over medium heat, melt half a tablespoon of butter. Crack an egg into the pan and cook until the yolk remains runny but the white is set. For a firmer yolk, cook it a bit longer.

3. At the same time, in a frying pan over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and drain it on a paper towel.

4. Using the remaining butter, spread it on the cut sides of the brioche bun. In a clean skillet or toaster, toast the bun until it is golden brown.

5. Apply mayonnaise to the inside of both halves of the toasted bun.

6. Begin preparing the burger by positioning the romaine lettuce leaves on the bottom half of the bun.

7. Add the cooked beef patty with melted cheese on top of the lettuce.

8. Evenly layer the sliced avocado over the patty.

9. Set the cooked bacon strips on top of the avocado.

10. Place the fried egg and tomato slice on top, then finish with the top half of the brioche bun. Serve without delay.

Equipment Needed

1. Grill pan or skillet
2. Pan for frying (for egg)
3. Skillet (for bacon)
4. Turner
5. Cutting tool
6. Chopping board
7. Knife, butter
8. Bacon draining paper towels

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of bun?
  Yes, you can substitute the brioche bun with any type of burger bun, such as whole wheat or ciabatta.
• Is it necessary to use cheddar cheese?
  While cheddar cheese adds a rich flavor, you can use any cheese you prefer, like Swiss or pepper jack.
• How do I cook the egg for the burger?
  Fry the egg in a skillet with some butter over medium heat until the whites are set and the yolk is still runny, or cook to your preferred doneness.
• Can I prepare any components in advance?
  Yes, you can cook the bacon and slice the avocado and tomato ahead of time, storing them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the burger.
• What sides pair well with this breakfast burger?
  Serve the burger with crispy hash browns, sweet potato fries, or a fresh fruit salad for a complete meal.
• Is there a vegetarian version of this burger?
  Substitute the ground beef patty with a plant-based veggie patty, and omit the bacon for a vegetarian option.

Substitutions and Variations

1 brioche burger bun: This can be swapped out for a whole wheat burger bun or a gluten-free burger bun for a healthier option or a gluten-free version.
1/3 lb ground beef patty: For a lighter or vegetarian option, substitute with a turkey patty or a plant-based patty.
2 slices of cooked bacon: For a lower-fat or vegetarian alternative, use turkey bacon or veggie bacon.
1 slice of cheddar cheese: Substitute with Swiss cheese or a dairy-free cheese for different flavors or a vegan option.
Substituting guacamole for the 1/2 avocado called for in this recipe will yield a creamier texture. Omit the avocado altogether, and the following recipe yields a low-calorie, low-plant-fat option.