Get ready to experience a burger like no other! This Crack Burgers Recipe takes everything you love about classic comfort food and elevates it to an addictively delicious level. Imagine juicy beef patties infused with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and tangy ranch seasoning, all tucked into a soft bun. These burgers are packed with so much flavor, they’re truly unforgettable and surprisingly simple to make.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Crack Burgers Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: Every bite delivers a savory, tangy, cheesy, and utterly delicious experience.
- Easy to Follow: This recipe guides you step-by-step, making it perfect for beginners and busy cooks.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve these crack burgers for a fun weeknight dinner or as the star of your next backyard BBQ.
- Highly Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients and toppings to suit everyone’s preferences.
- Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare for rave reviews; these burgers disappear fast!
Ingredients
To make these amazing crack burgers, gather your simple ingredients. You’ll infuse the beef with rich flavors, creating a truly memorable meal.
- 1.5 lbs ground beef 80/20 blend
- 1 Cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ Cup sour cream
- 2 Tbsp. ranch seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 6 cheese slices (e.g., cheddar, American)
- 6 brioche hamburger buns
- Burger sauce, for serving
- Caramelized onions, for serving
- Pickles, for serving
Notes & Substitutions
- An 80/20 ground beef blend offers the best balance of flavor and juiciness for your patties. You can swap shredded cheddar for Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack cheese.
- For a lighter touch, use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream; it adds a similar tanginess. If you prefer homemade, mix dried dill, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper for a DIY ranch seasoning.
- Brioche buns are fantastic, but potato rolls, kaiser rolls, or even pretzel buns work wonderfully.
- Feel free to add a dash of garlic powder or onion powder to the patty mixture for extra flavor.
Equipment
You don’t need fancy tools to whip up this amazing Crack Burgers Recipe. Just a few kitchen essentials will do the trick!
- Large mixing bowl
- Griddle or large skillet (cast iron works great)
- Spatula for flipping
- Meat thermometer (optional, for checking doneness)
- Plate lined with paper towels (for draining bacon)
Instructions For The Best crack burgers.
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your mouthwatering crack burgers.
Prepare Bacon:
- Cook six strips of bacon in a skillet or on your griddle until they are perfectly crispy.
- Remove the cooked bacon, place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, and let it cool slightly.
- Once cooled, crumble or chop the crispy bacon into small pieces. Set them aside for later.
Mix Burger Patties:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine your 1.5 lbs of ground beef with the crispy bacon crumbles.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, ¼ cup of sour cream, and 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning mix.
- Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Mix all the ingredients gently by hand until they are just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough burgers.
Form Patties:
- Divide the seasoned beef mixture into six equal portions, each approximately ¼ pound.
- Form each portion into a patty, about ¾-inch thick.
- Press a slight divot into the center of each patty with your thumb. This helps prevent the burgers from bulging in the middle as they cook.
Cook Burgers:
- Preheat your griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat (around 350-375°F). You can use a little of the reserved bacon grease for extra flavor.
- Place the patties on the hot cooking surface. Cook them for five minutes on the first side to achieve a beautiful sear.
- Flip the patties carefully using your spatula and cook for another four minutes on the second side.
Melt Cheese:
- Once flipped, immediately place a slice of cheese on top of each burger patty.
- Cover the griddle or skillet with a lid or a large metal bowl to create steam.
- Cook for one more minute, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and gooey.
- Remove the finished crack burgers from the heat and set them aside.
Toast Buns:
- Lightly butter the cut sides of your brioche hamburger buns, or use a bit of the reserved bacon grease for extra flavor.
- Place the buns, cut-side down, on the hot griddle or skillet.
- Toast them for 30-60 seconds, or until they are golden brown and lightly crispy. Watch them closely to prevent burning.
Assemble Burgers:
- Spread your desired sauces, such as burger sauce, on the toasted bun halves.
- Place a hot, cheesy crack burger patty on the bottom bun.
- Pile on your favorite toppings like caramelized onions and crisp pickles.
- Complete with the top bun and serve immediately. Enjoy your incredibly flavorful meal!
Pro Tips for Perfect Crack Burgers
Choosing the Right Ground Beef
For the most flavorful and juicy results, always opt for 80/20 ground beef. The fat content renders down during cooking, keeping your burgers moist. If you use leaner beef (like 90/10), your patties might be a bit drier, so consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil or butter to the mixture. The fat in 80/20 ground beef is ideal for burgers, as it acts as a natural lubricant and helps preserve moisture during cooking. This guide explains why an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is best for juicy burgers.
Preventing Shrinkage
The little divot you press into the center of each patty is a secret weapon. This technique helps the burger stay flat and cook evenly, preventing it from bulging into a ball. Also, avoid overmixing the patty mixture; a gentle hand keeps the meat tender and minimizes shrinkage.
Achieving a Great Sear
A hot cooking surface is key to developing a delicious crust, known as a Maillard reaction. Preheat your griddle or skillet until it’s properly hot before adding the patties. Don’t overcrowd the griddle, as this lowers the temperature and steams the burgers instead of searing them. Understanding the science behind the Maillard reaction helps achieve a perfect sear on burgers, enhancing their flavor and texture.
Melting Cheese Perfectly
To get that perfectly gooey, melted cheese, cover your griddle or skillet with a lid or a metal bowl after placing the cheese slices on the burgers. This traps heat and steam, melting the cheese quickly and evenly. Place the cheese right after flipping to allow maximum melt time.
Flavor Enhancements
Want to boost the flavor even more? A small pinch of garlic powder or onion powder in the patty mixture can add an extra layer of savory depth. A dash of Worcestershire sauce also contributes a wonderful umami flavor that complements the beef and ranch perfectly.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Toppings: Elevate your crack burgers with creamy burger sauce, sweet and savory caramelized onions, and crisp dill pickle slices. Add fresh lettuce and tomato for a refreshing crunch.
- Popular Sides: Pair these incredible burgers with classic sides like crispy french fries, a refreshing potato salad, or a tangy coleslaw. Golden onion rings are another fantastic choice.
- Beverage Pairings: Complement your meal with an ice-cold soda, a craft beer, or a thick, creamy milkshake for a true diner experience.
Storage & Reheating
- Uncooked Patties: You can store uncooked crack burgers patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually separated by parchment paper for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
- Cooked Burgers: Store cooked patties separately from buns and toppings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat patties gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Recipe Variations
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with other shredded cheeses like Pepper Jack for a kick, Colby Jack for mildness, or Swiss cheese for a nutty flavor. Sliced provolone also melts beautifully.
- Seasoning Swaps: Instead of ranch, try an onion soup mix for a savory depth or taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex twist. BBQ rub also makes an interesting alternative.
- Bun Alternatives: Explore pretzel buns for a chewy texture, soft potato rolls for extra richness, or opt for lettuce wraps for a low-carb version of this delicious burger.
- Add-ins: Incorporate finely diced jalapeños into the patty mixture for heat. A dash of hot sauce or crispy fried onions mixed into the patties can also enhance the flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Here’s an estimate of the nutritional content for one serving of this Crack Burgers Recipe.
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 calories |
| Total Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Cholesterol | 105mg |
| Sodium | 1100mg |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Protein | 32g |
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients, preparation methods, and serving sizes. This information is provided for general guidance only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes them “crack” burgers?
These burgers earn their “crack” moniker because their flavor profile – a blend of bacon, ranch, and cheddar – is incredibly addictive. It’s inspired by the popular “crack chicken” dishes that share a similar irresistible combination.
Can I bake or air fry these crack burgers?
Yes, you can! To bake, place formed patties on a baking sheet and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. For air frying, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping once, until cooked through.
Can I prepare the patties ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix and form the crack burgers patties up to 2 days in advance. Store them tightly covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
Conclusion
This Crack Burgers Recipe truly delivers on its promise of an unforgettable, flavor-packed meal that will have everyone asking for more. With its irresistible blend of bacon, ranch, and cheddar, these burgers are a testament to how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary.
Don’t hesitate to try this fantastic recipe for your next meal. Share your experiences and tag us with your amazing creations!
Crack Burgers Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook bacon strips until crispy. Drain on paper towels, then crumble and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bacon crumbles, shredded cheddar, sour cream, and ranch seasoning. Season with salt and pepper. Mix gently.
- Divide mixture into 6 equal portions and shape into patties about ¾-inch thick. Press a thumb divot into each patty center.
- Preheat a griddle or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 5 minutes on one side. Flip and cook for 4 minutes on the other side.
- Place a slice of cheese on each burger after flipping. Cover skillet to melt cheese, cooking for 1 minute more.
- Lightly butter or grease buns and toast cut-side down on skillet until golden, about 30–60 seconds.
- Assemble burgers with sauce, patty, caramelized onions, pickles, and any other toppings. Serve hot.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef for best flavor.
- Swap cheddar for Colby Jack or pepper jack.
- Greek yogurt can replace sour cream. Use DIY ranch seasoning if preferred.
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