The Brunch Burger from Applebee's features a juicy beef patty topped with crispy bacon, a fried egg, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh lettuce, all nestled in a toasted brioche bun, delivering a hearty and flavorful twist on classic brunch flavors.
Equipments
- Grill or griddle
- Frying pan or skillet
- Spatula
- Tongs
- Cheese slicer or knife
- Egg ring (optional)
- Toaster or oven
- Plate
- Knife
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 brioche buns
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 8 slices bacon
- Lettuce leaves
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Butter (for toasting buns)
Use fresh ground beef for the patty to ensure juiciness and flavor, seasoning it simply with salt and black pepper. Crisp bacon adds a smoky contrast, so cook it thoroughly before assembling the burger. Frying eggs sunny-side up or over-easy keeps the yolk runny, enhancing the burger's richness. Toast brioche buns with butter to add a slight crunch and buttery taste that complements the savory ingredients. Your homemade Brunch Burger from Applebee's copycat menu offers a satisfying blend of breakfast and burger elements, perfect for a hearty meal anytime.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or griddle to medium-high heat.
- Form ground beef into 4 equal patties.
- Season patties with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Cook bacon in frying pan or skillet until crispy; set aside on paper towel.
- Grill beef patties on grill/griddle for 3-4 minutes per side or desired doneness.
- Place cheddar cheese slice on each patty in the last minute of grilling; allow to melt.
- Toast brioche buns with butter on grill, skillet, or toaster/oven until golden.
- Fry eggs using egg ring in frying pan/skillet until whites are set and yolks slightly runny.
- Layer bottom brioche bun with lettuce leaf.
- Add cheese-topped beef patty over lettuce.
- Add 2 bacon slices over each patty.
- Place fried egg on top of bacon.
- Cover with top brioche bun.
- Serve immediately on plate.
Substitution
The Brunch Burger from Applebee's copycat menu offers a delicious blend of savory and breakfast flavors with its juicy beef patty, crispy bacon, fried egg, and melted cheddar on a soft brioche bun. If brioche buns are unavailable, you can substitute with any soft hamburger bun or even a toasted English muffin for a different texture. Should you prefer, turkey or plant-based patties can replace ground beef to cater to dietary preferences without compromising flavor. Using a non-stick skillet simplifies cooking the egg and bacon, while an egg ring helps maintain a neat, uniform shape for presentation. Your choice of lettuce can also vary; iceberg or romaine work well if fresh leaf lettuce is not on hand.
Tips
Ensure the beef patties are evenly shaped and not over-handled to maintain juiciness and prevent toughness. Use an egg ring for perfectly shaped fried eggs with consistent yolk doneness, which enhances presentation and cooking uniformity. Toast brioche buns with a light layer of butter for a golden, crispy texture that adds flavor and prevents sogginess. When assembling, layer ingredients carefully to avoid slipping and ensure each bite includes bacon, egg, cheese, and lettuce for balanced flavors.
Nutritions
The Brunch Burger from Applebee's provides a balanced combination of macronutrients, featuring approximately 25 grams of protein from the beef patty, bacon, and egg, which supports muscle repair and satiety. With around 40 grams of fat, including saturated fats from the cheese, bacon, and egg yolk, it offers a rich energy source but should be consumed in moderation to maintain heart health. The brioche bun and lettuce contribute carbohydrates and dietary fiber, aiding digestion and providing energy needed for your day. You can optimize your meal by pairing this burger with a side of fresh vegetables or fruit to increase vitamin and mineral intake.
Storage
Store leftover Brunch Burger components separately to maintain freshness; wrap cooked beef patties, bacon, and fried eggs individually in airtight containers or plastic wrap. Keep toasted brioche buns in a resealable bag or container at room temperature for up to 2 days to avoid sogginess. Your best option for preserving flavor and texture is refrigeration within 2 hours of cooking, reheating patties and eggs gently using a skillet or microwave before assembling.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap the cheddar cheese with smoked gouda or pepper jack to introduce a creamy or spicy flavor profile. Instead of frying the egg sunny-side up, try scrambling it with chives for a softer texture. For a healthier twist, use turkey bacon or avocado slices in place of traditional bacon. Toasting the brioche buns with garlic butter can add an extra aromatic layer to your brunch burger.
Allergies
The Brunch Burger contains common allergens such as eggs, dairy from cheddar cheese and butter, and wheat from the brioche buns. Bacon and beef generally do not trigger allergies, but individuals with specific meat or pork allergies should exercise caution. Your risk of an allergic reaction increases if you have sensitivities to any of these ingredients, so informing your server about your allergies before ordering is essential.
Why this recipe?
The Brunch Burger from Applebee's combines savory breakfast ingredients like crispy bacon, fried eggs, and melted cheese atop a juicy beef patty, delivering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. Its unique combination appeals to both burger lovers and breakfast fans, making it a versatile choice for any time of day. You get a hearty, indulgent meal that stands out from typical burger options, offering great value and taste. Recreating this menu item at home allows you to customize ingredients and enjoy a restaurant-quality experience without the cost.