If you’re craving a burger for breakfast, this guide is for you. We’ll explore two variations of the breakfast smash burger: a decadent weekend treat and a healthier weekday option. Both utilize the smash burger technique with loose sausage as the patty.
The basic method involves preparing seasoned sausage balls, smashing them into patties with cheese, cooking your eggs, and assembling the burger with fresh toppings and sauce.
The foundation of any good sausage is the meat. While store-bought breakfast sausage is convenient, making your own is simple and allows for customization. For a richer flavor, use 80/20 ground beef, seasoned with salt, garlic, maple syrup, sage, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to develop the bind.
For a leaner alternative, 93/7 ground turkey with finely chopped bacon and a touch of salt is a great substitute. This option provides a satisfying smoky flavor while reducing calories.
Ground beef sausage mixture in a bowl
Once your sausage mixture is ready, form it into equal-sized balls. Two balls should make one quarter-pound burger. While the sausage rests, prepare your other components. Grated potatoes crisped in oil make a delicious hash brown-like addition.
Heat a cast iron skillet until ripping hot. Place a sausage ball on the skillet and immediately press down to create a crust. After about 45 seconds, flip the patty and top with a slice of American cheese. Place the second patty on top to melt the cheese and turn off the heat.
Smashed sausage patty cooking in a cast iron skillet
Prepare your eggs according to your preference. Soft scrambled eggs work well, cooked slowly over low heat until the curds set. A fried egg, either over easy or cooked through, is another option.
For the decadent version, a sturdy kaiser roll holds all the components. Spread ketchup on the bottom bun, followed by the crispy potatoes, the double sausage patty with melted cheese, soft scrambled eggs, and pickled onions. Top with a dollop of sour cream and the other bun half.
Assembled decadent breakfast burger
The healthier weekday version utilizes the ground turkey and bacon sausage. For this version, a single, cooked-through egg works well. A sriracha sour cream sauce adds moisture and flavor.
Assemble the burger with the sauce on the bottom bun, followed by arugula, pickled onions, the turkey and bacon patty with cheese and egg, and more sauce on the top bun.
Healthier breakfast burger with turkey and bacon patty
Both versions offer a delicious and satisfying breakfast option. The decadent version is a treat for the weekend, while the healthier version provides a protein-packed start to the workday. Customize these blueprints to create your perfect breakfast burger.
