Heston Blumenthal's English Breakfast Burger
Heston Blumenthal's English Breakfast Burger is a easy American recipe that serves 1. 650 calories per serving. Recipe by TIME TO COOK on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $5.08 total, $5.08 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Brioche Buns (split and lightly toasted)
- 150 g Ground Beef (80/20 lean‑to‑fat ratio, formed into one patty)
- 2 slices Bacon Strips (thick‑cut preferred)
- 1 large Egg (room temperature)
- 1 medium Tomato (sliced ¼‑inch; half for raw, half for charred)
- 1 leaf Lettuce Leaf (Romaine or butter lettuce)
- 2 tbsp Mayonnaise (regular or light)
- 1 tsp Sherry Vinegar (adds bright acidity)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for pan cooking)
- 1 tsp Unsalted Butter (for frying the egg)
- 1 pinch Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 pinch Salt (season patty)
Instructions
Preheat the Skillet
Place a large skillet over high heat and let it become smoking hot before adding any fat.
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Prepare Ingredients
While the pan heats, slice the tomato (¼‑inch thick), wash and pat dry the lettuce leaf, split and lightly toast the brioche buns, and mix the mayonnaise with the sherry vinegar in a small bowl.
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Cook Bacon
Add ½ tbsp olive oil to the hot skillet, then lay the bacon strips in. Cook, flipping every 20 seconds, until crisp and browned, about 3‑4 minutes per side.
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Sear the Beef Patty
Season the beef patty with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Place it in the same skillet, pressing gently. Flip every 20 seconds for a total of 2 minutes per side to develop a brown crust.
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Rest the Patty
Transfer the cooked patty to a plate and loosely cover with foil. Let it rest for 5‑10 minutes so the juices redistribute.
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Char Tomato Slices in Skillet
Add a splash of olive oil to the skillet and add the remaining tomato slices. Sear 30 seconds per side until lightly charred.
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Broil Additional Tomato Slices
Place a few tomato slices under the broiler (or grill) for 1‑2 minutes until the skin blisters and turns dark, creating a bitter note.
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Temperature: Broiler
Fry the Egg
Reduce heat to low‑medium, add the teaspoon of butter, and crack the egg into the skillet. Cook until the whites are set but the yolk remains runny, about 2 minutes.
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Assemble the Burger
Spread the mayo‑vinegar mixture on both halves of the toasted brioche bun. Layer lettuce, a raw tomato slice, the rested beef patty, crispy bacon, charred tomato, and the fried egg. Sprinkle a pinch of black pepper and drizzle a few drops of sherry vinegar over the egg before topping with the bun crown.
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Serve
Serve the breakfast burger immediately while hot and the yolk is still runny.
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Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 650
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 35 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten, Contains dairy, High protein
Allergens: Eggs, Milk, Wheat, Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Brioche Buns: Potato buns, regular hamburger buns
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, ground chicken
- Instead of Bacon Strips: Turkey bacon, vegetarian bacon
- Instead of Egg: Egg substitute (e.g., Just Egg)
- Instead of Tomato: Heirloom tomato, canned roasted tomatoes
- Instead of Lettuce Leaf: Spinach leaf, arugula
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt, aioli
- Instead of Sherry Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, ghee
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Spatula
- Tongs
- Cutting Board
- Chef Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Broiler or Grill (optional)
- Plate
- Aluminum Foil (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Preheat the Skillet
- Cook Bacon
- Sear the Beef Patty
- Fry the Egg
- Assemble the Burger
Chef Tips from the Video
- A smoking‑hot pan is the secret to a flavorful crust on both bacon and beef.
- Charred tomato adds a pleasant bitterness that balances the richness of the egg and bacon.
- A few drops of sherry vinegar brighten the whole sandwich and cut through the fat.
Troubleshooting
Patty turns out dry
Do not over‑cook; keep the skillet smoking hot and flip every 20 seconds for a quick sear. Rest the patty before serving.
Egg yolk hardens
Cook the egg on low‑medium heat and cover briefly; remove from heat as soon as whites set.
Bun becomes soggy
Toast the brioche halves until just golden and spread mayo before adding juicy toppings.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cooked bacon, patty, and egg can be stored in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Keep buns separate to avoid sogginess.
Freezer: Uncooked beef patty freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw before cooking.
Room temperature: Assembled burger should be eaten immediately; it does not keep well at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the bacon and beef patty a few hours ahead and reheat gently in a skillet before assembly.
- Prepare the mayo‑sherry vinegar sauce and store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Slice the tomatoes and wash lettuce in advance; keep them dry in a paper‑towel‑lined container.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of the Breakfast Burger in American brunch cuisine?
The Breakfast Burger is a modern twist on classic American breakfast sandwiches, merging the hearty elements of a cooked breakfast—bacon, egg, and tomato—with the convenience of a burger. It reflects the American brunch trend of combining sweet and savory flavors in a single handheld dish, often enjoyed on weekends and holidays.
What regional variations of the Breakfast Burger exist within the United States?
In the Southern U.S., the burger may feature a buttermilk biscuit instead of a brioche bun and add cheese. West Coast versions often swap bacon for avocado and use whole‑grain buns. In the Midwest, a cheese‑filled patty (a “Juicy Lucy”) is sometimes incorporated for extra indulgence.
How is the Breakfast Burger traditionally served in American brunch settings?
It is typically served hot, with the bun lightly toasted, the egg still runny, and accompanied by a side of hash browns or fresh fruit. Some diners drizzle a little hot sauce or serve with a small pitcher of coffee or a mimosa for a complete brunch experience.
What occasions or celebrations is the Breakfast Burger associated with in American culture?
The Breakfast Burger is popular for weekend brunches, holiday breakfasts like Thanksgiving morning, and casual gatherings such as backyard barbecues or sports‑watching parties where a filling, portable meal is desired.
What makes the Breakfast Burger special or unique in American cuisine?
Its uniqueness lies in the combination of a classic burger patty with traditional breakfast components—bacon, fried egg, and charred tomato—creating a layered flavor profile of salty, umami, acidic, and slightly bitter notes all in one bite.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Breakfast Burger at home?
Common errors include over‑cooking the patty or egg, which dries out the burger, adding oil too early which causes splatter, and not toasting the bun enough, leading to sogginess. Follow the hot‑pan technique and rest the patty for juicier results.
Why does this Breakfast Burger recipe use frequent flipping every 20 seconds instead of a single sear?
Frequent flipping prevents one side from burning while still allowing the surface to develop a crust quickly. This method distributes heat evenly and keeps the interior juicy, especially important for a thin beef patty.
Can I make the Breakfast Burger ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can pre‑cook the bacon and beef patty, store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, and reheat gently before assembly. Keep the buns toasted separately and assemble just before serving to maintain texture.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Breakfast Burger is done?
The beef patty should have a dark, caramelized crust on the outside while remaining pink in the center. The egg whites are set but the yolk remains bright yellow and runny. The brioche bun should be golden‑brown with a slight crisp on the cut sides.
What does the YouTube channel TIME TO COOK specialize in?
The YouTube channel TIME TO COOK focuses on practical, everyday recipes that blend classic comfort food with modern twists, emphasizing clear step‑by‑step instructions, quick techniques, and brunch‑friendly meals for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel TIME TO COOK's approach to American brunch recipes differ from other cooking channels?
TIME TO COOK prioritizes minimal equipment, high‑heat pan techniques, and flavor layering (such as charred tomatoes and sherry‑vinegar drizzle) while keeping recipes approachable for beginners, unlike some channels that rely on elaborate plating or specialty gadgets.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
