The Secret Crack Burger Recipe That Went Viral (Warning: Highly Addictive)
Have you ever tried a crack burger recipe that’s so delicious you can’t stop thinking about it? Indeed, these flavor-packed burgers have earned their name for a reason—they’re incredibly addictive due to the tasty combination of bacon, ranch seasoning, and cheddar cheese.
After trying these burgers, even NFL quarterback Jarrett Stidham declared they belong on the “Mount Rushmore of burgers”. What makes these crack burgers so irresistible? Not only are they super juicy thanks to the perfect blend of ground beef, sour cream, and shredded cheese, but they also deliver an over-the-top flavor experience that will elevate your burger game. In fact, with each patty packing about 60g of protein and 61g of total fat, this best crack burger recipe offers a rich, satisfying meal that keeps people coming back for more.
We’re about to share the simple crack burger recipe that went viral, breaking down all the ingredients and steps you need to create these mouthwatering sensations at home. Get ready—these burgers might just become your new obsession.
The Ingredients That Make Crack Burgers Irresistible
What makes a crack burger genuinely irresistible? The secret lies in a specific combination of ingredients that create an explosion of flavor and juiciness that keeps you coming back for more.
First and foremost, the foundation of any great crack burger is 80/20 ground beef. This iconic ratio provides enough fat (20%) to keep the flavor high and the meat moist. Many burger experts recommend this ratio because the fat contributes to rich flavor, prevents drying out during cooking, and creates a tender texture. Going leaner than this can cause your burger to dry out and lose its natural flavor.
The game-changing addition that elevates these burgers is sour cream. Adding approximately 1/4 to 1/2 cup of sour cream to your meat mixture acts as the “secret ingredient” that packs in moisture and flavor. This ingredient is what helps create the incredibly juicy quality that makes crack burgers nearly impossible to resist.
Another essential component is ranch seasoning. Typically added at about 2-3 tablespoons per pound of beef, the ranch seasoning powder infuses the meat with a tangy, herby flavor profile that perfectly complements the richness of the beef.
Furthermore, bacon and cheddar cheese transform these burgers from ordinary to extraordinary. Adding approximately 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon imparts a smoky flavor throughout the entire patty. Meanwhile, incorporating about 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese directly into the meat mixture creates pockets of gooey, melty goodness in every bite.
When combined, these ingredients create a patty that’s remarkably moist and packed with flavor. The fat from the ground beef, the creaminess from the sour cream, the distinctive tang from the ranch seasoning, the smokiness from the bacon, and the richness from the cheddar cheese all work together to create a truly addictive burger experience.
Additionally, the cooking process allows these ingredients to meld together, with the bacon rendering into the meat and the cheese creating delicious pockets of melted goodness throughout the patty.
Step-by-Step: How to Make the Best Crack Burger Recipe
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s roll up our sleeves and make these addictive crack burgers. The process is straightforward yet requires attention to detail for the best results.
Start with the bacon. Cook about 6-8 strips until crispy enough to crumble easily. Once cooled, break into small pieces until you have approximately 1/2 cup of crumbled bacon.
Prepare the burger mixture in a large bowl by combining 1-1.5 pounds of 80/20 ground beef, 1/4 cup of sour cream, 2-3 tablespoons of ranch seasoning, your crumbled bacon, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese[104]. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—overmixing will result in dense, tough burgers.
Form the patties by dividing the mixture into equal portions (typically 4-6 oz each). Shape them into balls first, then flatten into patties slightly larger than your buns since they’ll shrink during cooking. Press a wide, shallow dimple into the center of each patty—this prevents the burger from puffing up in the middle.
Heat your cooking surface to medium-high (about 350-400°F). A cast-iron skillet or griddle works best for developing that coveted caramelized crust.
Cook the patties for approximately 5 minutes on the first side until a nice crust forms. Flip only once and cook for 4 minutes on the second side. For medium-well burgers, the internal temperature should reach 145°F.
Add cheese slices during the last minute of cooking. For perfect melting, add a few splashes of water to the pan and immediately cover with a lid—the steam will create perfectly melted cheese in about 30 seconds.
Meanwhile, toast your buns. For extra flavor, brush them with butter or leftover bacon grease and place cut-side down on the cooking surface until golden brown.
These crack burgers are juicier than standard burgers, so be prepared for a deliciously messy experience that’s absolutely worth it!
Toppings, Sauce, and Final Assembly
The final touches make all the difference between a good burger and an addictive crack burger. Once your juicy patties are ready, it’s time to focus on what takes these burgers to legendary status—the sauce and assembly.
For the classic crack burger sauce, combine 3 tablespoons mayo, 1 tablespoon grainy mustard, and 1 tablespoon chili sauce in a small bowl. This simple trio creates a creamy, tangy complement that enhances the ranch-infused patties. Alternatively, try an All-American burger sauce by mixing mayo, ketchup, mustard, dried minced onion, garlic, vinegar, and hot sauce to taste.
Regarding toppings, caramelized onions are particularly magical on crack burgers. Their sweet, buttery flavor contrasts beautifully with the savory patty. Other fantastic additions include pickle slices, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomato slices.
For burger assembly that prevents the dreaded topping slide-out, follow this strategic order:
First, toast your brioche buns lightly. Subsequently, spread sauce on both halves—this creates a “mortar” that helps secure toppings in place. On the bottom bun, add lettuce first—it acts as a moisture barrier protecting your bun from getting soggy. Next, add tomato slices, followed by your cheesy crack burger patty.
On top of the patty, place caramelized onions (the melted cheese helps hold them). Pickles work well positioned within onion rings where the “walls” keep them from sliding out. Finish with a final dollop of sauce on the top bun before bringing everything together.
The correct assembly order isn’t just about esthetics—it significantly affects structural integrity and flavor distribution. As you take that first bite, you’ll understand why these crack burgers earned their addictive reputation—every element works together for an extraordinary flavor experience that keeps you coming back for more.
Conclusion
These crack burgers certainly earn their name for good reason. The perfect combination of juicy 80/20 ground beef, creamy sour cream, tangy ranch seasoning, smoky bacon, and melted cheddar creates an experience that goes beyond ordinary burger territory. Undoubtedly, the carefully selected ingredients working together explain why these burgers have gone viral across social media platforms.
We’ve walked through each crucial step needed to craft these addictive patties at home. Remember, gentle mixing preserves the tender texture while that center dimple ensures perfectly shaped burgers every time. Additionally, the strategic assembly order we shared helps maintain structural integrity so you can enjoy every bite without the dreaded topping slide.
The final result? A burger so delicious you’ll find yourself craving it again and again. Therefore, consider yourself warned – once you make these crack burgers for friends and family, they’ll likely request them at every gathering. The rich, satisfying flavors combined with that incredible juiciness make these burgers nearly impossible to resist.
Last but not least, don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings and sauce combinations. Though we’ve shared our favorite recommendations, the versatile flavor profile of these patties pairs beautifully with countless variations. Consequently, you might find yourself experimenting with different cheese types or unique sauces to create your own signature crack burger.
Whether for a weekend cookout, game day celebration, or simply because you deserve an extraordinary burger experience, this recipe delivers memorably delicious results every time. One bite, and you’ll understand exactly why they call them crack burgers!
FAQs
Q1. What makes crack burgers so addictive? Crack burgers are incredibly addictive due to their unique combination of ingredients. The 80/20 ground beef, sour cream, ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheddar cheese create a juicy, flavorful patty that’s hard to resist. The cooking process allows these ingredients to meld together, resulting in a burger with an irresistible taste and texture.
Q2. How do you keep burgers juicy while cooking? To keep burgers juicy, use 80/20 ground beef and add sour cream to the meat mixture. Avoid overmixing the ingredients and press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty before cooking. Cook on medium-high heat and flip only once to retain moisture. Adding cheese during the last minute of cooking also helps lock in juices.
Q3. What’s the best way to assemble a crack burger? Start by toasting the buns and spreading sauce on both halves. On the bottom bun, layer lettuce (to prevent sogginess), tomato, and the patty. Top the patty with caramelized onions and pickles. Finish with a dollop of sauce on the top bun before bringing everything together. This order helps maintain structural integrity and ensures optimal flavor distribution.
Q4. Can you explain the origin of the term “crack burger”? The term “crack burger” comes from the addictive nature of these burgers. Much like the addictive crack chicken recipe, these burgers are so delicious that people find themselves craving them repeatedly. The name is a playful reference to how hard it is to resist eating them once you’ve tried them.
Q5. What’s a good sauce recipe for crack burgers? A classic crack burger sauce can be made by combining 3 tablespoons of mayo, 1 tablespoon of grainy mustard, and 1 tablespoon of chili sauce. This creamy, tangy sauce complements the flavors of the ranch-infused patty perfectly. Alternatively, you can create an All-American burger sauce by mixing mayo, ketchup, mustard, dried minced onion, garlic, vinegar, and hot sauce to taste.