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This towering hangover stack tackles every craving with plump beef patties, extra-crunchy hash browns, sizzling bacon strips, melty pepper jack, and a perfectly runny egg all piled on butter-toasted buns. The tangy-hot special sauce brings it all together. It's not just a meal—it's the ultimate comfort fix you can whip up at home when your morning needs some serious help.
This stack became our Sunday tradition after I threw it together for my exhausted buddies the morning following our New Year's bash. They're always gone in seconds and everyone ends up wanting another.
- Ground beef 80 20 blend: gives you the juiciest, tastiest burgers Try to grab meat that's ground that day
- Salt: brings out the meat's natural flavors Kosher works best for better coverage
- Black pepper: freshly ground for extra zing
- Garlic powder: adds rich savory notes
- Jalapeño: finely chopped for spicy crunch Look for bright, firm peppers without soft spots
- Yellow onion: finely chopped for sweetness and zip Grab a mild one for best flavor balance
- Ketchup: adds sweetness and thickness to your sauce
- Mayonnaise: creates that silky sauce texture Stick with full-fat for best results
- Sriracha sauce: brings that smoky heat kick Sub in your go-to hot sauce if you prefer
- Pepper jack cheese: gets super gooey and adds spicy creaminess Ask for thick slices at the deli counter
- Frozen hash browns: get super crispy and help hold everything together Go for the standard shredded type
- Thick cut bacon: adds that meaty crunch and smoky punch I love applewood for its bold flavor
- Large eggs: cooked with soft yolks make a natural rich sauce Always buy the freshest for best results
- Large hamburger buns: need to be tough enough for all the fillings Brioche or potato types can handle the load
- Butter: makes those buns golden and tasty Stick with real unsalted stuff
Easy Assembly Guide
- Get Your Patties Ready:
- Mix your beef with salt pepper garlic powder chopped jalapeño and onion in a big bowl. Split into four even patties making them slightly bigger than your buns. Push your thumb into the middle of each to make a dent. Stick them in the fridge to keep their shape and lock in flavor.
- Create Your Special Sauce:
- Stir together ketchup mayo and as much sriracha as you like in a small bowl. Give it a taste and add more heat if needed. Put it aside. You can make this a day early if you want it'll stay good in the fridge.
- Get The Sides Going:
- Fry your hash browns until they're super crispy and golden. Sprinkle with a bit of salt while hot. Cook your thick bacon until just crisp then drain on paper towels. Keep both warm under some foil while you finish up.
- Get The Buns And Eggs Ready:
- Spread butter on the cut sides of each bun. Cook them face down until golden on the grill or in a pan. While they're toasting fry your eggs in a bit of butter. Cook just until the whites set but keep those yolks runny for the best bite.
- Cook Those Burgers:
- Fire up your grill to 450 degrees for that smoky taste. Cook the patties about three minutes without squishing them down then flip and add your pepper jack on top. Cook another minute or two until the cheese melts and they're done how you like.
- Stack Everything Up:
- Smear your special sauce on both bun halves. Start with the burger then pile on crispy hash browns bacon and finally the egg. Put the top bun on press down gently and dig in while everything's still hot for that amazing yolk effect.
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My absolute favorite bit is when that egg yolk breaks and runs down through every layer making its own amazing sauce. My family always crowds into the kitchen laughing as we try to build these towering stacks. It's always a delicious mess we can't get enough of.
Prep Ahead Pointers
Want to save time Form your burger patties and keep them in the fridge up to a day before cooking. Your special sauce stays good in the fridge for three days in a sealed container. Already cooked bacon and hash browns heat up great in a hot dry skillet for a minute or two so you can build fresh burgers on demand. Any leftover stacks will keep a day without the egg if you store the parts separately but they're so much better fresh.
Mix It Up Options
Don't like pepper jack Go with cheddar or American for something less spicy. Not a fan of jalapeños Try chopped poblanos or just more onion for a milder kick. Any bacon works great even turkey bacon if you want something lighter. No burger buns English muffins or crusty rolls do the job too. Try playing with the sauce by adding chipotle or BBQ for different flavors.
Perfect Pairings
These towering stacks are huge hits at brunches game days or as a comfort dinner after a tough week. Serve alongside crispy tots roasted spuds or fresh slaw for a nice crunch contrast. Add a spicy Bloody Mary or strong cold brew if you're truly recovering from a night out. Let everyone at the table build their own stack for a fun hands-on meal experience.
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Where It All Started
These monster morning stacks take after classic American diner plates that pile eggs potatoes and bacon high. The burger topped with a runny egg became a food truck and brunch spot favorite because it's both filling and totally over-the-top. What sets this version apart is how the crispy potatoes spicy sauce and melty cheese come together for a complete flavor bomb.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do you keep the burger patty juicy?
Pick ground beef with 80% lean meat and 20% fat, and don’t handle it too much while mixing. Chill the patties before cooking to keep them moist.
- → What's the best way to get crispy hash browns?
Spread the shredded potatoes evenly in a very hot pan with oil. Let them cook without moving until golden before flipping.
- → Can I make the hangover sauce milder?
Reduce or skip the sriracha and stick to a mix of mayonnaise and ketchup for a smoother, milder flavor.
- → How do you prevent the egg yolk from breaking?
Cook eggs over low heat and gently slide a thin spatula underneath to carefully transfer them without breaking the yolk.
- → What's the best cheese for this burger?
Pepper jack is creamy and has a nice kick. If that’s not your thing, you can go for cheddar or Monterrey Jack instead.