Breakfast · Part 3 of 3: Tips & recipe card

Smash Breakfast Sausage Burger with Maple Bacon Jam Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Name: Smash Breakfast Sausage Burger with Maple Bacon Jam
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 85 g sage pork breakfast sausage; 1 sourdough English muffin, split and buttered; 1 slice American cheese; 25 g warm maple bacon onion jam; 1 fried egg

By Clara Weller · Oct 23, 2026

A smash breakfast sausage burger with lacy edges, melted cheese, maple bacon jam

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 8 min
Total: 18 min
Serves: 1

Tips for success

For the crispiest edges, use a heavy press and press down firmly for a few seconds. The thinner the patty, the more lacy edges you'll get.

Make sure the griddle is at the right temperature—if it's too cool, the sausage will stick and not brown properly. If it's too hot, the sugar in the sausage may burn.

To make a fried egg with a runny yolk, cook it in a nonstick skillet over medium heat with a little butter. Cover the pan for the last 30 seconds to set the whites while keeping the yolk soft.

If you prefer a fully cooked yolk, simply cook the egg longer until the yolk is firm. Always use pasteurized eggs if serving soft yolks to vulnerable individuals.

Variations

Spicy Smash Burger: Add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sausage before smashing. Use pepper jack cheese instead of American, and swap the maple jam for a chipotle mayo for a smoky kick.
Bacon Cheddar Smash: Top the patty with sharp cheddar and a couple of crispy bacon strips. Replace the maple jam with a dollop of Dijon mustard or a smear of mayonnaise for a classic pub-style flavor.
Veggie Smash: Use a plant-based breakfast sausage and vegan cheese. For the jam, use a vegan bacon jam or a simple maple-glazed onion jam. Ensure the English muffin is vegan-friendly.
Everything Bagel Smash: Swap the English muffin for a toasted everything bagel. Sprinkle the sausage patty with everything bagel seasoning before smashing for extra flavor. Keep the cheese and jam as is.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge: Store leftover patties and jam separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Freezer: Freeze cooked patties in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Reheat patties in a skillet over medium heat until hot and crispy, about 2 minutes per side. Warm the jam in the microwave or on the stove.

Store any leftover cooked sausage patties and jam separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

The English muffin and egg are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be assembled and reheated gently. Keep the jam in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week.

The maple bacon jam can be made up to a week ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The sausage balls can be portioned and refrigerated for up to 2 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.

When ready to cook, thaw frozen sausage in the refrigerator overnight. The English muffin can be toasted ahead and kept warm in a low oven.

Serving ideas

Serve the smash breakfast burger immediately after assembling to enjoy the crispy edges and warm, melted cheese. Pair it with a side of crispy hash browns or fresh fruit for a complete breakfast. A cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk complements the rich flavors perfectly.

For a brunch gathering, set up a build-your-own station with the sausage patties, warm jam, fried eggs, and toasted muffins. Let guests assemble their own burgers. This recipe is also fantastic as a hearty lunch or dinner option, especially when served with a simple green salad.

Frequently asked questions

Why does the sausage patty stick to the press?

If the press sticks, it's likely because the griddle isn't hot enough or the press isn't smooth. Make sure the griddle is smoking hot and the press is clean and dry. You can also lightly oil the press, but it shouldn't be necessary with a hot surface and fatty sausage.

Can this recipe be made without a cast-iron griddle?

Yes, a heavy stainless steel or carbon steel skillet works well. The key is to get the pan very hot before adding the sausage. Nonstick skillets are not ideal because they don't get hot enough for a good crust, but they can work if you're careful.

How can the egg be cooked to a fully set yolk?

To have a fully cooked yolk, cook the fried egg until the yolk is firm and no longer liquid. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side over medium heat, or you can cover the pan to speed up the process. Always ensure the egg reaches 160°F (71°C) for food safety.

Is it necessary to use maple bacon jam?

No, but it adds a distinctive sweet-savory flavor that complements the sausage and cheese. If you don't have it, you can substitute with a drizzle of maple syrup and crispy bacon bits, or use a store-bought bacon jam for convenience.

Can the sausage patty be made ahead and frozen?

Yes, you can form the sausage balls and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. You can also cook the patties, let them cool, and freeze them in a single layer for quick reheating later.

Recipe card

Smash Breakfast Sausage Burger with Maple Bacon Jam

Prep 10 minCook 8 minTotal 18 minServes 1

Ingredients

85 g sage pork breakfast sausage
1 sourdough English muffin, split and buttered
1 slice American cheese
25 g warm maple bacon onion jam
1 fried egg

Instructions

Butter the cut sides of the English muffin and toast them on the griddle or in a toaster until golden brown. Keep warm. Warm the maple bacon jam in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is spreadable.
Place a cast-iron griddle or large skillet over high heat and let it get very hot. The griddle is ready when a drop of water sizzles and evaporates immediately. Do not add oil; the sausage has enough fat.
Place the 85 g sausage ball on the hot griddle. Immediately press it flat with a heavy steel press or a sturdy spatula, pressing down firmly to create a thin patty with ragged edges. Aim for about 1/4-inch thickness.
Cook the patty undisturbed for 90 seconds at 215°C (about 420°F) until the edges are deep brown and lacy. Do not move or peek. The bottom should be crisp and caramelized.
Flip the patty carefully with a spatula. Immediately place the slice of American cheese on top. Cook for another 60-90 seconds until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the patty is cooked through.
Place the toasted muffin bottom on a plate. Transfer the cheesy sausage patty onto the muffin bottom. Spoon the warm maple bacon jam over the cheese. Top with the fried egg.
Place the toasted muffin top over the egg. Press down gently to break the yolk and let it flow into the patty. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Contains: gluten, eggs, milk

Food safety: The fried egg in this recipe is served with a soft yolk. If you prefer your eggs fully cooked, cook the egg until the yolk is firm.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories: 620
Protein: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fat: 36 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.

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This recipe is based on a short cooking video and is published under the pen name Clara Weller. It was checked before publication, but errors can slip through. Nutrition, when shown, is an estimate. Read more in our editorial policy and on our food safety page.