Crack Burgers are the ultimate comfort food! These juicy, flavorful burgers are topped with gooey cheese and special sauce that’ll keep you coming back for more. Yum!
Seriously, who can resist a burger that’s this tasty? I love making these for friends—they always ask for seconds! Perfect for a backyard cookout or a cozy night in.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is perfect for juicy burgers, but you can swap it with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just remember that poultry needs extra seasoning for flavor!
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its rich flavor. If you want a twist, try pepper jack for some heat or Swiss for a milder taste. You could also go dairy-free with a vegan cheese if needed.
Burger Buns: Brioche buns are sweet and soft, which I adore. However, any sturdy bun like pretzel or whole wheat can work. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free buns at the store!
Sriracha: This adds an amazing kick! If you like it milder, switch to a mild hot sauce or even BBQ sauce. If you’re spice-sensitive, just leave it out and add something like honey for sweetness.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Burger Patties?
Cooking burger patties just right can be tricky, but a few tips can help. Even cooking ensures your burger is juicy and flavorful.
- Mix the ground beef gently with seasonings—overmixing can lead to tough burgers.
- Make patties a bit larger than your buns since they’ll shrink while cooking.
- Create a small indentation in each patty’s center; this helps them cook evenly and prevents puffing up.
- Cook them on medium-high heat to get a nice crust. About 3-4 minutes on one side is perfect, then add cheese before flipping.
How to Make Crack Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 burger buns (preferably brioche)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp ketchup
For Toppings:
- Dill pickles, sliced
- Lettuce, shredded (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking and assembling the burgers. Quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef Patties:
In a mixing bowl, take the ground beef and add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use your hands to mix it gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to over-mix to keep the burgers juicy!
2. Form the Patties:
Divide the beef mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty slightly larger than your burger buns because they will shrink while cooking. Don’t forget to make a small indentation in the center of each patty—this helps them to cook evenly.
3. Grill the Patties:
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Place the patties on it and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they develop a nice brown crust. Flip the patties over, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is nice and melty, and the patties reach your desired doneness.
4. Toast the Buns:
While the patties are cooking, cut the burger buns in half. Toast them on the grill or in a separate pan until they are golden brown and slightly crispy. This adds a lovely texture to your burgers!
5. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Sriracha, and ketchup until smooth. Feel free to adjust the amount of Sriracha to make the sauce as spicy as you like!
6. Assemble the Burgers:
Take the bottom half of each toasted bun and spread about a tablespoon of the sauce over it. Lay the cooked patty with melted cheese on top. Add some dill pickle slices and shredded lettuce if you love that crunch. Cap it with the top half of the bun, and your Crack Burger is ready!
7. Serve:
Serve your Crack Burgers with your favorite sides, like fries or chips, and enjoy every bite of these juicy, cheesy delights!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a great alternative for a leaner option. Just be aware that it might be slightly drier, so consider adding a bit of olive oil or using a blend that includes dark meat for more juiciness.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder burger, reduce the Sriracha in the sauce to 1/2 teaspoon or leave it out entirely. Alternatively, you can also add a touch of honey to balance the heat if you like a hint of sweetness!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To retain their juiciness when reheating, place them in a skillet with a splash of water or broth and cover with a lid until heated through.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the mayo, Sriracha, and ketchup sauce up to 2 days in advance. Just keep it stored in the fridge in an airtight container, and give it a good stir before using to ensure all the flavors are well mixed.
