why make this recipe
Crack Burgers are a delightful twist on the classic burger that is sure to become your new favorite. With a combination of flavors from sour cream, ranch dressing, bacon, and cheddar cheese, these burgers are incredibly juicy and packed with taste. They are perfect for backyard barbecues, quick family dinners, or casual gatherings with friends. Plus, they are easy enough for beginners to make, yet impressive enough to wow everyone at the table. The simplicity of the recipe means that you can customize it to your preference, making it versatile for any taste. If you want to take your burger game to the next level, Crack Burgers are the way to go!
how to make Crack Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb ground chuck
- 3 Tbsp sour cream
- 2 Tbsp ranch dressing mix
- ⅓ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Hamburger buns
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Mustard
- Mayo (for topping)
Directions
Prepare the Mixture
Begin by gathering all your ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the ground chuck, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix them together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough burgers. You want it mixed just enough for the flavors to blend evenly.Beginner Note: Mixing should be light, so the meat stays tender.
Form the Patties
Once your mixture is ready, form it into six hamburger patties. To ensure even cooking, make sure all patties are roughly the same size and thickness. Using a burger press or a lid from a container can help shape them neatly. Press a small dimple in the center of each patty before grilling. This dimple will prevent the burgers from puffing up while cooking.Beginner Note: Wet your hands with cold water before shaping the patties to help prevent sticking.
Grilling the Burgers
Preheat your grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the patties on the grill and cook them according to your desired doneness. For medium-rare burgers, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F; for medium, go for 140-145°F; and well-done burgers should reach 160°F. Handle the patties gently; flipping them too forcefully can cause them to break apart.Beginner Note: Don’t press down on the patties while they are cooking, as this can release all the juicy goodness inside.
Let Them Rest
After grilling, let the burgers rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist bite every time.Assemble Your Burgers
Serve the cooked patties on your favorite hamburger buns. Top them with lettuce, tomato, mustard, and mayo. Feel free to add pickles, onions, avocado, or any other topping you love.Beginner Note: Toasting the buns adds a nice touch and extra crunch to your burger.
how to serve Crack Burgers
Crack Burgers can be served in a variety of ways to elevate your dining experience. Serve them alongside crispy fries or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. If you’re entertaining guests, consider adding a condiment bar where everyone can build their custom burger, complete with toppings like jalapeños, onions, and various sauces. For those who enjoy a spicy kick, serve with a side of spicy dipping sauce or chili flakes.
how to store Crack Burgers
If you have leftovers, you can store your Crack Burgers easily. Allow the patties to cool and then place them in an airtight container or wrap them well in aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store them longer, consider freezing them. Wrap each patty tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on a skillet or grill until warmed through.
tips to make Crack Burgers
- Choose Good Quality Meat: Use ground chuck for the best flavor and juiciness. The fat content will help to keep the burgers moist while cooking.
- Don’t Overwork the Meat: Handle the meat as little as possible while mixing, keeping it light will yield tender burgers.
- Keep Ingredients Cold: Having your ingredients, especially the meat and any cheese, cold helps to maintain the texture of the burgers.
- Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to try different toppings. Each combination can create a unique burger experience. Try a slice of avocado or a dollop of BBQ sauce for variation.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This tool takes the guesswork out of cooking your burger to the desired level of doneness.
- Dinner Party Idea: Make a burger bar. Lay out all the toppings and accoutrements for guests to create their burgers.
variation
There are several delicious variations of Crack Burgers you can try.
- BBQ Crack Burgers: Add a few tablespoons of your favorite BBQ sauce to the mix for a smoky flavor.
- Spicy Crack Burgers: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of hot sauce for an added kick.
- Cheesy Jalapeño Stuffed Crack Burgers: Fill the center of each patty with gooey cheese and diced jalapeños for a spicy surprise.
- Vegetarian Version: Use a black bean burger or a portobello mushroom cap instead of meat, and follow the rest of the recipe as is.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of ground meat?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option. Just keep in mind that these meats are typically drier, so you may want to add a little extra fat or liquid to keep the burgers moist.
Can I prepare the patties ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the patties a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together nicely. Just make sure to keep them covered.
How can I tell when my burgers are done without a thermometer?
While a meat thermometer is the best way to check, you can also press the center of the burger with a finger. For well-done, it should feel firm; for medium, it should have a little bounce; and for rare, it should remain soft.
Crack Burgers are not just another burger recipe; they’re an experience waiting to happen. Enjoy the process, try different toppings, and make them your own! Happy cooking!
Print
Crack Burgers
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Crack Burgers are a delightful twist on the classic burger with flavors from sour cream, ranch, bacon, and cheddar cheese. Perfect for barbecues and casual dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb ground chuck
- 3 Tbsp sour cream
- 2 Tbsp ranch dressing mix
- ⅓ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Hamburger buns
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Mustard
- Mayo (for topping)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground chuck, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix gently to avoid overmixing.
- Form the mixture into six hamburger patties, ensuring they are of even size. Press a small dimple in each patty.
- Preheat the grill to medium heat and cook the patties according to desired doneness.
- Let the burgers rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve on hamburger buns with lettuce, tomato, mustard, and mayo. Add any other desired toppings.
Notes
Consider toasting the buns for extra crunch and incorporating various toppings for a customized burger experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: burgers, grilling, barbecue, easy recipes, family meal