Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crack Burgers deliver an unforgettable flavor punch with their ultra-savory mix of ingredients: a juicy beef patty infused with creamy sour cream, crispy bacon, tangy ranch seasoning, and melted cheddar cheese. Every bite feels indulgent and crave-worthy. The recipe combines juicy beef patties, bacon, cheddar, ranch seasoning, and a simple crack sauce for a fun and flavorful twist. With straightforward preparation and over-the-top taste, these burgers elevate your next cookout or dinner with minimal effort and maximum impact.
Crack Burgers — The Addictive Burger That Keeps You Coming Back
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Diet: Halal
Description
Juicy, flavorful burgers loaded with cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and ranch seasoning, making them highly addictive and perfect for any cookout.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 burger buns
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayonnaise
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined (do not overmix).
- Shape mixture into 4 burger patties.
- Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Toast burger buns lightly on the grill or skillet.
- Assemble burgers by placing patties on buns and adding desired toppings.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- For extra cheesiness, top patties with an additional slice of cheddar before removing from the grill.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative.
- Pairs well with fries, onion rings, or a crisp salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef (80/20 blend)
This well-balanced mix ensures juicy, flavorful patties that hold together nicely without drying out. - Sour cream (full-fat)
Adds richness, moisture, and helps bind together the patty ingredients—making your burgers creamy and tender. - Ranch seasoning mix
This is the flavor bomb—its tangy, herby notes elevate the burger and are central to the “crack” flavor concept. - Cooked and crumbled bacon
Adds crunchy, smoky bits of savory goodness throughout the patty and cheese topping. - Shredded cheddar cheese (sharp preferred)
Melts over the patty or forms part of a cheesy topping—its sharpness balances the richness. - Mayonnaise (for the crack sauce)
Creates a creamy, tangy sauce component that ties the burger elements together. - Pickle relish (optional in sauce)
Gives a bright, sweet-tangy contrast to the richness of the meat and cheese. - Hot sauce (optional)
Adds a mild kick to the sauce—adjustable to your heat preference. - Brioche buns (buttered and toasted)
Soft, slightly sweet buns that toast well and stand up to juicy burgers. - Leaf lettuce and tomato slices
Provide freshness and texture underneath that rich patty. - Dill pickle chips (optional topping)
Offer extra crunch and tang for a dynamic finish.
Directions
- Prepare the Patty Mixture: In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef, sour cream, ranch seasoning, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar. Avoid over-mixing to maintain tender texture.
- Form and Chill Patties: Divide mixture into 8 equal portions and form loose balls. Chill them until ready to cook.
- Make the Crack Sauce: Combine mayonnaise, pickle relish, ranch seasoning, and hot sauce in a small bowl. Chill while you cook the burgers.
- Cook the Patties: Heat a griddle or skillet. Press each meatball onto the hot surface using parchment and a burger press or spatula until very thin. Cook 60–90 seconds until edges crisp, flip, add cheese, cover to melt, and cook another 30–45 seconds.
- Toast the Buns: Butter the brioche buns and toast cut-side down until golden brown.
- Assemble the Burgers: Spread crack sauce on both bun halves, add lettuce, tomato, patty (single or double), and optional pickle chips. Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: Approximately 8 single-patty burgers or 4 double-patty sandwiches
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Storage/Reheating
Crack Burgers are best served fresh, but you can refrigerate cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for best results. Avoid microwaving as it can make the patties rubbery. The crack sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Variations and Customizations
- Smash-style doubles: Stack two thin patties for a juicier, layered experience.
- Sauce swaps: Experiment with spicy mayo, garlic aioli, or BBQ and ranch blends.
- Cheese variety: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, Swiss, or gruyère.
- Bun alternatives: Try potato, pretzel, or gluten-free buns.
- Extra toppings: Add caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or thick slices of tomato.
- Lean burger option: Use ground turkey or a beef-turkey mix, though juiciness may be reduced.
- Meal prep: Form patties and prepare crack sauce up to 3 days ahead; store separately.
FAQs
What does “Crack” in Crack Burger mean?
It refers to the addictive flavor combination of ranch seasoning, cheese, bacon, and creamy sauce.
Can I use leaner ground beef than 80/20?
Yes, but the burger may be drier. Using 80/20 ensures the rich, juicy texture.
Is the crack sauce spicy?
Not by default. You can adjust the heat with more or less hot sauce.
Can I skip the bacon?
You can, but bacon is key to the flavor. Smoked paprika or pancetta are good substitutes.
How can I make the cheese melt well?
Cover the patties after flipping to trap heat and fully melt cheese.
Will the patties hold together?
They are soft, so handle gently when flipping. Cheese helps them stay intact.
Can I prepare the patties ahead of time?
Yes, form them in advance and store in the fridge until cooking.
What sides go well with Crack Burgers?
Classic fries, onion rings, sweet potato fries, or a fresh salad.
Conclusion
Crack Burgers are more than just a meal—they’re a flavor experience. Combining the richness of beef, bacon, cheese, and tangy ranch in every juicy bite, they wow the palate and satisfy cravings like nothing else. With quick prep, customizable toppings, and an undeniably addictive taste, they take any burger night to the next level. Try them soon—you’ll understand why they live up to their name.