Crack Burger Recipe

Meet the burger that never fails to wow a crowd: the Crack Burger Recipe. This juicy, cheesy masterpiece is packed with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, creamy ranch, and a hint of tangy sour cream—all perfectly sealed between golden brioche buns. One bite and you’ll understand the name: it’s truly addictive in the best possible way!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Next-Level Juicy: The combination of sour cream and 80/20 ground beef creates a melt-in-your-mouth patty that’s never dry.
  • Flavor Explosion: With cheddar, bacon, and ranch seasoning blended right in, every bite of this Crack Burger Recipe packs a flavorful punch.
  • Effortlessly Impressive: Despite its wow-factor taste, this burger comes together in under 30 minutes, making weeknight feasts (or weekend BBQs) totally doable.
  • Customizable for Everyone: Toss on your favorite toppings or play with the cheese blend—this burger is made to suit your cravings!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Crack Burger Recipe is proof that straightforward ingredients can make absolute magic. Each one brings its own special texture or zing—when combined, they build a burger that’s outrageously crave-worthy from the first bite to the last crumb!

  • Ground beef (1.5 lbs, 80/20 blend): The higher fat content ensures juicy, flavorful patties—don’t be tempted by leaner blends if you want maximum tenderness.
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Mixing cheese into the meat means gooey goodness in every bite, not just the top!
  • Sour cream (¼ cup): Adds a subtle tang and keeps the patties ultra-moist and tender.
  • Bacon crumbles (½ cup, from 6 strips): Smoky, crunchy, and absolutely essential for that “can’t-stop” quality.
  • Ranch seasoning (2 Tbsp.): Infuses the beef with that classic herby, savory ranch flavor.
  • Cheese slices (6): Melty cheese blankets elevate these burgers from delicious to legendary.
  • Brioche hamburger buns (6): Buttery, slightly sweet buns are the perfect bed for your savory creation.
  • Optional Toppings: Burger sauce, caramelized onions, pickles—these are like the cherry on top, so don’t hold back!
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 the best parts about the Crack Burger Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or crafting a burger bar for a party, these fun twists and swaps let you put your personal stamp on dinner!

  • Switch up the cheese: Try smoked gouda, pepper jack, or Swiss for a new gooey flavor dimension.
  • Lighten it up: Substitute plain Greek yogurt for sour cream to bump up protein and reduce fat—no one will ever know!
  • Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix for a little extra kick.
  • Protein options: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner patty (just be extra careful not to overcook so they stay juicy).
  • Add barbecue flair: Sprinkle in your favorite BBQ rub or a spoonful of barbecue sauce for a smoky southern vibe.

How to Make Crack Burger Recipe

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

Start by frying up six strips of bacon until they’re golden, crisp, and ready to shatter. Let them cool enough to handle, then chop or crumble them into bite-sized bits. This step fills your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma and ensures every burger burst with bacon in each bite!

Step 2: Mix Up the Crack Burger Blend

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, shredded cheddar, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and those bacon crumbles. Use your hands (it’s worth it!) to gently mix everything until it’s just combined—don’t overdo it for the juiciest burger possible.

Step 3: Shape the Patties

Divide the mixture into six equal portions and shape each into a ¼-pound patty. Try to press a slight dimple in the center to help them cook flat and even—no awkward burger domes here!

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Get your griddle or skillet nice and hot. Set your patties on the griddle, letting them sear undisturbed for about five minutes. Flip, then cook another four minutes—now’s the time to lay on those cheese slices. Cover and cook for one additional minute so the cheese turns into a luscious, melty blanket.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Pop each patty onto a soft brioche bun and pile on your favorite toppings—burger sauce, caramelized onions, or crunchy pickles are all welcome here. Take that first bite while everything’s piping hot, and prepare for burger bliss!

Pro Tips for Making Crack Burger Recipe

  • Bacon Crunch Timing: Fry your bacon just before mixing—older, cold bacon tends to lose its irresistible crunch inside the patty.
  • Don’t Overmix: Gently combine your burger ingredients to avoid tough patties; less mixing means more juiciness every time.
  • Cheese Blanket Method: Add your cheese slices the last minute of cooking and cover the pan—this way, you’ll get perfectly gooey melt-over every patty.
  • Brioche Bun Upgrade: Lightly toast the buns for extra texture and to keep them from getting soggy under all that juicy goodness.

How to Serve Crack Burger Recipe

Crack Burger Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For a show-stopping finish, pile the Crack Burger Recipe high with caramelized onions, just-picked dill pickles, and a thick swirl of your favorite burger sauce. Shredded lettuce and juicy tomato slices add beautiful color and crunch, ensuring every burger looks as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This burger absolutely sings next to crispy French fries, sweet potato wedges, or even a vibrant coleslaw. Feeling extra? Load up your plate with onion rings or serve with grilled corn on the cob for a full-on cookout vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Take burger night up a notch by creating a DIY burger bar—set out all the toppings and fun sauces so everyone can customize their Crack Burger Recipe. Or, slice burgers in halves or quarters for a party platter that lets guests sample a bit of everything.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow wind up with extras (it happens, but not often!), just wrap any leftover burgers tightly in foil or an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh and juicy for up to three days—perfect for a no-fuss lunch the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, let burgers cool completely, then tightly wrap the patties (without buns or toppings) in plastic wrap and place in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll hold up beautifully for about two months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat burgers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or wrapped in foil in the oven (about 325°F) until heated through. For extra melty cheese, add a fresh slice during the last minute of reheating and cover the pan to let it steam.

FAQs

  1. Can I make the Crack Burger Recipe ahead of time?

    Absolutely! You can shape the patties and keep them covered in the fridge for up to a day before cooking. For best texture, wait to add the cheese slices until just before serving.

  2. Can I use a different type of ground meat?

    Yes—you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meats. Just increase the sour cream slightly if using leaner meats to lock in juiciness.

  3. What if I don’t have ranch seasoning?

    No problem! You can make your own with a blend of dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper, or use another favorite seasoning mix for a unique spin.

  4. Can I grill these burgers instead of using a griddle?

    Definitely! The Crack Burger Recipe works beautifully on the grill—just be sure your grill grates are nice and clean, and oil them well so the cheesy, creamy patties don’t stick.

Final Thoughts

Burgers this good are meant to be shared, so gather your friends and family and treat them to the Crack Burger Recipe soon! You’re in for a seriously flavorful, crowd-pleasing meal that’s as much fun to make as it is to eat. Happy grilling!

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Crack Burger Recipe

Crack Burger Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 54 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 burgers
  • Category: Stovetop
  • Method: Stovetop

Description

This Crack Burger recipe takes the classic burger to a whole new level with a savory blend of ground beef, cheddar cheese, bacon, and ranch seasoning. Perfect for a weekend barbecue or a weeknight dinner, these burgers are sure to be a hit with the whole family.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef 80/20 blend
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup bacon crumbles (six strips of bacon)
  • 2 Tbsp. ranch seasoning

Additional Ingredients:

  • 6 cheese slices
  • 6 brioche hamburger buns

Optional Toppings:

  • Burger sauce
  • Caramelized onions
  • Pickles

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon: Cook six strips of bacon until crispy. Remove and cut into small pieces or break into crumbles. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Burger Patties: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cheddar cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and bacon bits. Mix well and form six 1/4 pound patties.
  3. Cook the Patties: On a preheated griddle, cook patties for five minutes on one side. Flip and cook for four minutes. Add cheese slices, cover, and cook for one more minute or until cheese is melted on top. Remove from heat.
  4. Assemble the Burgers: Place each patty on a brioche bun and serve with your favorite toppings such as burger sauce, caramelized onions, and pickles.

Notes

  • Substitute plain Greek yogurt for sour cream.
  • You can use other ground beef blends besides 80/20, but keep in mind that blends with less fat may result in less flavor and could taste dry if overcooked.
  • Enhance the flavor by adding Rocky Mtn Beef Rub (labeled as Phelps Barbecue) to the patty mixture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 burger
  • Calories: Approximately 550
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

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