Sunnyside Burger with Chipotle Aioli Recipe

Ground beef: The main protein for the burger patties, giving the burger its juicy and hearty base.

Burger buns: Soft bread to hold all the delicious layers together.

Eggs: Fried sunny-side-up to add a creamy, rich topping.

Cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly on the patties for a classic cheesy flavor.

Shredded lettuce: Adds a fresh, crunchy texture.

Tomato: Sliced for juiciness and a bit of sweetness.

Onion: Sliced for a sharp, savory bite.

Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the chipotle aioli.

Minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: Adds smoky heat and depth to the aioli.

Lime juice: Gives the aioli a bright, tangy kick.

Minced garlic: Adds a punch of flavor to the aioli.

One of the coolest parts of making the Sunnyside Burger is frying the eggs sunny-side-up. It might sound tricky, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll feel like a pro. Here’s how to do it step by step:

1. Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-low heat. You want it warm but not too hot, so the egg cooks gently.
2. Add a tiny bit of oil or butter to the pan to keep the egg from sticking.
3. Crack the egg carefully into a small bowl first, then gently slide it into the pan. This helps avoid breaking the yolk.
4. Let the egg cook slowly without flipping it. The white should set while the yolk stays runny and bright yellow.
5. If you want, you can cover the pan with a lid for a minute to help the top of the white cook without flipping.

Doing it this way makes the egg look beautiful and taste amazing because the yolk stays soft and creamy. That runny yolk is perfect for your burger—it adds a rich, silky texture that makes every bite special.

When I first tried sunny-side-up eggs, I was impatient and turned up the heat too high. The white got crispy and the yolk cooked through, which wasn’t what I wanted. Now, I keep the heat low and wait patiently. Also, cracking the egg into a bowl first saves me from accidentally dropping shell pieces into the pan.

This little trick makes your Sunnyside Burger feel extra fancy and delicious without any fuss. Plus, it’s fun to see that perfect egg sitting on top of your juicy beef patty and melted cheddar cheese. Give it a try—you’ll love how it turns out!

• ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• burger buns - Substitute with whole wheat buns: Whole wheat buns offer more fiber and nutrients compared to regular burger buns.

• eggs - Substitute with avocado slices: Avocado slices provide a creamy texture and healthy fats, making it a good alternative for those avoiding eggs.

• cheddar cheese - Substitute with Swiss cheese: Swiss cheese melts well and has a mild flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• shredded lettuce - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach adds a nutritional boost and a slightly different texture.

• sliced tomato - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers add a sweet and smoky flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

• sliced onion - Substitute with caramelized onions: Caramelized onions add a sweet and rich flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the burger.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a tangy flavor and creamy texture while being lower in fat and calories.

• minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce - Substitute with sriracha sauce: Sriracha sauce offers a similar level of heat and a slightly different but complementary flavor.

• lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice provides a similar acidity and brightness to the aioli.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic for convenience and a similar flavor profile.

• Allow the burger patties to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Wrap each burger patty individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped burger patties in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. Label with the date to keep track of storage time.
• Store the burger buns separately in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container. If freezing, consider wrapping each bun individually in plastic wrap before placing them in the bag.
• For the chipotle aioli, transfer it to a small airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture.
• Vegetables like lettuce, tomato, and onion should be stored separately. Place them in resealable plastic bags or airtight containers in the refrigerator. They should be consumed within a few days for optimal freshness.
• Sunny-side-up eggs are best made fresh. If you must store them, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on a stovetop to avoid overcooking the yolk.
• When ready to reassemble, thaw the burger patties in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Reheat them on a grill or stovetop until warmed through.
• Toast the burger buns lightly on a grill or in a toaster for a fresh, crispy texture.
• Reassemble the Sunnyside Burger by following the original recipe instructions, ensuring all components are fresh and properly heated.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Wrap the burger patties in aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  3. Place the wrapped patties on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
  4. For the burger buns, wrap them in foil and place them in the oven for the last 5 minutes of the patties' reheating time.
  5. Reheat the sunny-side-up eggs in a non-stick skillet over low heat for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed.
  6. Reassemble the burger with fresh lettuce, tomato, and onion, and enjoy!

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place the burger patties in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until warmed through.
  4. Toast the burger buns in the same skillet for about 1-2 minutes per side.
  5. Reheat the sunny-side-up eggs in the skillet over low heat for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Reassemble the burger with fresh lettuce, tomato, and onion, and enjoy!

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the burger patties on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture.
  2. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  3. Wrap the burger buns in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds.
  4. Reheat the sunny-side-up eggs by placing them on a microwave-safe plate and covering with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 15-20 seconds.
  5. Reassemble the burger with fresh lettuce, tomato, and onion, and enjoy!

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the burger patties in the air fryer basket and heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  3. For the burger buns, place them in the air fryer for the last 2-3 minutes of the patties' reheating time.
  4. Reheat the sunny-side-up eggs in a non-stick skillet over low heat for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Reassemble the burger with fresh lettuce, tomato, and onion, and enjoy!

• Grill: Used to cook the beef patties to perfection, giving them a delicious smoky flavor.

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the ground beef with salt and pepper to form the patties.

• Frying pan: Necessary for frying the eggs sunny-side-up.

• Spatula: Handy for flipping the beef patties on the grill and for handling the sunny-side-up eggs.

• Knife: Used for slicing the tomato and onion.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the tomato and onion.

• Measuring cup: Helps measure the mayonnaise accurately for the chipotle aioli.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the minced chipotle peppers, lime juice, and minced garlic for the aioli.

• Mixing spoon: Useful for mixing the ingredients of the chipotle aioli together.

• Tongs: Convenient for placing the cheese slices on the patties and for assembling the burgers.

• Plate: Used to hold the cooked patties and fried eggs before assembling the burgers.

• Basting brush: Optional but useful for spreading the chipotle aioli on the buns evenly.

Pre-make the patties: Form the ground beef into patties the night before and store them in the fridge.

Prep the veggies: Slice the tomato, onion, and shred the lettuce ahead of time.

Make the aioli in advance: Mix the mayonnaise, minced chipotle peppers, lime juice, and minced garlic the day before and refrigerate.

Use a grill pan: If you don't have a grill, use a grill pan on the stove to save setup time.

Cook eggs simultaneously: Fry the eggs while the burgers are grilling to save time.