crack burgers

If you haven’t heard of Crack Burgers yet, let me introduce you to your new favorite burger obsession. The name says it all—these burgers are insanely addictive, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to have you coming back for seconds (or thirds). It’s the kind of burger that delivers on all fronts: juicy beef, melty cheese, and a special sauce that ties everything together in the most crave-worthy way. The secret to Crack Burgers lies in a few simple but game-changing ingredients: a perfectly seasoned burger patty, crispy bacon, gooey melted cheese, and a tangy, creamy sauce that’s drizzled over everything.

I first came across Crack Burgers at a local cookout, and I instantly knew I had to recreate them at home. The combination of flavors was just out of this world, and the sauce… oh, the sauce! It was creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of zesty. These burgers are now a regular at our house, whether it’s for a casual family dinner or a backyard BBQ with friends. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll understand why they’re called Crack Burgers—they’re just that good.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

1. Seriously addictive: Once you take a bite, it’s hard to stop. The combination of juicy beef, bacon, cheese, and sauce is just perfection.
2. Easy to make: This recipe is straightforward, with no complicated steps. You can whip these burgers up quickly, making them great for weeknight dinners or weekend BBQs.
3. Customizable: Add your favorite toppings, change up the cheese, or make the sauce spicier—the possibilities are endless.
4. Perfect for a crowd: These burgers are a hit with everyone, whether it’s your family, friends, or kids. They’re great for gatherings, cookouts, or any time you want to impress a group.
5. The sauce: It’s the star of the show. Tangy, creamy, and full of flavor, it takes these burgers from good to absolutely unforgettable.

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 750
Protein: 35g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 50g

Ingredients:

For the Burgers:

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 for juicier burgers)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 slices cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• 4 slices cooked bacon
• 4 brioche buns (or regular burger buns)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting the buns)

For the Crack Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional for a little kick)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings:

• Lettuce
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced pickles
• Red onion rings (optional)

Instructions:

1. Make the crack sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Set the sauce aside in the fridge to let the flavors meld while you prepare the burgers.
2. Prepare the burger patties: In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Be careful not to overmix the meat—just combine the ingredients until evenly distributed. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties, about ½ inch thick.
3. Cook the bacon: If you haven’t already cooked the bacon, fry it up in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and set aside.
4. Cook the burgers: Preheat a large skillet, griddle, or grill over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the burger patties. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. If you want a juicier, medium-rare burger, cook them for about 3 minutes per side. If you like them more well-done, go for about 5 minutes per side. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty and cover the skillet with a lid to melt the cheese.
5. Toast the buns: While the burgers are cooking, melt the butter in a separate skillet or on the griddle. Toast the brioche buns, cut side down, until golden brown and slightly crispy. This step adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to the burger.
6. Assemble the burgers: Spread a generous amount of crack sauce on both the top and bottom buns. Place the cooked burger patty with melted cheese on the bottom bun, followed by a slice of crispy bacon. Add your desired toppings—lettuce, tomato, pickles, and red onion—then top with the remaining bun.
7. Serve: Serve the Crack Burgers immediately with extra crack sauce on the side for dipping, and enjoy the glorious, addictive flavors!

How to Serve:

• Classic: Serve with a side of crispy French fries or onion rings for the ultimate burger experience.
• Lighter option: Pair the burgers with a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables for a more balanced meal.
• For a BBQ spread: Crack Burgers are perfect for backyard BBQs! Serve alongside potato salad, coleslaw, or grilled corn on the cob for a full feast.

Additional Tips:

1. Use high-fat ground beef: The key to juicy, flavorful burgers is using ground beef with a good fat content (80/20 or even 70/30). The fat keeps the burgers tender and adds tons of flavor.
2. Don’t overwork the meat: When forming the patties, handle the meat as little as possible. Overworking the beef can make the burgers tough.
3. Rest the patties: Let the burger patties rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the burgers moist.
4. Customize the crack sauce: Feel free to adjust the sauce to your taste! Add more hot sauce for extra spice, or increase the pickle relish for more tang.
5. Toast the buns: Toasting the buns in butter adds flavor and helps them hold up better to the juicy burger and sauce. It also gives the burger an extra crunch!

Recipe Variations:

• Spicy Crack Burgers: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick, or top the burgers with jalapeño slices for a fiery twist.
• Cheese Swap: Try different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy note, or blue cheese for a rich, bold flavor.
• BBQ Crack Burgers: Swap out the ketchup in the sauce for BBQ sauce to give the burgers a smoky, tangy twist. Add crispy fried onions for an extra layer of texture.
• Vegetarian Option: Use a plant-based burger patty and vegan mayo in the sauce for a delicious vegetarian version of this addictive burger.

Serving Suggestions:

• Sides: Serve with traditional burger sides like French fries, sweet potato fries, or a side salad. For something a little different, try pairing the burgers with roasted potatoes or grilled veggies.
• Beverages: Crack Burgers go great with an ice-cold soda or beer. If you want to get fancy, a milkshake or a lemonade adds a fun, nostalgic vibe to your meal.

Freezing and Storage:

• Storing leftovers: Store any leftover burger patties and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm the patties in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
• Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked burger patties for up to 3 months. Shape the patties and place them on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.
• Reheating: To keep the burgers juicy when reheating, warm them up in a skillet over medium heat. For leftover cooked burgers, you can microwave them, but be careful not to overcook or they may become dry.

Special Equipment:

• Cast iron skillet or griddle: These are ideal for cooking burgers because they retain heat well and help create a great sear on the patties.
• Meat thermometer: To ensure your burgers are cooked to your desired doneness, use a meat thermometer. For medium, aim for 160°F internally.

FAQ:

1. Can I grill these burgers instead of cooking them in a skillet? Absolutely! These burgers are fantastic on the grill. Just make sure to oil the grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking.
2. What’s the best cheese to use for these burgers? Cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to use your favorite cheese. American cheese melts beautifully, while pepper jack adds a nice bit of heat.
3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the crack sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. It actually tastes better as the flavors have more time to meld.
4. What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce for the crack sauce? You can substitute soy sauce or even a bit of balsamic vinegar for a similar umami flavor.
5. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Definitely! Ground turkey makes a lighter version of this burger, but it can be a bit leaner, so be sure to add some seasoning and a bit of olive oil to keep the patties moist.

Conclusion:

Get ready to be obsessed with these Crack Burgers! They’re everything you love in a burger—juicy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—and that addictive crack sauce just takes it over the top. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or cooking up a quick weeknight dinner, these burgers are sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram with your creations—I love seeing how your Crack Burgers turn out! Enjoy!