How Many Calories in a Rise and Shine Burger? A Detailed Breakdown

December 9, 2025 •

4 min read

A single Bob Evans Rise & Shine Burger can pack over 1,200 calories, making it a surprisingly heavy breakfast or brunch option. This staggering figure represents more than half of the daily calorie intake for many adults, highlighting the importance of understanding just how many calories are in a rise and shine burger and what contributes to its high count. We explore the components that make this breakfast-meets-lunch hybrid so calorie-dense.

Quick Summary

A Rise & Shine burger is a high-calorie meal due to its combination of a beef patty, cheese, bacon, fried egg, and hash browns. The exact calorie count varies between restaurants, with the Bob Evans version typically exceeding 1,200 calories. Optional sides and preparation methods can further increase the total energy content.

Key Points

High-Calorie Count: A Bob Evans Rise & Shine burger contains approximately 1200-1280 calories, over half the recommended daily intake for many adults.
Multiple Sources of Fat: The high fat content comes from the Angus beef patty, bacon, cheese, and cooking oils used for frying the egg and hash browns.
Carb-Heavy Components: The brioche bun and seasoned hash browns are the primary contributors to the significant carbohydrate load.
Variations Exist: Calorie counts differ between restaurants; for example, a Hy-Vee version with a chicken patty is significantly lower in calories than the Bob Evans original.
Homemade Options Offer Control: Preparing a Rise & Shine burger at home allows for healthier ingredient substitutions, such as leaner meat and baked hash browns, to reduce the overall calorie total.
Side Dishes Add Calories: The base burger calories do not include sides like fries, which add considerable additional calories to the meal.
Hidden Sugars and Sodium: Sauces like the spicy maple honey contribute to the sugar count, while the processed meats and cheese result in high sodium levels.

What is a Rise and Shine Burger?

A Rise and Shine burger is a hearty brunch meal that combines traditional breakfast elements with a classic hamburger. The most well-known version comes from the restaurant chain Bob Evans. A standard build includes a beef patty, American cheese, crispy hash browns, bacon, and a fried egg, all served on a brioche bun. The richness of the ingredients, from the fatty beef and bacon to the cheesy egg and crispy potato, all contribute significantly to its high-calorie total. Many recipes also include a sauce, such as Bob Evans' spicy maple honey, which adds to the sugar and calorie content.

The Calorie Breakdown of a Bob Evans Rise & Shine Burger

The Bob Evans Rise & Shine Burger is the most prominent example of this dish, and its nutritional information provides a clear picture of its high energy density. According to several nutritional databases, a single serving contains approximately 1,200 to 1,280 calories. This can vary slightly based on preparation and portion size over time. A closer look at the macronutrient composition reveals why the number is so high:

Total Fat: Around 70-75 grams, with a very high percentage coming from saturated fat, often exceeding 100% of the daily value. This comes from the beef, bacon, cheese, and cooking oils.
Carbohydrates: Roughly 92-94 grams, primarily from the brioche bun and the hash browns. This includes a significant amount of sugar (around 31 grams) and dietary fiber (around 4-5 grams).
Protein: About 46-51 grams, sourced from the beef patty and the fried egg.

The burger is also exceptionally high in sodium, with some reports showing over 1,700 mg, which is close to the daily recommended limit for most adults.

Factors That Influence the Calorie Count

Several variables can cause the calorie count to shift:

Restaurant vs. Homemade: Homemade versions can be significantly lighter if you choose leaner meat, less cheese, and air-fried hash browns instead of deep-fried. Restaurant meals are often loaded with excess oil and larger portions.
Toppings and Sauces: The spicy maple honey and any additional sauces or toppings, like extra cheese or mayo, will boost the calorie total. Skipping these or opting for a low-calorie condiment can make a difference.
Side Dishes: The Bob Evans burger is served with a choice of sides, which are not included in the base burger's calorie count. Adding fries or a large sugary drink can push the total meal far beyond 1,500 calories.
Ingredient Quality: The fat content of the beef and bacon used can impact the final calories. A 90/10 lean beef patty will have fewer calories than a standard 80/20 mix.

Comparing Different Rise and Shine Burgers

While the Bob Evans version is famous, other restaurants also offer similar breakfast-style burgers, with varying calorie counts. Here is a comparison of typical breakfast-style burger options:


Item	Restaurant	Estimated Calories	Primary Differences
Rise & Shine Burger	Bob Evans	1200–1280	Beef patty, bacon, egg, hash brown, cheese, brioche bun, spicy maple honey
Rise and Shine Burger	Arni's Restaurant	1290	Beef, bacon, egg, cheese, lower carb count than Bob Evans
Rise-and-Shine Burger, Chicken	Hy-Vee Market Grille	680	Chicken patty, gluten-free bun, lower calorie alternative
Breakfast Burger	Carl's Jr.	830	Beef patty, egg, bacon, hash brown, cheese on a bun
Homemade Breakfast Burger	Varies	500–800	Dependent on portion size and ingredient choices

As you can see, opting for a chicken patty or a different restaurant's variation can drastically reduce the total calories. A homemade burger offers the greatest control over ingredients and nutrition.

How to Enjoy a Rise and Shine Burger More Healthily

For those who love the flavor but want a healthier take on the Rise and Shine burger, here are some practical tips:

Swap the bun: Use a whole-wheat bun or a lettuce wrap to cut down on refined carbohydrates and overall calories.
Choose a leaner protein: Replace the standard beef patty with a leaner option like ground turkey, a chicken patty, or even a plant-based 'Impossible' burger.
Modify the toppings: Opt for a scrambled egg instead of fried to reduce oil. Skip the hash browns entirely or use a baked version instead of fried. Load up on fresh vegetables like lettuce and tomato instead of extra cheese.
Control the sauce: The spicy maple honey adds a lot of sugar. Use a smaller amount or opt for a simple mustard or hot sauce instead.
Mind the sides: Choose a fresh fruit cup or a side salad instead of fries to balance the meal.

A Simple DIY Lighter Version

Creating a lighter version of the Rise and Shine burger is easy at home. Here's a basic recipe to get you started:

Prep the patties: Use a lean ground turkey or beef patty (90/10 or higher). Season with salt and pepper.
Cook the bacon: Bake or air-fry a couple of slices of turkey bacon to make them crispy with less fat.
Fry the egg: Use a non-stick pan with a small amount of cooking spray to fry one egg.
Assemble: Toast a whole-wheat English muffin or bun. Place the patty, a slice of reduced-fat cheese, the turkey bacon, and the egg inside.
Add your favorite low-cal toppings: Top with fresh tomato, lettuce, and a squirt of low-sugar hot sauce.

Following these steps can create a delicious breakfast burger with a fraction of the calories, allowing you to indulge without overdoing it.

Conclusion

In summary, the number of calories in a Rise and Shine burger is substantial, especially when ordered from a restaurant like Bob Evans, where it can easily exceed 1,200 calories. This high count is a result of calorie-dense ingredients like beef, bacon, hash browns, and cheese. However, by understanding the components and making strategic swaps, it's possible to create a much lighter, healthier version at home. Whether you're enjoying the full, indulgent restaurant experience or creating your own modified recipe, being aware of the nutritional content allows for more informed choices. For more information on the Bob Evans menu, visit their official website for details on their offerings. [https://www.bobevans.com/menu/burgers-and-sandwiches/rise-and-shine-burger]

Frequently Asked Questions

The burger's high calorie count is primarily due to its rich ingredients, including the high-fat beef patty, cheese, bacon, and fried hash browns, all served on a brioche bun.

Yes, a homemade version typically has fewer calories because you can control the ingredients, using leaner meat, less cheese, and cooking methods that require less oil.

The Bob Evans version features a 100% black Angus beef patty, crispy seasoned hash browns, melted American cheese, hardwood-smoked bacon, and a fried egg on a brioche bun, served with spicy maple honey.

Yes, opting for a version with a chicken or plant-based patty, like the options at Hy-Vee, or creating a homemade version with leaner ingredients can significantly reduce the calories.

You can ask for modifications such as a healthier side instead of fries, holding the spicy maple honey, and having less cheese. Some restaurants may offer alternative protein options as well.

Given its high calorie and macronutrient content, the Rise and Shine burger is a very dense meal. For many, it would represent a substantial portion of their total daily calorie and fat intake.

Yes, a side of fries can add hundreds of calories to your meal. The 1200+ calorie count for the Bob Evans burger typically does not include the side dish.

No, while it contains protein, carbohydrates, and fat, it is typically very high in saturated fat, sodium, and refined carbohydrates, and lacks sufficient fiber and micronutrients to be considered balanced.