Crack Burgers: The Ultimate Crack Burgers Recipe
Introduction to Crack Burgers
Crack Burgers are not just any ordinary burger; they are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. With a juicy beef patty, crispy bacon, and a creamy crack sauce, these burgers are perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy dinner at home. Easy to make and packed with flavor, they are sure to become a family favorite!
A Personal Story Behind My Crack Burgers Journey
Growing up, my family had a tradition of grilling burgers on weekends. It was a time filled with laughter, good food, and cherished memories. One day, while experimenting in the kitchen, I came across a combination of ingredients that transformed our regular burgers into something spectacular. That’s when I created the Crack Burgers recipe, and it has been a hit ever since!
What Makes This Crack Burgers Recipe Special?
This recipe stands out because of the unique crack sauce, which elevates the flavor profile of the burgers to a whole new level. By combining cooked bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a special ranch seasoning mix, each bite is packed with flavor. Plus, the cooking technique of smashing the burger patties ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy. These burgers are not only delicious but also easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
The Full Crack Burgers Recipe
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 pounds ground beef chuck, very cold
- 1/3 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 5-6 slices)
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons full-fat sour cream
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish (Heinz recommended)
- 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (or to taste, like Frank’s original)
- 8 slices sharp Cheddar cheese
- 4 to 8 brioche buns plus softened butter for toasting
- 4 to 8 slices leaf lettuce
- 4 to 8 slices tomato
- Dill pickle chips (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Shape the mixture into 8 loose 3-ounce balls and keep them chilled in the refrigerator while you prepare the rest.
- Preheat a griddle over medium-high heat until hot. Meanwhile, combine the mayonnaise, pickle relish, remaining ranch seasoning, and hot sauce in a small bowl to create the crack sauce. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Place 2 beef balls on the hot griddle. Cover them with parchment paper and press down firmly with a spatula to smash them flat. Season with pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until browned. Flip the patties, top each with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese, and allow to melt for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- While the patties are cooking, butter the brioche buns and toast them on the griddle until golden brown.
- Spread the crack sauce on both sides of the toasted buns. Layer with leaf lettuce, slices of tomato, the cooked patties, and dill pickle chips if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Crack Burgers!
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Crack Burgers
These Crack Burgers are fantastic on their own, but feel free to customize them with additional toppings. Consider adding caramelized onions, avocado slices, or even a fried egg for an extra special touch. Pair your burgers with crispy fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal. They also make great leftovers, perfect for a quick lunch the next day!
Frequently Asked Questions About Crack Burgers
Can I make the patties ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and shape the patties a day in advance. Keep them covered and refrigerated until you are ready to cook.
What can I use instead of ranch seasoning?
If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can create your own blend with dried herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder.
Are there any vegetarian options?
For a vegetarian version, use black bean patties or portobello mushrooms as a substitute for the beef, and maintain the other flavors of the sauce and toppings.
Can I freeze the patties?
Yes, you can freeze the shaped patties. Just be sure to separate them with parchment paper and store them in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.

Crack Burgers
Equipment
- Griddle For cooking the burgers and toasting the buns.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef chuck very cold
- 0.33 cup cooked and crumbled bacon about 5-6 slices
- 0.5 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons full-fat sour cream
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish Heinz recommended
- 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce or to taste, like Frank's original
- 8 slices sharp Cheddar cheese
- 4 to 8 brioche buns plus softened butter for toasting
- 4 to 8 slices leaf lettuce
- 4 to 8 slices tomato
- Dill pickle chips optional, for topping
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Shape the mixture into 8 loose 3-ounce balls and keep them chilled in the refrigerator while you prepare the rest.
- Preheat a griddle over medium-high heat until hot. Meanwhile, combine the mayonnaise, pickle relish, remaining ranch seasoning, and hot sauce in a small bowl to create the crack sauce. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Place 2 beef balls on the hot griddle. Cover them with parchment paper and press down firmly with a spatula to smash them flat. Season with pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until browned. Flip the patties, top each with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese, and allow to melt for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- While the patties are cooking, butter the brioche buns and toast them on the griddle until golden brown.
- Spread the crack sauce on both sides of the toasted buns. Layer with leaf lettuce, slices of tomato, the cooked patties, and dill pickle chips if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Crack Burgers!