Crack burgers recipe

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Last summer, Mateo and I hosted a backyard barbecue for our daughters and their friends. I decided to try something different from our usual burger routine, and let me tell you, these crack burgers became the talk of the neighborhood. Our youngest, Sofia, couldn’t stop raving about them to her friends, and by the end of the evening, everyone was asking for the recipe.

The name “crack burgers” comes from how addictive they are—seriously, you won’t be able to stop at just one. This crack burgers recipe has since become our family’s go-to for gatherings, game nights, and even quick weeknight dinners when we want something special.

What makes this crack burgers recipe so irresistible is the secret blend of seasonings and the surprise ingredient that takes these patties from ordinary to extraordinary. Mateo helped me perfect the technique, and now we’re sharing our family favorite with you.

Why You’ll Love This Crack Burgers Recipe

This crack burgers recipe delivers everything you want in the perfect burger and more. First, the flavor is absolutely phenomenal. The combination of savory seasonings creates an umami-packed experience that keeps you coming back for another bite. Additionally, these burgers are incredibly juicy thanks to a special technique we use in the preparation.

Moreover, this recipe is surprisingly simple. You don’t need fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Everything comes together in about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Furthermore, the crack burgers recipe is versatile enough to customize based on your family’s preferences. Whether you like them spicy, loaded with cheese, or topped with all the fixings, this recipe adapts beautifully.

Another reason you’ll love this crack burgers recipe is that it feeds a crowd without breaking the bank. The ingredients are budget-friendly, making it perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Plus, both our daughters, even our picky eater, absolutely devour these burgers every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This crack burgers recipe relies on straightforward ingredients that pack maximum flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need to create these addictive burgers:

The beauty of this crack burgers recipe is that most of these ingredients are pantry staples. The ranch seasoning is the secret weapon that makes these burgers truly addictive.

Substitutions & Variations

One wonderful aspect of this crack burgers recipe is its flexibility. If you can’t find ranch seasoning, simply make your own by combining dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried chives. Alternatively, you can use Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.

For the ground beef, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. However, I recommend sticking with an 80/20 fat ratio for maximum juiciness. Mateo sometimes uses a blend of ground beef and ground pork for extra richness.

If someone in your family doesn’t eat bacon, you can omit it, though it does add incredible flavor. For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to your crack burgers recipe. Additionally, swap cheddar for pepper jack, Swiss, or blue cheese depending on your preferences.

The cream cheese makes these burgers exceptionally moist, but you can use sour cream or Greek yogurt as alternatives. For a healthier twist, reduce the amount of cheese or use low-fat versions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now let’s walk through how to make this amazing crack burgers recipe. Follow these steps carefully for the best results.

Step 1: Start by cooking your bacon until crispy. I usually bake mine in the oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes. Once cooled, crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands, being careful not to overwork the meat. Overworking makes burgers tough.

Step 3: Add the softened cream cheese to the mixture. Mateo taught me this trick—the cream cheese keeps the burgers incredibly moist. Incorporate it thoroughly throughout the meat.

Step 4: Fold in the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure everything distributes evenly. This crack burgers recipe gets its name from these flavor-packed mix-ins.

Step 5: Divide the mixture into 6-8 equal portions, depending on how large you want your burgers. Form each portion into a patty about 3/4-inch thick. Make a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb—this prevents the burgers from puffing up during cooking.

Step 6: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F). Alternatively, you can use a cast-iron skillet or griddle on the stovetop. Mateo prefers grilling for that smoky flavor.

Step 7: Cook the burgers for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness. Avoid pressing down on the patties—this squeezes out all those delicious juices. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F.

Step 8: During the last minute of cooking, toast your hamburger buns on the grill. This adds a nice texture and prevents soggy buns.

Step 9: Remove the burgers from heat and let them rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the patty.

Step 10: Assemble your crack burgers with your favorite toppings and enjoy immediately!

Pro Tips for Success

After making this crack burgers recipe countless times, I’ve learned several tricks that guarantee perfect results every time. First, always start with cold ingredients. Cold meat is easier to handle and helps the burgers hold their shape better during cooking.

Second, don’t skip the thumb indent step. This simple technique truly makes a difference in how evenly your burgers cook. Additionally, resist the urge to flip your burgers multiple times. Flip only once for the best crust and juiciest interior.

Mateo always emphasizes the importance of letting burgers rest after cooking. Those few minutes allow the juices to settle, resulting in a much juicier burger. Furthermore, if you’re cooking for a crowd, you can prepare the patties ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.

For extra flavor, brush the buns with garlic butter before toasting. This crack burgers recipe also benefits from freshly ground black pepper rather than pre-ground. The flavor difference is noticeable.

If you’re using a grill, make sure your grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking. When using a stovetop, avoid overcrowding the pan—cook in batches if necessary to maintain proper temperature.

Storage & Reheating Tips

While this crack burgers recipe tastes best fresh off the grill, you can definitely store leftovers. Cooked burgers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I recommend storing the patties separately from the buns to prevent sogginess.

To reheat, place burgers in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Alternatively, microwave for 1-2 minutes, though this method won’t preserve the crust as well. You can also freeze uncooked patties for up to 3 months. Place parchment paper between each patty to prevent sticking, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

When ready to use frozen patties, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Never thaw at room temperature, as this promotes bacterial growth. Cooked burgers can also be frozen, though the texture may change slightly upon reheating.

What to Serve With This Recipe

This crack burgers recipe pairs wonderfully with classic burger accompaniments. I love serving these with crispy french fries or sweet potato fries. Our daughters particularly enjoy them with homemade onion rings.

For a lighter option, serve your crack burgers with a fresh garden salad or coleslaw. The crisp vegetables provide a nice contrast to the rich, savory burgers. Mateo often makes his famous potato salad or macaroni salad as side dishes.

Grilled vegetables also complement this crack burgers recipe beautifully. Try zucchini, bell peppers, or corn on the cob. Additionally, baked beans, pasta salad, or a caprese salad work wonderfully.

Don’t forget the condiments! I set out a toppings bar with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, avocado, various cheeses, and multiple sauce options. Chipotle mayo, garlic aioli, and barbecue sauce are family favorites with this crack burgers recipe.

FAQs

Can I make crack burgers in the oven?

Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F and place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. This method works great when you can’t grill outdoors.

Why are they called crack burgers?

The name comes from how incredibly addictive these burgers are! The combination of ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheese creates such an irresistible flavor that people can’t stop eating them. It’s a playful name that perfectly captures how delicious this crack burgers recipe truly is.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey in this crack burgers recipe. However, choose ground turkey with some fat content (not extra lean) to keep the burgers moist. You may need to add an extra tablespoon of cream cheese since turkey is naturally leaner than beef.

How do I prevent my burgers from falling apart?

Make sure not to overmix the meat mixture, as this can make burgers mushy. Additionally, refrigerate the formed patties for 30 minutes before cooking—this helps them hold together better. The cream cheese in this crack burgers recipe also acts as a binder, helping prevent crumbling.

Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

Definitely! You can form the patties up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. You can also freeze uncooked patties for up to 3 months. This makes the crack burgers recipe perfect for meal prep or planning ahead for parties.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Based on 8 servings:

This crack burgers recipe has become a cornerstone of our family meals. Every time I make them, I’m reminded of that first barbecue and how something so simple brought so much joy to our table. Mateo and I hope you’ll love these burgers as much as we do.

They’re perfect for busy weeknights, weekend cookouts, or any time you want to treat your family to something special. Give this crack burgers recipe a try, and watch it become a staple in your home too!

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