ADDICTIVE CRACK BURGERS RECIPE

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Mouthwatering crack burger featuring juicy beef, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and special sauce, showcasing the ultimate burger experience.

Ever bite into a burger so good, so flavorful, that you just can’t stop eating it? Get ready, because these Best Ever Crack Burgers are about to become your new obsession. Forget everything you thought you knew about simple ground beef and a bun; this recipe is going to blow your mind. Prepare for burger bliss!

Gathering Your Secret Weapon Ingredients

Close-up view of a juicy Crack Burger showcasing its melted cheese, crispy bacon, and special sauce, illustrating the mouthwatering appeal of this best-ever burger recipe.

Alright, let’s talk ingredients. These aren’t just any old burger components; we’re building layers of flavor that will have everyone begging for more. Don’t be intimidated by the list; it’s all straightforward and totally worth it!

For the “Crack” Burger Patties:

  • Ground Beef (80/20): 1.5 lbs. The fat is key for flavor!
  • Bacon: 6 strips, cooked crisp and crumbled. Bacon makes everything better, right?
  • Cream Cheese: 4 oz, softened. This adds a tangy richness you won’t believe.
  • Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded. Sharp cheddar is my favorite, but use whatever you like.
  • Ranch Dressing Mix: 1 packet (1 oz). The secret ingredient that ties it all together!
  • Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tbsp. Adds depth and umami.
  • Garlic Powder: 1 tsp. For a little extra punch.
  • Onion Powder: 1 tsp. Because onion makes everything better.
  • Salt: ½ tsp. Adjust to taste.
  • Black Pepper: ¼ tsp. Freshly ground, if possible.

For Building Your Dream Burger:

  • Burger Buns: 6. Brioche buns are amazing, but use your favorite.
  • Lettuce: Shredded iceberg or your lettuce of choice.
  • Tomato: Sliced, if desired.
  • Onion: Thinly sliced, if desired. Red onion is my go-to.
  • Pickles: Sliced dill pickles. Don’t skip these!
  • Your Favorite Burger Sauce: See my notes below for ideas!

Unlock the Secret: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, time to get cooking! This recipe is surprisingly easy, even though it tastes gourmet. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying the Best Ever Crack Burgers in no time.

Crafting the Unforgettable Patties:

  1. Prepare the Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy. Let it cool slightly, then crumble it into small pieces. You can use a food processor for this, but honestly, I prefer doing it by hand for more control.
  2. Mix the Magic: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, crumbled bacon, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch dressing mix, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix; you want the patties to be tender, not tough.
  3. Form the Patties: Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions. Gently form each portion into a patty about ¾ inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb; this helps prevent them from puffing up too much while cooking.
  4. Chill Out: Place the patties on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape during cooking.

Cooking to Perfection:

  1. Get Ready to Grill (or Pan-Fry): Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, or heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil.
  2. Cook the Patties: Grill or pan-fry the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
  3. Cheese Please: If you want extra cheesy goodness, add a slice of cheddar cheese to each patty during the last minute of cooking, allowing it to melt slightly.
  4. Rest and Relax: Remove the patties from the grill or skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before assembling your burgers. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier burger.

Building Your Burger Masterpiece:

  1. Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the burger buns for added flavor and texture.
  2. Sauce it Up: Spread your favorite burger sauce on the top and bottom buns. See my recommendations below!
  3. Pile it High: Layer lettuce, tomato (if using), onion (if using), pickles, and the cooked burger patty on the bottom bun.
  4. Top it Off: Place the top bun on top and get ready to devour your Best Ever Crack Burger!

Sauce It Up: Burger Sauce Ideas

The right sauce can take these burgers from amazing to absolutely unforgettable. Here are a few of my go-to options:

  • Classic Burger Sauce: Mayo, ketchup, mustard, sweet relish, and a dash of hot sauce.
  • Spicy Mayo: Mayo, sriracha, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
  • Garlic Aioli: Mayo, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
  • BBQ Sauce: Your favorite brand.
  • Ranch Dressing: A surprisingly delicious and simple option!

Tips & Tricks for Ultimate Burger Bliss

Want to take your Best Ever Crack Burgers to the next level? Here are a few extra tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years:

  • Don’t Overmix the Meat: Overmixing the ground beef can result in tough burgers. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
  • Chill the Patties: Chilling the patties helps them hold their shape during cooking and prevents them from shrinking too much.
  • Don’t Press the Patties: Avoid pressing down on the patties while cooking, as this squeezes out the juices and can result in dry burgers.
  • Use a Meat Thermometer: The best way to ensure your burgers are cooked to the perfect temperature is to use a meat thermometer.
  • Let the Burgers Rest: Letting the burgers rest for a few minutes before assembling them allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier burgers.

Variations to Spice Things Up

Once you’ve mastered the basic Best Ever Crack Burgers recipe, feel free to experiment with different variations. Here are a few ideas:

  • Add Jalapeños: For a spicy kick, add some diced jalapeños to the burger mixture.
  • Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, provolone, or Swiss.
  • Top with a Fried Egg: A fried egg adds richness and flavor.
  • Add Avocado: Sliced avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats.

What Makes These Burgers So Addictive?

Okay, let’s be honest, the name “Crack Burgers” isn’t just for show. The combination of savory ground beef, crispy bacon, tangy cream cheese, and sharp cheddar cheese creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible. The ranch dressing mix adds a subtle tang and depth that ties everything together perfectly. Plus, they are just so darn easy to make! They are way easier than a BIG MAC SLIDER PERFECTION and just as satisfying.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

These Best Ever Crack Burgers are fantastic on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to complete the meal:

  • French Fries: A classic burger pairing!
  • Onion Rings: Crispy and delicious.
  • Coleslaw: A refreshing side dish.
  • Potato Salad: Creamy and satisfying.
  • Salad: A lighter option.

Craving More Cheeseburger Goodness?

If you’re a cheeseburger fanatic like me, you’ll love these other recipes:

I also like to experiment, sometimes I will add some sauteed mushrooms to these burgers, or even a bit of spicy mustard.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

If you happen to have any leftover Best Ever Crack Burgers (which is unlikely!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

  • Storage: Store cooked burger patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat the patties in a skillet over medium heat, in the microwave, or in the oven until heated through.

So, there you have it – the Best Ever Crack Burgers recipe! I promise, once you try these, you’ll be hooked. They’re perfect for cookouts, game days, or any time you’re craving a truly unforgettable burger. Happy cooking, my friend!

Why are these burgers called ‘Crack Burgers’?

The name ‘Crack Burgers’ comes from the irresistible combination of savory ground beef, crispy bacon, tangy cream cheese, and sharp cheddar cheese, creating a flavor explosion that’s simply addictive.

What is the secret ingredient that makes these burgers so flavorful?

The ranch dressing mix is the secret ingredient that ties all the flavors together perfectly, adding a subtle tang and depth to the burger patties.

What kind of ground beef is recommended for these burgers?

The recipe recommends using 80/20 ground beef. The fat content is key for adding flavor to the burger patties.

How should I store and reheat leftover Crack Burgers?

Store cooked burger patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, in the microwave, or in the oven until heated through.

Mouthwatering crack burger featuring juicy beef, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and special sauce, showcasing the ultimate burger experience.

Addictive Crack Burgers

Avatar photoAmelia Chen-Morrison
These “Crack Burgers” are incredibly flavorful and addictive, featuring juicy ground beef patties loaded with bacon, cream cheese, and cheddar. The combination of savory, tangy, and cheesy flavors makes them irresistible, perfect for cookouts or a satisfying weeknight meal.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 750 kcal

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Mixing spoons
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Grill or large skillet
  • Parchment paper
  • Plate or baking sheet
  • Meat thermometer
  • Spatula
  • Toaster or broiler
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef 80/20
  • 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 6 burger buns
  • Lettuce, shredded
  • Tomato, sliced optional
  • Onion, thinly sliced optional
  • Pickles, sliced
  • Burger sauce of choice mayo, ketchup, mustard, relish, hot sauce, sriracha, BBQ sauce, etc.

Instructions
 

  • Cook the bacon until crispy. Let it cool slightly, then crumble it into small pieces.
  • In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, crumbled bacon, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch dressing mix, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix.
  • Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions. Gently form each portion into a patty about ¾ inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb.
  • Place the patties on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, or heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil.
  • Grill or pan-fry the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
  • If desired, add a slice of cheddar cheese to each patty during the last minute of cooking, allowing it to melt slightly.
  • Remove the patties from the grill or skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before assembling your burgers.
  • Lightly toast the burger buns.
  • Spread your favorite burger sauce on the top and bottom buns.
  • Layer lettuce, tomato (if using), onion (if using), pickles, and the cooked burger patty on the bottom bun.
  • Place the top bun on top and serve.

Notes

For best results, don’t overmix the meat to prevent tough burgers. Chilling the patties helps them hold their shape. Avoid pressing down on the patties while cooking to retain juiciness. Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or provolone. For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños to the burger mixture. Store cooked burger patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet, microwave, or oven.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amelia Chen-Morrison

the visionary behind BestHomeMadeRecipes. Along with my cousin Alice, we’ve created your ultimate destination for restaurant-quality recipes

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