Prepare yourself for burger bliss! This Crack Burger Recipe takes everything you love about a juicy, cheesy, flavor-packed burger and dials it up to eleven. With savory bacon, ranch seasoning, and gooey cheddar all mixed right into the patty, each bite is so addictive you’ll see why it’s earned its playful name.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Loaded with Flavor: Every single bite is savory perfection, thanks to bacon, ranch, cheddar, and juicy ground beef mixed together in the patty!
Crazy-Easy to Make: Just a handful of staple ingredients and a quick technique give you ridiculously delicious results in under 30 minutes.
Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser: These burgers have universal appeal—whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a backyard cookout, everyone comes back for seconds.
Totally Customizable: Dress it up or down with your favorite toppings and buns; this Crack Burger Recipe is your blank slate for burger creativity!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Crack Burger Recipe is just how simple—and strategic—each ingredient is. These are humble foods that come together to create unbelievable richness, texture, and that signature “can I have another?” flavor.

Ground Beef (1.5 lbs, 80/20 blend): The 80/20 ratio means your burgers will be juicy, tender, and full of rich, beefy goodness—exactly what you want in a burger that stands out.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Melts perfectly into each bite, adding creaminess and a pop of tangy, sharp flavor throughout the patty.
Sour Cream (¼ cup): This sneaky ingredient keeps the burgers extra moist and adds a subtle tang that balances the richness.
Bacon Crumbles (½ cup, from 6 strips of bacon): Real bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled, infuses savory, smoky notes in every mouthful.
Ranch Seasoning (2 Tbsp.): The secret weapon! This gives the burgers a zesty, herbaceous kick that makes them absolutely crave-worthy.
Cheese Slices (6): A blanket of melty cheese on top truly makes these burgers over-the-top and irresistible.
Brioche Hamburger Buns (6): Soft, buttery buns hold all the goodness together and add a lovely hint of sweetness.
Optional Toppings: Burger sauce, caramelized onions, and pickles are stellar choices to finish things off with even more flavor and crunch!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of my favorite things about the Crack Burger Recipe? It plays so well with swaps, add-ins, and dietary tweaks! Don’t be afraid to make it your own, whether you’re working around preferences or just feeling creative.

Swap the Protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter, but still super savory, version.
Try Different Cheeses: Pepper Jack, smoked gouda, or Swiss bring their own unique flavors to the party—mix and match what you love!
Make It Spicy: Stir in a diced jalapeño or hit the patties with a sprinkle of cayenne for a little heat in every bite.
Low-Carb Option: Serve your burgers in lettuce wraps or over mixed greens instead of buns for a lighter, gluten-free twist.

How to Make Crack Burger Recipe

Step 1: Cook and Crumble the Bacon

Start by cooking six strips of bacon until they’re beautifully crispy. Let them cool slightly, then chop them into small pieces or quickly crumble them by hand—these little flavor bombs will be mixed right in, so smaller pieces are best. Set aside and try not to sneak too many bites!

Step 2: Mix Up the Patties

In a large mixing bowl, add your ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and those irresistible bacon bits. Use your hands to gently fold everything together—don’t overmix, just enough to combine. You’ll immediately smell why these are called Crack Burgers!

Step 3: Shape and Grill the Burgers

Divide the meat mixture into six equal portions, then shape each one into a patty about 1/4 pound each. Heat a griddle or skillet over medium-high heat—once hot, cook the patties for five minutes on the first side. Flip, then cook for four minutes on the other side.

Step 4: Add Cheese & Finish Cooking

Lay a slice of cheese on each patty, cover the pan or grill (foil works in a pinch!), and let them cook for one more minute so the cheese gets perfectly melty. Take them off the heat—try not to drool over the aroma!

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Place the sizzling burgers onto soft brioche buns and top with your favorite fixings. I highly recommend burger sauce, caramelized onions, and zippy pickles for the ultimate Crack Burger Recipe experience!

Pro Tips for Making Crack Burger Recipe

Bacon Timing Matters: Cook your bacon right before mixing it in, so it stays crispy and delivers that fresh, smoky crunch throughout the burger.
Don’t Overwork the Meat: Mixing just until combined keeps the patties from getting tough and lets every flavor shine through.
Get the Pan Hot: Make sure your griddle or skillet is preheated—you want a golden, flavorful crust on the outside of each patty.
Cheese Melt Hack: Cover the burgers with a lid or some foil after adding the cheese; a little steam helps it melt ultra-smooth and gooey.

How to Serve Crack Burger Recipe

Garnishes

For the ultimate Crack Burger Recipe presentation, don’t skip the garnishes! A spoonful of creamy burger sauce, a handful of sweet caramelized onions, and some zesty pickles add layers of flavor, texture, and color that make every bite next-level delicious.

Side Dishes

These burgers love a classic sidekick. Think crispy French fries, golden tater tots, or even a bright, tangy coleslaw to balance the richness. For a fun twist, try serving them alongside sweet potato fries or a fresh corn salad!

Creative Ways to Present

Bring a little pizzazz to your Crack Burger Recipe by building a DIY burger bar with lots of toppings, or make mini sliders for parties. You can even turn leftovers into an epic burger salad—chopped burger, greens, cheese, and a drizzle of ranch dressing!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Crack Burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep any toppings or sauces separate for best texture when serving again.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap cooked burger patties individually in foil or plastic wrap and pop them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months—just thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat burgers in a covered skillet over low heat until warmed through. Add a fresh slice of cheese to revive that gooey topping! The microwave works in a pinch, but the skillet keeps the texture closest to the original.

FAQs

Can I make the patties ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix and shape the Crack Burger Recipe patties up to a day ahead. Just cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to cook—let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before grilling for the juiciest results.
What’s the best way to keep the burgers from drying out?

Using 80/20 ground beef is key, but don’t skip the sour cream either—it keeps the patties moist and tender. Be careful not to overcook, since the Crack Burger Recipe relies on that balance of juiciness and savory flavor!
Can I grill these burgers instead of using a griddle?

Yes! The Crack Burger Recipe shines on the grill. Just preheat to medium-high and cook as directed, flipping gently since the cheese inside makes the patties a bit more delicate.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

You bet—just swap the brioche buns for your favorite gluten-free hamburger buns or use crisp lettuce wraps. Double-check your ranch seasoning and bacon are gluten-free if needed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a burger recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, the Crack Burger Recipe is going to be your new obsession. Give it a try—your friends and family will rave, and you’ll have a crowd favorite that’s requested again and again. Happy burger-making!