If you’re ready to treat yourself to the ultimate savory indulgence, the Burger with Fried Egg and Special Sauce is about to become your new go-to comfort food. A juicy beef patty gets crowned with gooey cheddar, a sunny-side-up egg, and a zesty, smoky homemade sauce—all stacked up with classic burger fixings in a golden, toasty bun. This burger is a flavor-packed masterpiece that delivers crispy edges, runny yolk, tangy toppings, and creamy, craveable sauce in every blissful bite. Trust me, this is the kind of burger you dream about long after the last bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for the Burger with Fried Egg and Special Sauce are down-to-earth classics, but each one offers a big contribution to taste, texture, or pop of color. When you assemble them together, magic truly happens.
- Ground beef (1 lb, 80/20): Go for 80/20 beef for juicy burgers that stay flavorful and moist during cooking.
- Hamburger buns (4): Choose soft, fresh buns—brioche is especially decadent for texture and richness.
- Large eggs (4): The star topping that adds creamy richness once that yolk breaks.
- Cheddar cheese slices (4): Melty, sharp cheddar bonds perfectly with beef and egg.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): For frying eggs, it ensures golden edges and extra flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning is key for boosting the beef’s flavor.
- Lettuce leaves: Crunchy freshness to cut through all the savory elements.
- Tomato slices: Juicy and bright for contrast and color.
- Pickles: Their tart bite balances the burger’s richness.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): Forms the creamy base of the special sauce.
- Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Sweetness and tang for the signature sauce.
- Yellow mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds zippy tang and color to the sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Deepens the umami in your special sauce.
- Pickle relish (1 teaspoon): Lends a sweet-sour crunch to the sauce.
- Smoked paprika (¼ teaspoon): For a subtle, smoky undertone in the sauce.
How to Make Burger with Fried Egg and Special Sauce
Step 1: Make the Special Sauce
Start by mixing up the secret weapon of this burger: the special sauce. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, pickle relish, and smoked paprika. Give it a good stir—you want everything to come together into a creamy, coral-pink dressing that smells faintly smoky and tangy. Let it sit while you prep the burgers, so the flavors have a moment to mingle.
Step 2: Form and Season the Patties
Divide your ground beef into four even portions and gently shape them into patties, a tad wider than your buns (they’ll shrink as they cook). Don’t overwork the meat; a gentle touch keeps them tender. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to make the beef shine while it cooks.
Step 3: Cook the Beef Patties and Melt the Cheese
Fire up a skillet or preheat your grill over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, place the patties on and let them sizzle for about 3–4 minutes per side. Avoid pressing down with your spatula—you want all the juiciness inside! Once the beef is nearly cooked through, add a slice of cheddar to each patty and let the heat gently melt it to gooey perfection.
Step 4: Fry the Eggs
In a separate skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Carefully crack the eggs in and let them cook sunny-side-up, or go for over-easy if you prefer your yolks a little less runny. The goal is an egg with set whites and a yolk just waiting to burst over your burger. A pinch of salt and black pepper is all you need for seasoning.
Step 5: Toast the Buns
Nothing elevates a burger like a toasty bun. Lightly toast each half of the hamburger buns—either in a dry skillet, on the grill, or in your toaster. This step guarantees your Burger with Fried Egg and Special Sauce won’t get soggy.
Step 6: Assemble Your Burger with Fried Egg and Special Sauce
Here comes the fun: assembly! Start by generously slathering your special sauce onto the bottom bun. Pile on fresh lettuce and a juicy tomato slice, then add your sizzling beef patty with that luscious melted cheddar. Slip your perfectly fried egg on top, arrange a few tangy pickles, and crown it all with the top bun. Take a moment to admire your creation—then dig in while it’s still hot!
How to Serve Burger with Fried Egg and Special Sauce
Garnishes
Dressing up your Burger with Fried Egg and Special Sauce is as easy as piling on fresh, crunchy lettuce, vibrant tomato slices, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the egg. A few extra pickle chips on the side or some microgreens add a restaurant-worthy finish and a satisfying burst of color.
Side Dishes
Serve your burger alongside crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, or kettle-cooked potato chips for crunch. Coleslaw or a simple green salad bring a fresh note and keep things light, balancing out that rich special sauce and runny yolk.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want your Burger with Fried Egg and Special Sauce to steal the show, try sliding mini burger flags into each one, stacking up with a wooden skewer for a gourmet look, or plating with a drizzle of extra special sauce around the rim. You can even serve them open-faced or as a burger bar for DIY toppings at your next brunch party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with uneaten Burger with Fried Egg and Special Sauce components, keep the cooked patties and unfried eggs in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store sauce and toppings separately to preserve their freshness.
Freezing
The beef patties freeze beautifully! After cooking, let them cool, then wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing eggs with runny yolks, but the special sauce can be frozen separately in a sealed container.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the burger patties in a skillet over medium heat or in a 325°F oven until heated through. You can make fresh fried eggs and re-toast your buns for the best texture. Bring the special sauce to room temperature and assemble as usual for a meal that tastes almost as good as freshly cooked.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or a plant-based patty instead of beef?
Absolutely! Swap in ground turkey or your favorite plant-based patty for a lighter or vegetarian Burger with Fried Egg and Special Sauce. Just watch your cook times, as leaner meats and veggie burgers cook faster than beef.
What’s the best way to cook sunny-side-up eggs for burgers?
The trick is medium heat and a nonstick pan. Once the whites are almost set, cover the pan for 30 seconds to finish them off without overcooking the yolk, leaving it perfectly runny for your Burger with Fried Egg and Special Sauce.
How spicy is the special sauce?
The special sauce leans tangy and smoky rather than spicy. If you like more heat, you can add a dash of hot sauce or pinch of cayenne to the mix to tailor it to your taste.
Can I make the special sauce in advance?
Yes, and it actually improves with a little time! Whip up the special sauce for your Burger with Fried Egg and Special Sauce and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors meld and deepen, making it even better.
Are there any fun topping variations?
Of course! Top your Burger with Fried Egg and Special Sauce with crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even avocado slices. Each adds a new layer of flavor and texture to this already irresistible burger.
Final Thoughts
I’m genuinely excited for you to try this Burger with Fried Egg and Special Sauce—the combination of juicy beef, silky egg, and tangy-sweet sauce is simply unbeatable. Whether you serve it for a weekend brunch or a cozy dinner, you’ll have everyone savoring every last bite. Don’t be surprised when this burger becomes a regular request in your kitchen!
PrintBurger with Fried Egg and Special Sauce Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate burger experience with this mouthwatering recipe for a Burger with Fried Egg and Special Sauce. Juicy beef patty topped with a fried egg, gooey cheese, and a flavorful special sauce, all sandwiched between a toasted bun. Perfect for brunch or a gourmet twist on a classic cheeseburger.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Burger:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 large eggs
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Pickles
For the Special Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon pickle relish
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prepare Special Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, pickle relish, and smoked paprika. Set aside.
- Cook Patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 portions, shape into patties, season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side in a skillet or grill, adding cheese during the last minute to melt.
- Fry Eggs: Melt butter in a skillet, fry eggs sunny-side up or to desired doneness.
- Assemble Burgers: Toast buns, spread special sauce on the bottom bun, add lettuce, tomato, beef patty with cheese, fried egg, pickles. Top with remaining bun and serve.
Notes
- Use brioche buns for a richer flavor.
- You can cook the eggs over-easy for less runny yolks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 255 mg