Delicious Crack Burgers Recipe
If you crave a burger that instantly earns repeat requests, look no further than this Delicious Crack Burgers Recipe. Each bite balances juicy beef, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a crave-worthy, creamy “crack sauce” that takes things over the top. These burgers capture all the cheeseburger essentials, then crank up the flavor dial with a punchy ranch-mayo spread you’ll want to put on absolutely everything. Whether it’s a family backyard bash or a weeknight treat, this is one burger you’ll enthusiastically add to your regular rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze, but each item here truly makes a difference. This Delicious Crack Burgers Recipe hones in on a short list of superstar staples that layer together flavor, texture, and satisfying richness in every mouthful.
- Ground beef (1 pound, 80/20 blend): Go for this fat ratio to guarantee patties that stay plump, juicy, and flavorful as they cook.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Simple, but it brings out the savory depth of the beef and lets all the spices shine.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just the right level of background warmth and a hint of heat.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): For a mellow, savory undertone that boosts every bite.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Brings sweetness and subtle onion essence that ties everything together.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle smokiness that makes the burgers taste backyard-barbecue amazing, even in a skillet.
- Cheddar cheese (4 slices): Melts into gooey perfection for a classic cheeseburger finish.
- Hamburger buns (4, toasted): A golden, lightly crisp bun is a must to capture all that sauce and burger juice without falling apart.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy base for the legendary crack sauce.
- Cooked, crumbled bacon (1/4 cup): Salty, crispy bits woven right into the sauce for that unforgettable savory crunch.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/4 cup): For an extra hit of cheesy richness in the sauce itself.
- Ranch dressing mix (2 tablespoons): This secret ingredient is what gives the sauce its tangy, zesty, addictive kick.
- Lettuce, tomato, and pickles (optional toppings): Fresh, cool veggies for balance and extra crunch if you like your burger loaded.
How to Make Delicious Crack Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Season and Form the Patties
Start by placing your ground beef into a large bowl, then sprinkle over the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Using your hands or a fork, gently combine the mixture just until the spices are evenly distributed. Shape the beef into four equal patties that are slightly larger than your buns, as they’ll shrink a bit while cooking. Be careful not to overwork the meat to keep the burgers tender and juicy.
Step 2: Grill or Pan-Cook the Patties
Preheat a grill or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, adjusting the time for your preferred doneness. Avoid pressing down on them so the juices stay inside. In the final minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and cover the grill or pan to let that cheese get irresistibly melty.
Step 3: Make the Crack Sauce
While the burgers cook, whip up the signature crack sauce in a small bowl. Mix together the mayonnaise, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing mix until well combined. This sauce is dangerously good—feel free to make extra if you like things saucy or want to dip your fries later!
Step 4: Toast the Buns
For the best flavor and texture, toast your hamburger buns lightly, either on the grill, in a toaster oven, or on a skillet. This small step gives each bite a delicious crunch and keeps the buns from getting soggy once the sauce goes on.
Step 5: Build and Serve
Spread a generous dollop of the crack sauce over the bottom buns. Add the hot, cheesy patties, then top with lettuce, tomato, and pickles if you love a stacked burger. Crown with the top buns and serve these beauties immediately—the combination of flavors, textures, and warmth is downright unforgettable.
How to Serve Delicious Crack Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your burger’s look and flavor with a handful of bright green lettuce, slices of juicy tomato, or zingy pickles layered onto each one. Try a sprinkle of fresh scallions or chopped chives atop the crack sauce for a fun burst of freshness. Even an extra pinch of smoked paprika on the sauce makes each burger look chef-worthy.
Side Dishes
The Delicious Crack Burgers Recipe pairs perfectly with a mountain of crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, or even a scoop of tangy slaw. If you’re feeling a backyard cookout vibe, add corn on the cob or a pile of kettle chips for serious crunch. Want to lighten things up? A big, crisp green salad always brightens the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, try serving mini crack burgers (sliders) on small buns for an irresistible hand-held treat. Make a “burger board” loaded with all the toppings—lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, jalapeños—so guests can customize each burger just the way they want. For a family-style feast, pile the finished burgers onto a platter, sprinkle with extra bacon bits, and add bowls of sauce for dipping. Fun, interactive, and guaranteed to spark conversation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover burgers or sauce, let the patties cool to room temperature, then wrap each tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store the patties and crack sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce is also fantastic as a sandwich spread or veggie dip the next day.
Freezing
The cooked burger patties (without cheese or sauce) freeze wonderfully! Layer them with parchment in a freezer-safe bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the burger patties in a 350°F oven, covered loosely with foil, for 10–12 minutes, or until warmed through. In a pinch, the microwave works, but oven reheating keeps the texture best. Add fresh cheese and sauce after reheating for that from-scratch flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different meat for this burger recipe?
Definitely! While ground beef gives the richest flavor and texture, ground turkey or ground chicken works well for a lighter take. The signature crack sauce brings plenty of flavor to any protein you choose.
How spicy is the Delicious Crack Burgers Recipe?
These burgers are more savory than spicy. The smoked paprika adds a mild warmth, but you can bump up the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne to the beef blend or infusing hot sauce into the crack sauce.
What is the best way to cook these burgers if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! A cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan on the stovetop does the trick perfectly. You’ll still get that crave-worthy browned crust and melty cheese topping, plus a bit less mess to clean up.
Can I make the crack sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Whip up the sauce and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors intensify as it sits, making your next burger even more delicious.
What can I do with extra crack sauce?
Don’t let a drop of crack sauce go to waste. It’s heavenly as a dip for fries or veggies, spread on sandwiches, or swirled onto roast potatoes. You might even find yourself making double just for snacking!
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a burger recipe that’s sure to spark joy around the table, you absolutely have to try this Delicious Crack Burgers Recipe. It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser, brimming with bold flavors and deliciously melty cheese, all wrapped up with that legendary crack sauce. Fire up your grill or skillet and get ready to enjoy one of the best burgers you’ll ever make at home!
Print
Delicious Crack Burgers Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of these Delicious Crack Burgers that are loaded with savory seasonings, gooey cheese, and a secret ‘crack sauce’ that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
Ingredients
For the Patties:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Crack Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing mix
Additional Ingredients:
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 hamburger buns (toasted)
- Lettuce, tomato, and pickles for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Patties: In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Form into 4 equal patties, slightly larger than the buns to allow for shrinkage.
- Cook the Patties: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 3–4 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and cover to melt.
- Make the Crack Sauce: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Burgers: Spread the crack sauce on toasted buns, add the cheese-topped patties, and top with lettuce, tomato, and pickles if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For even more flavor, mix 1 tablespoon of the crack sauce into the raw beef before forming patties.
- You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Sandwich
- Method: Grilling or Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1230 mg
- Fat: 46 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
