happy® coffee crusted hamburger recipe

We know coffee is more than a beverage — it’s a spark of joy, a ritual, and yes, even a secret ingredient. Beyond your morning mug, coffee can transform everyday dishes into something bold, flavorful, and seriously delicious™.

So, we created this 3-part recipe series in collaboration with Detroit-based chef Sarah Mikulski (aka @chefsarahmick) to show off how happy coffee can bring depth, fun, and yum to the kitchen. This is part 1.

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happy-hamburger

Juicy, smoky, savory, and a little unexpected — this coffee-crusted burger is a mash-up of comfort and culinary adventure. With a rich rub made from happy® ground coffee, each bite is layered with flavor. Top it with bacon jam and a fried egg, because happy deserves a little extra.

Recipe

• Ground beef patties (¼–½ lb each)
• 3 Tbsp happy® ground coffee
• 1 Tsp each smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion salt
• ½ Tsp each salt + pepper
• Burger Buns
• Suggested toppings: bacon jam, arugula, white cheddar, fried egg

Mix coffee and spices into a rub, coat patties, grill, then stack it all the way up with your favorite toppings. 

Step by Step: 

1. Form your ground beef into ¼-½ lb patties
2. Combine the ground coffee and seasoning to make a rub
3. Coat your burger patties in the rub
4. Cook your burger patties to desired doneness
5. Fry your eggs in butter or oil
6. Assemble, enjoy, repeat! 

Why it works: Coffee deepens the rub, balances the smoky-sweet flavors, and turns your everyday burger into a showstopper.