Juicy Crack Burgers Recipe: Crispy Edges, Tender Bites

Bursting with flavor and packed with a secret ingredient that makes these crack burgers an instant crowd-pleaser, this mouth-watering recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.

The irresistible blend of seasonings creates a taste explosion that sets these burgers apart from ordinary grilled patties.

Beef gets an incredible boost from carefully selected spices that meld together perfectly.

Each bite delivers a rich, savory experience that lingers on your palate.

Home cooks can easily master this simple yet extraordinary burger technique with just a few key ingredients.

The magic happens when you combine ground beef with the special seasoning mix that gives these burgers their addictive quality.

Prepare to transform your next cookout with a recipe that guarantees smiles and empty plates.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 850 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients Behind Crack Burgers That Hook You

• Ground Beef: Choose fresh, high-quality ground chuck with 80/20 fat content for juicy, flavorful burgers that hold together perfectly.
• Bacon: Select thick-cut bacon for maximum crispiness and rich flavor that adds a delightful crunch to the burger.
• Cheese Slice: Opt for classic American or sharp cheddar that melts smoothly and creates a luxurious coating on the patty.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that provides silky texture and carries other flavor elements in the signature sauce.
• Mustard: Adds tangy kick and depth to the sauce, balancing the richness of other ingredients.
• Sweet Relish: Brings bright, sweet-tart notes that elevate the sauce's complexity and add exciting texture.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the burger.

• Burger Buns: Choose fresh, soft buns that can withstand the juicy patty and sauce without falling apart.
• Lettuce: Optional fresh topping that adds crisp texture and light freshness to the burger.
• Tomato: Optional ingredient that provides juicy, bright element to complement the rich meat and sauce.
• Pickles: Optional tangy topping that adds extra crunch and acidic balance to the rich burger.

Crack Burgers: Tools That Make the Process Smoother

• Skillet or Grill: Essential for cooking the burger patties to perfection.
• Small Bowl: Perfect for mixing the tasty crack sauce ingredients.
• Paper Towels: Helpful for draining excess bacon grease.
• Spatula: Crucial for flipping burger patties and handling meat.
• Knife: Needed for chopping pickles or preparing additional toppings.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for food preparation.

Let’s Build Crack Burgers from Scratch

• Crisp the Bacon

Cook bacon until it’s crackling and golden. Use your favorite method – stovetop, oven, or air fryer. Drain on paper towels and set aside.

• Whip Up the Sauce

Blend mayonnaise, tangy mustard, and chopped pickles in a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper for an extra flavor punch.

• Shape the Meat Masterpieces

Gently form ground beef into four plump patties. Avoid squeezing too hard to keep the meat tender. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

• Sizzle the Patties

Fire up the grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Cook burgers 4-5 minutes per side until they reach your perfect doneness. Add cheese during the last minute for melty goodness.

• Build Your Burger Bomb

Toast buns until golden and crisp. Slather both sides with the zesty sauce. Layer a cheesy patty, top with crispy bacon, and add optional fresh toppings like lettuce or tomato.

• Devour and Celebrate

Serve these mouthwatering burgers hot with your favorite side. Prepare for a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Crack Burgers: Flavor Boosts and Smart Changes

• For extra crispy bacon, bake it in the oven at 400°F on a wire rack over a baking sheet. This method ensures even cooking and less grease.
• Choose ground beef with 80/20 fat content for the juiciest, most flavorful burgers. Higher fat content means more tenderness and richer taste.
• Swap regular buns for lettuce wraps or gluten-free buns to make this recipe celiac-friendly. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Replace beef patties with plant-based alternatives like Beyond Meat or black bean patties. Use vegetarian bacon or grilled portobello mushrooms for a similar texture.
• Add sriracha or jalapeños to the crack sauce for an extra kick. Sprinkle red pepper flakes on the patty during cooking to amp up the heat level.

How to Serve Crack Burgers with Style

• Burger Pairing Paradise: Crispy french fries drizzled with extra crack sauce make an irresistible combo.
• Late-Night Feast: Serve these burgers with cold beer or creamy milkshake for an epic meal that satisfies serious cravings.
• Game Day Glory: Cut burgers into smaller slider versions perfect for sharing during sports events or casual gatherings with friends.
• Gourmet Side Kick: Complement with tangy coleslaw or fresh garden salad to balance the rich, cheesy burger flavors and add nutritional balance.

Crack Burgers: Storage Tips You’ll Be Thankful For

• Prepare multiple burger patties in advance and store them between wax paper sheets in the refrigerator for quick weeknight meals. Raw patties stay fresh for 1-2 days before cooking.
• Wrap uncooked seasoned patties individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They'll maintain top quality for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling.
• Mix the crack sauce ahead of time and store in an airtight container. It'll stay delicious in the refrigerator for 5-7 days, making meal prep faster and easier.
• Refrigerate assembled burgers in sealed containers for 1-2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain crispiness and prevent soggy buns. Avoid microwaving to keep texture and flavor intact.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the crack sauce so special?

The crack sauce combines mayonnaise, mustard, and sweet relish for a tangy, creamy blend that elevates the burger’s flavor profile with a perfect balance of richness and zest.

• Can I use different types of ground beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various ground beef options like chuck, sirloin, or a blend. Just ensure the fat content is around 15-20% for juicy, flavorful burgers that won’t dry out during cooking.

• Is it necessary to let the burger patties rest after cooking?

Absolutely! Let the patties rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and moist burger when you bite into it.

• How can I prevent my burger patties from becoming tough?

Handle the meat gently when forming patties, avoid overmixing, and make a slight indentation in the center to prevent them from puffing up during cooking, which helps maintain a tender texture.

Juicy Crack Burgers Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crack Burgers elevate classic hamburgers with an irresistible blend of flavors that keep people coming back for more. Juicy beef patties topped with a secret sauce create an addictive culinary experience you won’t be able to resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juicy burgers)
• 4 slices cheddar or American cheese
• 4 slices cooked bacon
• 4 hamburger buns, toasted
• 0.5 cup mayonnaise
• 0.25 cup sour cream
• 0.25 cup ranch dressing
• 2 tbsps barbecue sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lettuce
• Tomato slices
• Pickles
• Sauteed onions

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Instructions

1. Bacon Preparation: Transform bacon into crispy strips using pan-frying, oven-baking, or air-frying methods. Drain excess oil on paper towels and set aside for later assembly.
2. Signature Sauce Creation: Combine mayonnaise, mustard, and finely chopped pickles, seasoning with salt and pepper to craft a zesty condiment that elevates the burger’s flavor profile.
3. Patty Formation: Divide ground beef into four equal portions, gently forming patties without overworking the meat. Season both sides with salt and pepper for balanced flavor.
4. Cooking Process: Heat grill or skillet to medium-high temperature. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side, adding cheese slice during the final moments to create a perfectly melted topping.
5. Bun Preparation: Toast burger buns until golden-brown. Generously spread prepared sauce on both top and bottom surfaces to create a flavor-packed base.
6. Burger Assembly: Layer cheese-topped patty on bottom bun, strategically placing crispy bacon strips for added texture. Enhance with optional toppings like lettuce, tomato slices, or pickles to elevate the culinary experience.
7. Serving Suggestion: Present Crack Burgers immediately alongside complementary sides such as french fries or a crisp salad, ensuring a memorable dining moment.

Notes

• Bacon Perfection: Ensure bacon reaches optimal crispiness by draining excess oil on paper towels, which prevents sogginess and maintains a satisfying crunch.
• Sauce Balance: Mix mayonnaise, mustard, and pickles with precise seasoning to create a harmonious flavor that complements the burger’s richness without overpowering.
• Meat Handling: Gently form patties to maintain meat’s tenderness, avoiding excessive compression that could result in tough, dense burgers.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Add cheese during the final cooking moments, allowing it to melt smoothly and create a glossy, appetizing appearance.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 850
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 56 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg