Breakfast Burgers with Bacon Jam – A Savory Brunch Upgrade

Breakfast Burgers with Bacon Jam are everything your brunch dreams are made of—savory, juicy, and a little bit over-the-top (in the best way). I still remember my first shot at a homemade breakfast sandwich. It was a sad sausage-and-toast situation—greasy, underwhelming, and totally forgettable. But everything changed the day I discovered bacon jam. Sweet, smoky, and savory? Game over. Stack that on a juicy burger patty, top it with a melty slice of cheddar and a runny fried egg, and you’ve got a morning masterpiece. If you’re craving a bold brunch burger with bacon, you’re in the right kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Breakfast Bacon Burger

What Makes This Bacon Jam Burger Special

• Savory‑sweet bacon jam with a bourbon kick that takes this burger from basic to gourmet breakfast burgers territory.
  
• A thick, juicy beef patty done just right—plus melty cheddar (or your favorite cheese).
  
• A fried egg with a luscious yolk: the drippy “wow” factor in your egg and bacon burger.
  
• A sturdy bun (brioche or English muffin) that stands up to this monster creation—no soggy bottoms here.
  
• Frank‑style chef insight: “This is key—you’re building layers of flavor, not just stacking ingredients.”

Key Components of the Breakfast Burger

Beef Patty – seasoned, juicy & perfectly cooked

Go for 80/20 ground beef—juicy is non‑negotiable. When shaping patties, don’t overwork the meat. Flatten gently and press a dimple in the center so it cooks evenly. Salt and pepper only—simple seasoning lets quality shine.
Chef note: Don’t overcrowd your pan—it’ll steam, not sear. That char is everything.

Cheese – the melting magic layer

Cheddar is classic for a bacon jam breakfast sandwich, but feel free to explore Swiss, pepper jack, or Gruyère if you’re leaning into the gourmet breakfast burgers vibe.

Fried Egg – rich, gooey, golden

Sunny‑side up or over‑easy is your friend here. You’re aiming for that “drippy” yolk look, where the egg collapses at first bite and becomes the sauce. Critical for an unforgettable egg and bacon burger.

Bourbon Bacon Jam – the flavor explosion

Think sweet brown sugar, smoky bacon, sharp vinegar, bold coffee, and a splash of bourbon. It clings beautifully to the patty, so each bite bursts with smoky‑sweet goodness. That’s why brunch burgers with bacon are a next‑level addiction.

Bun – the foundation that holds it all together

Choose a thick‑crusted brioche, toasted English muffin, or even a crisped‑up potato roll. Whatever you pick, toast it in leftover bacon fat for bonus flavor and resistance to soggy bun syndrome.

Detailed Ingredient List

Optional: arugula or microgreens, pickled jalapeños, hot sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Homemade Breakfast Burger

How to Make Bourbon Bacon Jam

1. Cook chopped bacon in a skillet until crisp.
   
2. Remove most of the rendered fat, saving about 1–2 tablespoons.
   
3. Sauté onion and garlic in the reserved fat until soft.
   
4. Pour in bourbon, brown sugar, vinegar, and coffee. Stir, bring to simmer.
   
5. Cook until mixture thickens into a jammy consistency—20–30 minutes.

Chef note: Jam should cling to burger, not slide off.

How to Cook the Burger Patties

1. Divide beef into quarter‑pound portions. Shape lightly; leave a dimple in center.
   
2. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
   
3. Heat skillet or grill to medium‑high. Cook patties, flipping only once, to your preferred doneness.
   
4. In the last minute, add cheese to melt.

Tip: Overcrowding? Nope. Steam is the enemy. Sear is the goal.

How to Fry the Egg

Heat a pat of butter over medium‑low. Crack in egg. Let whites set fully while yolk remains jiggly. Season lightly.
This is key: the soft yolk makes it a true bacon jam breakfast sandwich.

Burger Assembly

1. Spread butter or oil onto both bun halves; toast lightly.
   
2. Layer bottom bun → cheesy patty → heaping scoop of bacon jam → fried egg → top bun.
   
3. Press gently and dive in. That yolk leakage, smoky jam, and beef juice? Flavor explosion.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Bacon Jam Breakfast Sandwich

• Dry your bacon before cooking jam to avoid sogginess.
  
• Toast buns in bacon fat for richness and structure.
  
• Make‑ahead bacon jam: it’ll store in the fridge for up to 1 week. Great for brunch prep.

Variations and Substitutions

• Try a vegetarian or turkey patty option using portobello mushrooms or a bean-based patty.
  
• Swap cheddar for Swiss, pepper jack, or Gruyère for a gourmet twist.
  
• Use English muffin, pretzel roll, or gluten‑free bun alternatives for different textures.

Serving Ideas for Your Morning Burger with Bacon

Serve your breakfast bacon burger with:

• Crispy roasted finger potatoes or sweet potato wedges
  
• Fresh fruit salad or citrusy slaw
  
• A faceted mimosa—for full brunch vibes

Presentation tip: Slice burger in half, garnish with microgreens or fresh herbs, let that yolk ooze right onto the plate.

Storage & Reheating

• Bacon jam: refrigerate in sealed jar for up to 1 week. Reheat gently—don’t allow it to burn.
  
• Patties & eggs: for best texture, assemble fresh. Reheat patties in dry skillet, gently reheat eggs in a separate pan.
  

More Homemade Breakfast Idea

Looking to round out your brunch table or planning ahead for next weekend? Check out these other delicious breakfast ideas:

• 🥓 Sausage Egg and Cheese Breakfast Roll Ups – Perfect for grab-and-go mornings or a crowd-pleasing brunch spread.
  
• 🫐 Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake – A sweet and protein-packed bake that feels indulgent, but keeps it light.
  
• 💪 High Protein Low Calorie Breakfasts – Fuel your mornings with satisfying, macro-friendly options.
  
• ⚡ Quick Healthy Breakfast Ideas for Busy Mornings – Short on time? These ideas have your back.
  
• 🥞 Buttermilk Pancakes from Scratch – Classic, fluffy, and 100% better than a mix.
  

FAQs – Breakfast Burgers with Bacon Jam

Conclusion + Call to Action

This is the homemade breakfast burger you deserve: a juicy beef patty, smoky‑sweet bacon jam, gooey cheese, and a blissfully runny egg—stacked on a toasted bun that holds it all.
It’s bold, it’s messy, it’s exactly what brunch was made for.

Now it’s your turn. Gather the ingredients, invite your friends or family over, and make these brunch burgers with bacon this weekend. Then come back and let me know how they turned out.

Want more brunch inspiration, chef tips, and flavor-packed ideas? Follow along on Pinterest at EmilioRecipes—your go-to board for crave-worthy creations.

Here’s to the best breakfast burger you’ll ever eat.

Breakfast Burgers with Bacon Jam – A Savory Brunch Upgrade

Print Recipe

Juicy breakfast burgers stacked with melty cheese, smoky-sweet bourbon bacon jam, and a perfectly fried egg—this is the brunch upgrade you’ve been waiting for.

• Author: Emilio
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ lb bacon (chopped)
• 1 small onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 T bourbon (optional)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 T apple cider vinegar
• 2 T brewed coffee
• 1 lb 80/20 ground beef (makes 4 patties)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 slices cheddar (or cheese of choice)
• 4 large eggs
• 4 buns (brioche, English muffin, or preferred)
• Butter or oil for cooking
• Optional: arugula or microgreens, pickled jalapeños, hot sauce

Instructions

1. Cook chopped bacon in a skillet until crisp. Remove most fat, leaving 1–2 tbsp.
2. Sauté onion and garlic in reserved fat until soft.
3. Add bourbon, brown sugar, vinegar, and coffee. Simmer until thick and jammy, 20–30 minutes.
4. Divide beef into 4 patties with a center dimple. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook patties in a hot skillet or grill, flipping once. Add cheese in final minute.
6. Fry eggs in butter over medium-low until whites are set and yolk is runny. Season lightly.
7. Butter or oil bun halves and toast lightly.
8. Assemble: bottom bun → cheesy patty → scoop of bacon jam → fried egg → top bun.
9. Press gently and serve immediately.

Notes

Make bacon jam ahead of time—it keeps up to 1 week refrigerated. Toast buns in bacon fat for extra flavor and stability. Don’t overcrowd patties when cooking—char is key.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 burger
• Calories: 720
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 48g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 26g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 235mg

Keywords: breakfast burger, bacon jam, egg and bacon burger, brunch, bourbon bacon, cheesy burger