Crack Burgers are juicy and loaded with flavors, making every bite a treat! With a perfect patty and ooey-gooey cheese, they’ll quickly become your new favorite meal.
Just picture yourself biting into one, and trust me, it’s hard to resist the next! 🍔 I love serving them with crispy fries—because what’s a burger without fries, right?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Choose an 80/20 blend for juicy burgers with good flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, 85/15 will work too, but the burgers might be less juicy. I personally love the richness of the fatty blend!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice flavor kick. You can substitute Monterey Jack for a milder taste or even a dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy. Don’t forget to melt it on the patties for that classic burger experience!
Burger Buns: Brioche or potato buns add a lovely softness and richness. If you prefer whole grain or gluten-free options, those work really well too! Just ensure they can hold up to the juicy burger.
Special Sauce: The mix of mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard is great. You can substitute yogurt for a lighter sauce, or mix it with some hot sauce for a tangy kick. It’s all about personal taste—experiment to find what you love!
How Do I Shape the Perfect Burger Patty?
Shaping burger patties seems easy, but there are a few tricks to getting it just right. First, always mix the ingredients gently to keep your patties tender. Overworking the meat can lead to tough burgers.
- Divide the beef into four equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a patty that is slightly larger than the bun, as it’ll shrink while cooking.
- Make a small indentation in the center of each patty. This helps them cook evenly and prevents puffing up in the middle.
Follow these tips and you’ll have perfectly shaped patties every time, ready to cook up deliciously!
How to Make Delicious Crack Burgers?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 burger buns (preferably brioche or potato)
For the Special Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup mustard
- 1/4 cup pickles, sliced
Optional Toppings:
- Lettuce
- Other toppings of choice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll spend about 25 minutes creating these tasty crack burgers that will impress everyone at the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use your hands or a fork to mix gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat to keep the burgers tender.
2. Form Patties:
Now, divide the beef mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty that is slightly larger than your buns because it will shrink while cooking. Set the patties aside on a plate as you preheat your grill or skillet.
3. Cook the Patties:
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the patties in the skillet or on the grill. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side. Flip the patties and immediately place a slice of cheddar cheese on each one. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and the burgers are cooked to your liking.
4. Toast the Buns:
While the patties are cooking, cut your burger buns in half. Toast them on the grill or in a separate skillet until they are golden brown and slightly crispy. Toasting adds extra flavor and texture!
5. Assemble the Burgers:
Now it’s time to assemble! Spread a generous amount of your special sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a cheesy patty on top, followed by some sliced pickles, and any additional toppings you like, such as lettuce. Finish with the top half of the bun.
6. Serve:
Serve your crack burgers hot with a side of fries or your favorite snack. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey if you want a leaner option! Just note that ground turkey can be less flavorful, so consider adding an extra pinch of salt and some additional spices to enhance the taste. Also, cook them for a slightly shorter time to avoid drying them out.
How Can I Make These Burgers Spicy?
To add some heat, mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the beef mixture before forming patties. You can also top the burgers with pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra kick!
What If I Don’t Have Brioche Buns?
No worries! You can use any type of burger bun you prefer, such as whole wheat, gluten-free, or classic sesame seed buns. Just make sure they are sturdy enough to hold the juicy patty and toppings.
How to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover patties and buns separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat the patties in a skillet over medium heat, and toast the buns again for a few seconds to regain their crispiness before assembling!
