Hey there, Jason Griffith here! Christmas morning is truly special, filled with excitement, gifts, and the aroma of holiday cheer. Why not make the breakfast just as memorable? Today, we’re ditching the usual pancakes for something truly extraordinary: the Christmas Morning Burger. This isn’t just a burger; it’s a celebration in a bun, combining a savory beef patty with crispy bacon, a perfectly fried egg, melted cheese, and fresh green onions. It’s hearty, it’s festive, and it’s the perfect way to fuel your holiday joy!
Why I Love This Recipe
I adore this recipe because it takes the comforting familiarity of a breakfast sandwich and elevates it into a substantial, celebratory meal. The combination of a juicy beef patty with classic breakfast elements like bacon and fried eggs is simply divine. It’s a wonderful deviation from traditional holiday breakfasts, offering something unique and incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s relatively quick to assemble, leaving you more time for opening presents and enjoying family. If you’re looking for other easy and hearty morning meals, my One-Pan Breakfast Bake that will make you skip the usual routine is a fantastic option for feeding a crowd!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these festive Christmas Morning Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is great for burgers)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 slices of bacon
- 4 eggs
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
Swaps and Notes
- Ground Beef: You can use ground turkey or pork sausage for the patties if you prefer, but beef gives that classic burger taste.
- Bacon: Any type of bacon will work; cook it to your desired crispness.
- Eggs: Fry your eggs to your preference – sunny-side up, over easy, or even over medium if you prefer a less runny yolk.
- Cheddar Cheese: While cheddar is classic, American cheese, Monterey Jack, or even a slice of provolone would also melt beautifully.
- Hamburger Buns: Brioche buns add a touch of sweetness and richness, but any good quality hamburger bun will do.
- Sauces: Feel free to mix the mayonnaise and ketchup for a custom “secret sauce,” or add a dash of hot sauce for some heat. A little Worcestershire sauce in the burger patties can also enhance the savory flavor.
- Green Onions: Chives would also be a lovely, milder alternative.
Steps for the Recipe
- Prepare the Beef Patties: In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, and pepper. Gently mix with your hands until just combined – avoid overmixing, which can lead to tough burgers. Form the mixture into 4 equally sized patties. Set them aside.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet (or on a baking sheet in the oven if you prefer), cook the 4 slices of bacon over medium heat until they are crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess grease. Set aside.
- Cook the Burgers: In the same skillet (draining off most of the bacon fat first, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor), increase the heat to medium-high. Place the beef patties in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness, or adjust cooking time to reach your desired level of doneness.
- Fry the Eggs: While the burger patties are cooking, heat a separate non-stick skillet over medium heat. Fry the 4 eggs until the yolks are just set to your liking. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Toast the Buns: While everything else is cooking, toast the hamburger buns in a toaster, under the broiler, or face-down in a dry skillet until lightly golden.
- Assemble the Burgers: Now for the fun part – assembling your Christmas Morning Burgers! Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise on the bottom half of each toasted hamburger bun.
- Place a cooked beef patty on top of the mayonnaise. Immediately top the hot patty with a slice of cheddar cheese so it can start to melt.
- Add a crispy slice of bacon (you can break it in half to fit better) on top of the cheese.
- Carefully place a perfectly fried egg on top of the bacon.
- Finish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions over the egg.
- Sauce the Top Bun: Drizzle ketchup on the top half of the hamburger bun before gently placing it on top of your masterpiece.
- Serve: Serve the Christmas Morning Burgers hot and savor every festive bite!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Patties: For juicy burgers, avoid pressing down on them with a spatula as they cook, which squeezes out the juices.
- Perfect Egg Yolk: For a classic runny yolk that cascades over the burger, cook the eggs sunny-side up or over easy. If you prefer no runny yolk, cook them over hard.
- Toast the Buns: Toasted buns add a crucial textural element and prevent the bun from getting soggy from the juicy fillings.
- Warm Cheese: Place the cheese on the hot patty immediately after cooking to ensure it melts perfectly.
- Prep Ahead: Cook the bacon and chop the green onions ahead of time to make assembly quicker on Christmas morning.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
The Christmas Morning Burger is a complete meal in itself, but if you want to make it an even grander spread, consider serving it with a simple fruit salad to add a fresh, light element. Roasted breakfast potatoes or a festive hash would also be great additions. For drinks, a hot cup of coffee, a glass of fresh orange juice, or even a celebratory mimosa would be perfect. And if you have any sweet cravings after this savory delight, you could always follow up with a slice of my Chocolate Chip Banana Bread.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This burger is truly best enjoyed fresh and hot, right after assembly, to experience the perfect melted cheese and runny yolk (if preferred). Assembled burgers do not store well. However, you can prepare the individual components ahead of time: cooked bacon can be stored in the fridge for a few days and reheated. Patties can be formed and kept raw in the fridge for a day, or cooked and reheated gently. It’s always best to cook the eggs fresh right before serving.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the hearty and comforting nature of this Christmas Morning Burger, you’ll find plenty more delicious inspiration on Chef Maniac!
- For another fantastic, family-friendly meal, my Instant Pot Lasagna is a huge time-saver.
- And if you’re ever in the mood for something truly comforting, these Easy Turkey Wings are pure bliss for lazy Sundays.
Final Thoughts
The Christmas Morning Burger is a delightful and indulgent way to kick off your holiday festivities. It’s hearty, incredibly satisfying, and brings a unique twist to your breakfast table. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone feel a little extra special on a very special day.
I hope this burger brings a lot of joy to your Christmas morning! What are your favorite holiday breakfast traditions? Share your festive food ideas in the comments below, or tag us on social media. And don’t forget to keep following Chef Maniac for more delicious inspiration throughout the year! Happy holidays and happy cooking!
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