Homemade 2am Breakfast Burger: Recreate the Iconic Rock Bottom Brewery Recipe
Indulge in the legendary 2am Breakfast Burger from Rock Bottom Brewery, now perfected in your own kitchen! This epic burger recipe is generously topped with crispy hash browns, smoky bacon, and a perfectly fried egg, making it truly the best burger experience imaginable.

There’s something undeniably special about a truly great burger, and for many, the “2am Burger” from Rock Bottom Brewery holds a legendary status. This national chain is renowned for its incredible burgers, and their signature 2am offering is a standout. I vividly remember a recent visit with my son for his birthday; the mere description of this burger on the menu had at least three out of five of us practically drooling! It was clear then and there that I had to bring this magnificent creation home.
Why wait for a late-night craving or a trip to a restaurant when you can recreate this masterpiece yourself? This Breakfast Burger copycat recipe combines all your favorite breakfast foods into one glorious, towering masterpiece, making it a perfect meal any time of day. Who could resist a juicy burger patty crowned with crispy hash browns, savory bacon, and a runny fried egg? It’s an experience, not just a meal.

Crafting Your Own 2am Breakfast Burger: What You’ll Need
Before diving into the full experience, let’s gather our essential ingredients. For the complete, printable recipe card with exact measurements and detailed instructions, be sure to scroll down to the bottom of this post!
- High-Quality Ground Beef: The foundation of any great burger. Opt for an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A secret weapon for adding depth and umami to your burger patties.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple, yet crucial seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the beef.
- Hamburger Buns: Choose sturdy, soft buns that can handle the generous toppings without falling apart. Brioche buns are an excellent choice for a touch of sweetness.
- Smoky Bacon: Crispy bacon strips are a non-negotiable for this breakfast burger.
- Hash Brown Patties: The crisp, golden potato layer that truly transforms this into a breakfast sensation.
- Fried Eggs: Preferably sunny side up, with a perfectly runny yolk that will cascade over your burger.
- Cheddar Cheese: (Optional, but highly recommended!) A slice of sharp cheddar melts beautifully, adding another layer of creamy, tangy flavor.

The Art of the Breakfast Burger: Why This Combination Works
This epic burger isn’t just a collection of ingredients; it’s a symphony of textures and flavors. The hearty burger patty, seasoned to perfection, provides a robust base. On top, the golden-brown crispness of hash browns adds a delightful textural contrast, while the savory, salty crunch of bacon perfectly complements the rich beef. And then, there’s the fried egg – specifically, a sunny-side-up egg with its luscious, liquid yolk. Once pierced, that yolk creates an instant sauce, enriching every bite with a creamy, decadent finish.
Admittedly, this breakfast burger may be a little messy to eat, but I promise you, every glorious drip and messy bite is absolutely worth it. My husband has always been an enormous fan of burgers with a fried egg on top, so I knew this Rock Bottom Brewery copycat would be an instant hit with him. What surprised me, however, was how much my 11-year-old loved it too! It’s truly a full meal packed into one incredible burger, offering a satisfying blend of breakfast and dinner favorites. For a complete experience, I went ahead and served it with a side of crispy onion rings. Because if you’re going to recreate a famous restaurant burger at home, you might as well go all out!

Tips for the Ultimate Homemade 2am Breakfast Burger
- Perfect Patties: Don’t overmix your ground beef; gentle handling keeps it tender. Form patties slightly larger than your buns, as they will shrink during cooking. Create a small dimple in the center of each patty to prevent it from bulging in the middle.
- Crispy Hash Browns: Whether using frozen hash brown patties or making your own, ensure they are cooked until deep golden brown and crispy. This adds crucial texture to the burger. Follow package directions for frozen ones, often involving baking or pan-frying.
- Bacon Bliss: Cook your bacon to your preferred crispness. For optimal flavor and texture on a burger, I recommend a medium crisp, allowing for some chewiness.
- Flawless Fried Eggs: The runny yolk is key! Cook your eggs sunny side up or over easy. A quick tip for a perfect runny yolk is to cook it on medium-low heat with a lid on the pan for a minute or two – this steams the top of the egg, cooking the whites without overcooking the yolk.
- Toasted Buns: Don’t skip toasting your burger buns! This creates a barrier against moisture and adds a pleasant crunch, ensuring your burger doesn’t get soggy. A minute or two on the grill or in a hot pan is all it takes.
- Cheese Please (Optional but recommended): If adding cheddar cheese, place it on the patties during the last couple of minutes of grilling to allow it to melt perfectly.
I have a strong feeling that these homemade breakfast burgers are going to become a new weekly dinner request, especially during the summer. And you know what sauce would elevate these burgers even further, and also be amazing for dipping those onion rings? A classic Canes Sauce. It’s so good with just about everything!
Serving Suggestions & Customization for Your Breakfast Burger
While the 2am Breakfast Burger is undeniably a complete meal on its own, pairing it with certain sides can elevate the experience. Crispy onion rings or French fries are classic choices, echoing the restaurant experience. For something a little lighter, a simple green salad or some fresh fruit can provide a nice contrast. Don’t forget a refreshing beverage, perhaps an iced tea or even a mimosa for a true brunch vibe.
Feeling adventurous? Here are some ideas to customize your homemade 2am Breakfast Burger:
- Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheeses like Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Sauce It Up: Beyond Canes Sauce, consider a sriracha mayo, a smoky BBQ sauce, or even a creamy hollandaise for extra breakfast flair.
- Veggies & More: Add fresh slices of avocado, tomato, lettuce, or caramelized onions for additional flavor and texture.
- Spice Level: Mix a pinch of red pepper flakes into your ground beef or add a slice of jalapeño for heat.
- Bun Choices: While classic hamburger buns are great, try ciabatta, pretzel buns, or even English muffins for a unique twist.
More Tasty Burger Recipes to Savor
If you loved this indulgent breakfast burger recipe, you’ll surely want to explore other exciting burger creations. From leaner options to bold flavor profiles, there’s a burger for every craving:
- Air Fryer Chicken Burgers: A healthier, yet equally delicious, alternative cooked with ease.
- Best Turkey Burgers: Flavorful and juicy, proving that turkey burgers can be just as satisfying.
- Buffalo Chicken Burger: For those who love a bit of heat and tangy buffalo flavor.
- Classic Hamburgers: Sometimes, you just can’t beat a perfectly cooked, traditional burger.
- Spicy Bacon Cheeseburger: A fiery and cheesy delight for bacon lovers.
2am Breakfast Burger
Erin Sellin
10 minutes
15 minutes
25 minutes
4
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Ingredients
-
1 to 1 1/2
pounds
ground beef
-
2
teaspoons
Worcestershire sauce -
1
teaspoon
salt
-
1/2
teaspoon
black pepper
-
4
hamburger buns
-
4
strips cooked bacon -
4
hash brown patties,
cooked according to package directions -
4
fried eggs,
sunny side up -
4
slices
cheddar cheese
,
(optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat your grill to high heat. While the grill heats, you can begin preparing your patties and other components.
-
In a medium-sized bowl, gently combine the ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the burgers tough. Form the seasoned meat into 4 equally sized patties, making them slightly wider than your buns to account for shrinkage during cooking. Create a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to help them cook evenly and prevent bulging.1 to 1 1/2 pounds ground beef,
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce,
1 teaspoon salt,
1/2 teaspoon black pepper -
Place the patties on the preheated grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side for a medium doneness, adjusting cooking time to your preferred level. If you desire cheese, add a slice to each burger during the last 2 minutes of grilling, allowing it to melt beautifully. Simultaneously, place your hamburger buns face down on the grill during the last 1-2 minutes to toast them lightly until golden brown.4 slices cheddar cheese
-
To assemble your magnificent 2am Breakfast Burger, start by placing a cooked hash brown patty on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Next, layer with the grilled burger patty (topped with melted cheese, if using). Crown the burger with a strip of crispy bacon and, finally, a perfectly fried sunny-side-up egg. Place the top bun and serve immediately for the best experience. Enjoy your homemade Rock Bottom Brewery indulgence!4 hamburger buns,
4 strips cooked bacon,
4 hash brown patties,
4 fried eggs
Nutrition
Calories:
1232
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
83
g
|
Protein:
68
g
|
Fat:
70
g
|
Saturated Fat:
21
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
42
g
|
Trans Fat:
2
g
|
Cholesterol:
237
mg
|
Sodium:
1422
mg
|
Fiber:
7
g
|
Sugar:
4
g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Erin Sellin
10 minutes
15 minutes
25 minutes
Dinner Recipes, Brunch Recipes, Breakfast Recipes
American
4
1232
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