Crack Burgers: Your New Go-To Burger Recipe
Prepare for a burger experience that lives up to its name! These 'Crack Burgers' are loaded with irresistible flavors from savory bacon, sharp cheddar, and a secret ranch dressing kick, making every bite incredibly juicy and satisfying. Easy to make and universally loved, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Servings
6 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Explodes with flavor from bacon, cheddar, and ranch.
- Incredibly juicy and moist thanks to sour cream and proper cooking techniques.
- Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for weeknight meals.
- Customizable with your favorite burger toppings.
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 680 g (1 ½ lb) ground chuck (80/20 blend recommended)
- 45 ml (3 Tbsp) sour cream
- 30 ml (2 Tbsp) powdered ranch dressing mix
- 80 ml (⅓ cup) cooked and crumbled bacon
- 240 ml (1 cup) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 6 hamburger buns
- Fresh lettuce leaves, for topping
- Sliced ripe tomatoes, for topping
- Classic yellow mustard, for topping
- Creamy mayonnaise, for topping
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground chuck, sour cream, powdered ranch dressing mix, cooked and crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix the ingredients thoroughly, but be careful not to overmix the meat, as this can lead to a tough burger texture. Mix just until all components are evenly distributed and well incorporated for a consistent flavor profile.
- Form the mixture into 6 equally sized hamburger patties. To achieve even cooking, aim for a consistent thickness across all patties. You can use a burger press or the lid of a container to help shape them perfectly. Before grilling, press a small, shallow dimple into the center of each patty; this simple trick helps prevent the burgers from puffing up into a dome shape during cooking. For easier handling and to prevent the meat from sticking, lightly moisten your hands with cold water before forming each patty.
- Preheat your grill, grill pan, or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the formed patties onto the cooking surface. Grill the burgers to your desired doneness, noting that these moist burgers require gentle handling during flipping. Use a meat thermometer to accurately check the internal temperature: for medium-rare, aim for 54-57°C (130-135°F); for medium, target 60-63°C (140-145°F); and for well-done, cook to 71°C (160°F). Avoid pressing down on the patties while they cook, as this will squeeze out valuable juices and result in a drier burger.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the burgers from the heat and allow them to rest for 3-5 minutes. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the patty, ensuring a more tender and flavorful bite. While the burgers rest, you may toast your hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster for a crispier texture and enhanced flavor.
- Serve the rested burgers on your toasted hamburger buns. Customize each burger with your preferred toppings, such as crisp lettuce leaves, juicy tomato slices, a smear of classic yellow mustard, and a dollop of creamy mayonnaise. Feel free to explore other additions like pickles, sliced onions, or avocado to create your ultimate burger experience.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Spatula or burger flipper
- Grill, grill pan, or large skillet
- Meat thermometer (optional, but recommended)
- Burger press (optional)
Essential Success Tips
- Do not overmix the ground chuck; gentle handling keeps the burgers tender.
- Always create a small dimple in the center of each patty to prevent bulging.
- Resist the urge to press down on the burgers while they cook to retain all their delicious juices.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking.
- Allow the finished burgers to rest for a few minutes before serving to redistribute the internal juices.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For an extra layer of flavor and caramelization, brush the burger patties lightly with a mixture of melted butter and a dash of Worcestershire sauce during the last minute of cooking.
- Elevate your burger experience by toasting your buns on the grill cut-side down for 30 seconds to a minute; this creates a barrier against moisture and adds a delightful crunch.
- Consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the burger mixture for an even deeper, more complex savory profile.
Notes
- Storage: Leftover cooked patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to avoid drying them out.
- Variations: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely diced jalapeños to the burger mixture. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these burgers instead of grilling?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the patties on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they reach your desired internal temperature. Flipping once halfway through is recommended.
What kind of ground beef is best for these burgers?
A ground chuck blend with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio (80% lean, 20% fat) is ideal for these 'Crack Burgers'. The higher fat content ensures the burgers remain incredibly juicy and flavorful, complementing the rich additions of bacon and cheese.
Can I prepare the patties ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can form the patties up to 24 hours in advance. Place them on a plate separated by parchment paper, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to cook. This can help the flavors meld even further.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: Approximately 650-700 per serving, Protein: 40g, Fat: 45-50g, Carbs: 30-35g (estimates include bun and basic toppings).
Allergy Information
Contains dairy (sour cream, cheese) and gluten (hamburger buns). For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free hamburger buns. To reduce dairy, consider plant-based sour cream and cheese alternatives, though the flavor profile may vary slightly.
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