Crack Burgers

Crack Burgers are bold, juicy, and layered with irresistible flavors. Topped with melty cheese, crispy bacon, and a creamy, tangy “crack sauce,” these burgers are addictive in the best way and perfect for any burger lover.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These burgers are a step above the ordinary, thanks to a mouthwatering combination of perfectly seasoned beef, crispy toppings, and a signature sauce that brings everything together. They’re satisfying, indulgent, and guaranteed to impress.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
• Salt and black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cheese slices (American, cheddar, or pepper jack)
• Bacon (cooked until crisp)
• Burger buns (brioche or sesame)
• Lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion (optional toppings)

For the Crack Sauce:

• Mayonnaise
• Ketchup
• Yellow mustard
• Pickle relish
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika

directions

1. Make the Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, and spices. Chill until ready to use.
2. Form Patties: Divide ground beef into equal portions and shape into patties. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Cook the Patties: Grill or pan-sear burgers over medium-high heat until browned. Add cheese and cover to melt.
4. Toast the Buns: Lightly butter and toast buns on a skillet or grill.
5. Assemble: Spread crack sauce on buns, add lettuce, tomato, pickles, and top with burger patty and crispy bacon.
6. Serve: Enjoy hot with fries or chips.

Servings and timing

Serves 4.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the crack sauce.
• Double Stack: Make it a double patty burger for extra indulgence.
• Turkey or Chicken Burgers: Substitute ground beef with poultry.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve in lettuce wraps or low-carb buns.

storage/reheating

Store cooked patties separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Assemble fresh to preserve texture. The crack sauce can be stored in a sealed container for up to 5 days.

FAQs

What makes it a “crack” burger?

The irresistible flavor of the special sauce combined with juicy patties and crispy bacon earns it the name.

Can I use pre-made patties?

Yes, but seasoning freshly ground beef gives better flavor.

What’s the best cheese to use?

American cheese melts best, but cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack also work well.

Can I grill these burgers?

Absolutely. Grilling adds great smoky flavor.

How do I keep the patties juicy?

Use 80/20 beef and avoid pressing the patties while cooking.

Can I make the sauce ahead?

Yes, it actually tastes better after resting for a few hours.

Are these burgers freezer-friendly?

Cooked patties can be frozen and reheated, though fresh is best for texture.

How do I toast the buns?

Brush with butter and toast on a skillet or grill until golden.

What sides pair well?

Fries, onion rings, slaw, or a crisp salad are perfect accompaniments.

Can I use plant-based meat?

Yes, this recipe adapts well to meat alternatives like Beyond or Impossible patties.

Conclusion

Crack Burgers are the ultimate indulgent burger experience—juicy, cheesy, smoky, and dripping with signature sauce. Whether grilled or pan-seared, they’re destined to be a hit at any cookout or casual dinner.

Crack Burgers

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Crack Burgers are mouthwateringly juicy burgers layered with cheese, crispy bacon, and a tangy, creamy ‘crack sauce.’ Packed with flavor and indulgence, they’re perfect for cookouts, parties, or a decadent dinner.

• Author: Emma Harper
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 burgers 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling or Pan-Searing
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 4 slices cheese (American, cheddar, or pepper jack)
• 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy
• 4 burger buns (brioche or sesame)
• Lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion (optional toppings)
• For the Crack Sauce:
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 2 tbsp pickle relish
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Chill until ready to use.
2. Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape into patties. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Grill or pan-sear patties over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Top each with a slice of cheese and cover to melt.
4. Lightly butter and toast burger buns on a skillet or grill until golden.
5. Assemble burgers: Spread crack sauce on buns, layer with lettuce, tomato, pickles, burger patty, crispy bacon, and top bun.
6. Serve immediately with fries, chips, or slaw.

Notes

• For extra flavor, let the sauce chill for a few hours before serving.
• Use 80/20 beef for the juiciest burgers.
• Double up patties for an indulgent stacked burger.
• Try lettuce wraps for a low-carb version.
• Crack sauce keeps for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 burger with toppings and bun
• Calories: 780
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 52g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 26g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 42g
• Cholesterol: 140mg