The Best Homemade Crack Burgers Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Juicy and packed with flavor, these crack burgers have become a sensation among meat lovers everywhere.

The mouthwatering blend of seasonings creates an irresistible taste that keeps people coming back for more.

Beef transforms into a culinary masterpiece with just a few simple ingredients.

These burgers promise to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your grilling game.

Each bite delivers a burst of savory goodness that will make your weekend cookout unforgettable.

Summer gatherings or weeknight dinners demand something special, and these crack burgers deliver every single time.

Prepare to experience a burger that will become your new go-to recipe.

What You Need for Crack Burgers

• Ground Chuck: Juicy and flavorful beef perfect for burgers.

• Sour Cream, Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Rich and creamy additions that boost burger moisture.

• Ranch Dressing Mix, Crumbled Bacon: Zesty seasoning and crispy pork bits that add extra deliciousness to the burger.

How to Make Crack Burgers at Home

Step 1: Blend Burger Ingredients

In a spacious mixing bowl, toss together ground chuck, sour cream, ranch seasoning, crispy bacon bits, and sharp cheddar cheese.

Gently combine the ingredients, being careful not to overwork the meat, which can make burgers tough.

Mix until the components are just incorporated.

Step 2: Shape Perfect Patties

Create four uniform hamburger patties, each crafted to roughly ¾ inch thickness.

Allow the patties to rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.

This resting period helps the flavors harmonize and stabilizes the burger’s structure.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat the grill to medium heat.

Place the patties on the hot grates, cooking each side only once to maintain juiciness.

• 145°F for medium-rare
• 160°F for well-done

Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

After grilling, let the burgers rest for a few minutes.

This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful bite.

Serve on your favorite buns with additional toppings if desired.

Crack Burger Cooking Tips

• Handle the meat mixture lightly and mix just until ingredients are combined to prevent tough, dense burgers.
• Allow patties to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before grilling to help them cook more evenly and maintain their shape.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature for perfectly cooked burgers – 145°F for medium-rare and 160°F for well-done.
• Fold cheese evenly throughout the meat mixture to ensure every bite has delicious cheesy goodness.
• Crumble bacon into small, consistent pieces so each burger gets an equal amount of crispy, smoky flavor.

How to Store Crack Burgers Correctly

• Store leftover crack burgers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Keep refrigerated burgers for 3-4 days maximum. Never leave cooked burgers at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm burgers at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Place patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to preserve moisture and prevent sticking.
• Reheat for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the burger juicy and prevent dryness.

What to Serve with Crack Burgers

• Crisp Craft Beer Buddy: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale to cut through the rich, cheesy burger with its bold carbonation and complementary malt notes.
• Zesty Pickle Slaw Side: Whip up a tangy coleslaw with dill pickles and a light vinegar dressing to balance the burger's creamy, decadent profile and add refreshing crunch.
• Cool Ranch Dip Companion: Prepare a homemade ranch dip with fresh herbs and sour cream to echo the burger's ranch seasoning and provide a cool, creamy counterpoint to the hot meat.
• Smoky Sweet Potato Fries: Serve crispy sweet potato fries seasoned with smoked paprika to enhance the bacon's smoky flavor and provide a slightly sweet contrast to the savory burger.

Tasty Burger Variations to Try

• Keto-Friendly Crack Burgers: Replace ground chuck with ground turkey or chicken, use low-fat sour cream, and swap ranch dressing mix for homemade seasoning blend. Skip the cheese or use a minimal amount of hard, aged cheese.
• Vegetarian Crack Burger Alternative: Substitute ground meat with black bean or lentil patties, use plant-based ranch dressing, vegan bacon bits, and dairy-free cheese alternatives. Maintain the same mixing and cooking techniques.
• Gluten-Free Ranch Crack Burgers: Use gluten-free ranch seasoning mix, ensure bacon is gluten-free, and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Serve on lettuce wraps instead of traditional buns for a low-carb option.
• Lean Protein Version: Use lean ground sirloin or ground bison instead of chuck, reduce bacon quantity, choose low-fat cheese, and incorporate Greek yogurt for added protein and moisture.

FAQs

• Why use sour cream in the burger mixture?

Sour cream adds moisture and tenderness to the ground chuck, preventing the burgers from becoming dry and helping to create a more juicy and flavorful patty.

• How does crumbled bacon enhance the burger's taste?

Bacon provides a smoky, salty flavor that complements the beef and adds extra richness to the burger, creating a more complex and delicious taste profile.

• What's the best way to ensure the patties don't fall apart while cooking?

Avoid overmixing the ingredients, let the patties rest at room temperature before cooking, and handle them gently when forming and flipping to maintain their structure.

• Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! While cheddar works great, you can experiment with other melting cheeses like monterey jack, pepper jack, or swiss to create your own unique flavor combination.

Why Crack Burgers Are Seriously Addictive

• Elevate Burger Game: Crack burgers transform ordinary ground chuck into a flavor-packed, mouthwatering masterpiece that will impress family and friends at any backyard gathering.
• Quick and Customizable Meal: These burgers are perfect for busy weeknights, allowing quick preparation and easy adaptation to personal taste preferences with minimal cooking skills required.
• Party-Perfect Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for casual get-togethers, summer barbecues, and family dinners, these crack burgers offer a delicious twist on traditional hamburgers that everyone will love.

Crack Burgers Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Crack burgers deliver an irresistible flavor explosion that combines juicy beef with addictive seasoning blends. Meat enthusiasts will crave these simple yet memorable patties that promise maximum satisfaction in every single bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (1.5 lb / 680 grams) ground chuck

Dairy and Flavor Enhancers:

• 3 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Mix-ins:

• 2 tablespoons ranch dressing mix
• 1/3 cup cooked and crumbled bacon

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Instructions

1. Gather ground chuck, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, bacon, and cheddar cheese in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Gently fold the ingredients together, ensuring minimal manipulation of the meat to preserve its tender texture.
3. Craft four symmetrical patties, each maintaining a consistent three-quarter-inch thickness.
4. Allow the assembled patties to equilibrate at ambient temperature for a quarter-hour, permitting flavor integration and structural stability.
5. Preheat the grill to medium thermal intensity for optimal cooking conditions.
6. Position the patties onto the heated cooking surface, implementing a single-flip technique to maintain juiciness.
7. Monitor the internal temperature meticulously: target 145°F for a rosy center or 160°F for complete doneness.
8. Remove the burgers from the grill, letting them momentarily rest to redistribute internal moisture.
9. Verify the meat’s thorough cooking by checking for a uniform, safe internal temperature across all patties.

Notes

• Chill the meat mixture briefly to help patties hold their shape and prevent crumbling during cooking.
• Mix ingredients gently to avoid tough burgers, using a light touch when combining and forming patties.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or smoked gouda for unique flavor profiles.
• Consider using leaner ground beef (90/10) and draining excess fat to create a healthier version of these indulgent burgers.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 698 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg