Ingredients
For the Burger:
Brioche bun: 1, split and lightly toasted
Ground beef patty: 1 (about 6 oz, high-quality chuck)
Cheddar cheese: 1 thick slice
Bacon: 2 strips, thick-cut and cooked until crispy
Egg: 1 large (fried sunny-side up)
Arugula: A small handful of fresh baby arugula
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste
For the Special Sauce:
Mayonnaise: 2 tbsp
Sriracha or hot sauce: 1 tsp
(adjust to taste)
Lemon juice: A few drops
Instructions
1. Prep the Sides & Sauce
Cook the tater tots according to your favorite method (air frying at 400°F/200°C for 15 minutes yields the crispiest results to match the picture).
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sriracha, and lemon juice until smooth. Set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon & Toast the Bun
In a skillet over medium heat, fry the bacon until perfectly crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Pour off most of the bacon grease, leaving a thin layer. Place the brioche bun halves cut-side down in the skillet for 1–2 minutes until golden brown and toasted. Set buns aside.
3. Sear the Patty
Crank the heat up to medium-high. Season both sides of your beef patty generously with salt and pepper.
Place the patty in the hot skillet. Sear for about 3–4 minutes until a deep, dark crust forms.
Flip the burger, immediately place the cheddar cheese slice on top, and cover the pan with a lid for 2–3 minutes so the cheese melts completely. Remove the patty and let it rest for a moment.
4. Fry the Perfect Egg
Lower the skillet heat to medium-low. Crack the egg gently into the pan.
Cook undisturbed until the whites are fully set but the yolk remains completely liquid and glossy (about 3 minutes).
5. Build Your Burger
Assemble the burger from the bottom up to capture the look of the photo:
Bottom Bun: Spread a generous layer of the special sauce.
Greens: Lay down the handful of fresh baby arugula.
The Patty: Place the juicy, cheese-covered beef patty on top of the greens.
The Bacon: Cross the two crispy bacon strips over the cheese.
The Star: Carefully slide the sunny-side-up fried egg on top of the bacon.
Top Bun: Secure everything with the top bun (and a bamboo pick if you want to keep it steady!).
Serve immediately on a plate alongside your hot, crispy tater tots. To get that iconic picture-perfect look, gently pierce the yolk right before serving so it cascades down the side of the cheese and bun. Enjoy!
Making the Morning Glory Burger at home brings a satisfying twist to classic brunch and burger meals. One of the key secrets to elevating this burger is choosing fresh, high-quality ingredients like chuck ground beef and thick-cut bacon. The balance of textures—from the toasted brioche bun to the crispy bacon and gooey cheddar—is essential for both taste and bite. When preparing the special sauce, I find that the sriracha and lemon juice combo adds a zesty kick that complements the savory flavors perfectly. Adjusting the sriracha quantity to your heat tolerance will make it just right for your palate. Using baby arugula adds a peppery freshness that cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese. In my experience, air frying the tater tots at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes results in unbeatable crispiness, making them a great side that holds up well alongside the burger. The egg is truly the star of this burger—cooked sunny-side up with a runny yolk that creates a luscious sauce when pierced just before serving, cascading over the cheddar and bacon. For an even more indulgent burger, try experimenting with adding caramelized onions or swapping cheddar for a sharp aged cheese to deepen the flavor profile. Whether cooking for a weekend brunch or a special breakfast, this burger ticks all the boxes for a hearty, mouthwatering meal. Don't forget a good quality skillet and enough patience during the searing process to develop that signature crust on the beef patty. Enjoy crafting this iconic Morning Glory Burger in your own kitchen—it’s a crowd-pleaser that balances rich, spicy, creamy, and fresh elements in every delicious bite.
