Crack Burgers Recipe

Crack Burgers Recipe for Irresistibly Juicy Patties

Crafting the perfect crack burgers demands creativity and a dash of culinary daring.

My kitchen adventures have taught me that unexpected ingredients can revolutionize classic comfort food.

These sensational patties pack a flavor punch that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Juicy meat blends with secret seasonings, creating an irresistible combination that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Local chefs have whispered about this legendary recipe, but now you can master it at home.

Meat lovers and experimental cooks will appreciate the bold twist on traditional burger techniques.

This is your moment to become a backyard grilling legend and impress everyone with an extraordinary meal.

Crack Burgers: What Makes Them Addictive

  • Dive into these irresistible Crack Burgers that promise pure culinary joy!
  • Whip up these mouthwatering burgers in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or sudden hunger pangs.
  • The tangy crack sauce and crispy bacon create an addictive combination that will have everyone begging for seconds, making it a guaranteed hit at family dinners or casual gatherings.
  • Flexibility is key with these burgers- grill, pan-fry, or skillet cook to match your kitchen setup and personal preference, ensuring delicious results every single time.
  • Using simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, these burgers eliminate complicated shopping trips and complex preparation techniques.

Crack Burgers Ingredient Breakdown

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: The star of the burger, rich and flavorful meat that forms the core of the dish. Choose ground beef with 80/20 fat content for juiciest results.
  • Bacon: Adds crispy, smoky texture and enhances overall burger taste. Select thick-cut bacon for best crunch.
Dairy Components:
  • Cheese Slice: Melty topping that adds creamy richness to the burger. American or cheddar cheese works perfectly.
Sauce and Seasoning:
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the signature crack sauce. Full-fat version provides best flavor.
  • Mustard: Adds tangy kick to the sauce. Dijon or yellow mustard recommended.
  • Sweet Relish: Provides sweet and pickled notes to the sauce. Helps balance other flavors.
  • Salt: Essential for enhancing meat and sauce flavors.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to seasoning.
Burger Foundation:
  • Burger Buns: Soft carrier for the burger, toasted for extra texture. Brioche or potato rolls ideal.
Optional Toppings:
  • Lettuce: Fresh, crisp layer adding texture.
  • Tomato: Juicy element bringing brightness.
  • Pickles: Extra tangy crunch for additional flavor.

Cooking Crack Burgers Without a Hitch

Step 1: Crisp Up The Bacon

Cook bacon until perfectly crispy using pan, oven, or air fryer method. Place cooked bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease. Let it cool and set aside.

Step 2: Whip Together Signature Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Dijon mustard
  • Sweet pickle relish
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir ingredients until well blended and smooth.

Step 3: Shape Meaty Patties

Take ground beef and divide into four equal portions. Gently form patties without overworking the meat. Sprinkle both sides with salt and cracked black pepper.

Step 4: Sizzle The Patties

Preheat grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Cook patties 4-5 minutes per side until desired doneness. During final minute, layer cheese slice on each patty to melt beautifully.

Step 5: Build Mouthwatering Burgers

Lightly toast burger buns until golden. Spread generous amount of signature sauce on top and bottom buns. Layer in order:
  • Bottom bun
  • Cheesy patty
  • Crispy bacon slice
  • Optional extras like lettuce, tomato
  • Top bun

Step 6: Plate And Devour

Serve burgers hot with french fries or crisp salad. Prepare for an explosion of flavor!

Tips to Master Crack Burgers at Home

  • Bacon Crispiness Control: Cook bacon until perfectly crisp but not burnt by monitoring heat and flipping frequently for optimal texture and flavor.
  • Sauce Customization: Adjust the crack sauce by adding hot sauce, sriracha, or extra mustard to create a personalized tangy kick that complements the burger.
  • Meat Handling Technique: Gently form patties without compressing the meat too much to maintain a tender, juicy texture and prevent tough burgers.
  • Cheese Melting Trick: Cover the burger with a lid during the last minute of cooking to help cheese melt evenly and create a smooth, gooey topping.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap burger buns with lettuce wraps or portobello mushroom caps for a lighter, carb-conscious version of the classic Crack Burger.

Save and Reheat Crack Burgers the Right Way

  • Store leftover burgers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days.
  • Keep burger patties, bacon, and buns separately to maintain their individual textures and prevent sogginess.
  • Warm burgers in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring they reach 165°F internal temperature.
  • Quickly reheat bacon in a hot skillet or microwave for 30 seconds to restore its crunchiness.

Pairing Drinks and Sides with Crack Burgers

  • Choose a bold, medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Malbec that complements the rich, savory burger flavors and cuts through the creamy sauce.
  • Select a hoppy IPA or amber ale with robust malt characteristics that matches the burger's intense umami profile and balances the crispy bacon's saltiness.
  • Prepare a tangy lemonade or citrus-infused iced tea that provides a refreshing counterpoint to the heavy, meaty burger and helps cleanse the palate between bites.
  • Serve crispy sweet potato fries or garlic-parmesan wedges that enhance the burger's flavor complexity and offer a delightful textural contrast to the juicy meat.

Ways to Remix Your Crack Burgers

  • Keto-Friendly Burger: Replace burger buns with large lettuce leaves. Use ground beef with higher fat content and top with sugar-free bacon. Swap regular mayo for avocado mayo to maintain low-carb profile.
  • Vegetarian Crack Burger: Substitute beef patty with plant-based burger from Beyond Meat or Impossible Foods. Keep same sauce and bacon-style topping using vegetarian bacon alternative. Use dairy-free cheese for complete plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Select gluten-free burger buns or use portobello mushroom caps as bun replacement. Ensure mustard and mayonnaise are certified gluten-free. Double-check bacon brand for potential gluten contamination.
  • Turkey Lean Burger: Replace ground beef with ground turkey for lighter protein option. Use turkey bacon instead of traditional bacon. Maintain original sauce recipe but reduce mayonnaise quantity for healthier profile.
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Crack Burgers Recipe

Crack Burgers Recipe


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4.9 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Dive into flavor paradise with these mouthwatering Crack Burgers, a culinary sensation that blends savory beef, zesty seasonings, and irresistible toppings. Hungry palates will discover an explosion of taste that elevates classic burger expectations to a whole new level of deliciousness.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juicy burgers)
  • 4 slices of cooked bacon
  • 4 slices cheddar or American cheese

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Bread:

  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 0.25 cup sour cream
  • 0.25 cup ranch dressing
  • 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
  • 4 hamburger buns, toasted

Optional Toppings:

  • Lettuce
  • Tomato slices
  • Pickles
  • Sauteed onions

Instructions

  1. Transform crispy bacon into irresistible crunchy strips by employing pan-frying, oven-baking, or air-frying techniques. Allow bacon to rest on absorbent paper towels to eliminate excess oil, then reserve for later assembly.
  2. Craft a signature sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, mustard, and finely chopped pickles, blending flavors with a delicate sprinkle of salt and pepper. This zesty condiment elevates the burger’s overall taste profile.
  3. Gently separate ground beef into four uniform portions, delicately forming patties without overworking the meat. Ensure each patty receives a balanced seasoning of salt and pepper across both surfaces.
  4. Ignite a grill or skillet to medium-high temperature, positioning patties to cook approximately 4-5 minutes per side. During the final cooking moment, crown each patty with a melting cheese slice, allowing it to become perfectly glossy and smooth.
  5. Prepare burger buns by lightly toasting them until achieving a golden-brown hue. Lavishly spread the prepared sauce on both top and bottom bun surfaces, creating a flavor-packed foundation.
  6. Construct the burger by layering the cheese-topped patty on the bottom bun, strategically placing crispy bacon strips for additional texture. Optional toppings like fresh lettuce, ripe tomato slices, or tangy pickles can enhance the culinary experience.
  7. Present the completed Crack Burgers immediately, accompanied by complementary side dishes such as golden french fries or a crisp, refreshing salad, guaranteeing a memorable dining moment.

Notes

  • Customize bacon cooking method based on kitchen equipment and personal preference, ensuring crispy texture without burning.
  • Experiment with sauce variations by adding hot sauce, sriracha, or chopped herbs for extra flavor complexity.
  • Prevent burger patties from puffing up during cooking by creating a small indentation in the center with your thumb.
  • Transform recipe into gluten-free version by using lettuce wraps instead of traditional burger buns or selecting gluten-free bread options.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 715
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 1300 mg
  • Fat: 50 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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