The Juiciest Crack Burgers Recipe Ever Made for Family Fun

Crafting the perfect crack burgers demands more creativity than you might expect from a classic ground beef dish.

Savory secrets transform ordinary patties into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Meat lovers will appreciate the unexpected twist in this recipe.

Simple ingredients come together to create something magical on your dinner plate.

Each bite promises a flavor explosion that catches everyone by surprise.

Seasoned chefs and kitchen novices alike can master these irresistible burgers with confidence.

Prepare to wow your taste buds and become the ultimate burger hero.

Why Crack Burgers Are Full Of Flavor

• Bacon-Boosted Flavor Bomb: Infuse your burger with crispy bacon bits, creating an irresistible smoky depth that elevates the entire taste profile.
• Master Burger Crafting: Learn professional techniques like creating a center indentation and achieving the perfect golden-brown crust for restaurant-quality results at home.
• Creamy Cheese Lovers' Dream: Combine melted cheddar and cream cheese for a luxurious, rich layer that transforms an ordinary burger into a gourmet experience.
• Quick Weeknight Champion: Prepare a mouthwatering meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a delicious dinner without extensive cooking time.

What Goes Into Crack Burgers

• Ground Beef: A flavorful base that provides the primary protein and hearty texture of the burger.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky, crispy element that enhances the overall depth of flavor in the burger.

• Egg: Helps bind the meat mixture together and adds richness to the burger.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Provide essential seasoning that elevates the burger's taste profile.

• Hamburger Buns: Soft bread that serves as the foundation for the burger.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully over the patty, adding a creamy and sharp flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Creates a luxurious, smooth base on the bottom bun.
• Chives: Offer a fresh, light garnish with a mild onion-like flavor.

• Butter: Helps create a golden-brown crust and adds richness to the cooking process.

Step-By-Step For Crack Burgers

Step 1: Sizzle Bacon Bits

Finely chop bacon and cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crispy, releasing delicious fat. Transfer crispy bacon pieces to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Step 2: Blend Burger Mixture

• Ground beef
• Cooked bacon
• Egg
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently mix ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat mixture.

Step 3: Shape Perfect Patties

Divide meat mixture into 4 equal portions. Form thick patties with a slight center indentation to prevent puffing during cooking.

Step 4: Prepare Cooking Surface

Melt butter in a cast-iron skillet or heavy griddle over medium-high heat. Ensure the cooking surface reaches around 375°F for optimal searing.

Step 5: First Side Sear

Carefully place patties in the hot skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes until a robust golden-brown crust forms.

Step 6: Cheese and Finish Cooking

Flip patties and immediately top each with a slice of cheddar cheese. Allow cheese to melt over the meat. Cook an additional 3-4 minutes for medium doneness.

Step 7: Prepare Bun Base

Spread a generous layer of cream cheese on the bottom hamburger bun, creating a rich and creamy foundation.

Step 8: Assemble Burger

Transfer cooked patties onto prepared buns. Sprinkle chopped chives over the top for a fresh, aromatic finish.

Step 9: Serve Immediately

Crown with top bun and serve right away while the cheese is molten and patties remain hot and juicy.

Tips To Make Crack Burgers Even Better

• Bacon Crispness Matters: Render bacon slowly to achieve maximum crunchiness and flavor depth without burning, which ensures a perfect textural element in your burger.
• Gentle Meat Mixing: Handle ground beef minimally when combining ingredients to keep burgers tender and prevent tough, dense patties that lose juiciness.
• Center Indentation Trick: Create a small depression in burger patties to prevent them from puffing up during cooking, guaranteeing even cooking and maintaining a flat surface.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Add cheese immediately after flipping burgers and cover briefly to help it melt smoothly, creating a luxurious coating over the hot meat.
• Cream Cheese Secret: Spread cream cheese on bottom bun to add rich, tangy moisture that elevates the overall burger experience and prevents bread from becoming soggy.

Creative Ideas For Crack Burgers

• Spicy Southwest Burger: Replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese, add jalapeños and chipotle mayo for a fiery kick.
• Mediterranean Lamb Burger: Swap ground beef for ground lamb, use feta cheese, add tzatziki sauce and fresh mint leaves.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Burger: Substitute beef with black bean patties, use smoked gouda cheese, add avocado slices and cilantro.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Option: Eliminate buns, wrap burger in large butter lettuce leaves, serve with low-carb garlic aioli.

What To Serve With Crack Burgers

• Flavor-Boosting Beer Pairing: Choose a crisp amber ale or hoppy IPA to complement the rich, smoky bacon and sharp cheddar cheese in these burgers. The beer's carbonation cuts through the meat's heaviness while enhancing the complex flavor profile.
• Cheese-Enhancing Condiment Match: Whip up a zesty garlic aioli by mixing mayonnaise, minced garlic, and a splash of lemon juice. This creamy, tangy spread will elevate the burger's cream cheese and cheddar notes, adding an extra layer of deliciousness.
• Side Dish Harmony: Prepare crispy roasted sweet potato wedges seasoned with smoked paprika. Their caramelized edges and subtle sweetness perfectly balance the savory bacon cheeseburger, creating a mouthwatering combination that delights the palate.
• Wine Companion Selection

How To Store Crack Burgers The Right Way

• Store leftover burgers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual burgers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
• Place burger on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on 50% power for 1-2 minutes. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure food safety.
• Warm burger in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out and help restore moisture to the meat.

Common Questions About Crack Burgers

• What makes the bacon special in this recipe?

The bacon is crisped to golden perfection in a skillet, rendering its fat and creating crunchy bits that add rich, smoky flavor and texture to the burger.

• Why create an indentation in the burger patty?

The small center indentation prevents the burger from bulging or puffing up during cooking, ensuring an even, flat surface that cooks uniformly and looks professional.

• What's the purpose of using a cast-iron skillet?

Cast-iron skillets provide excellent heat distribution, create a beautiful golden-brown crust, and help develop deep, caramelized flavors on the burger’s exterior.

• How does cream cheese enhance the burger's taste?

The cream cheese adds a luxurious, creamy layer that provides a tangy contrast to the savory meat, creating a rich and more complex flavor profile for the burger.

Crack Burgers Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling “Crack Burgers” promise an irresistible flavor explosion that elevates classic grilling. Juicy beef patties infused with secret seasonings will transport taste buds to a new realm of culinary delight, leaving you craving another bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 slices bacon
• 1 large egg

Cheese & Dairy:

• 4 slices cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup cream cheese

Seasonings & Add-ins:

• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped chives
• 4 hamburger buns

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Instructions

1. Finely chop bacon and crisp it in a skillet over medium heat until golden and rendered, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer crispy bits to a paper towel-lined plate.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cooked bacon, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix ingredients until just incorporated, avoiding over-handling the meat.
3. Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into thick patties, creating a slight indentation in the center to prevent bulging during cooking.
4. Melt butter in a cast-iron skillet or heavy griddle over medium-high heat, ensuring even surface temperature around 375°F.
5. Carefully place patties in the skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes on the first side until a robust golden-brown crust develops.
6. Flip patties and immediately top each with a slice of cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt luxuriously over the meat. Cook an additional 3-4 minutes for medium doneness.
7. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese on the bottom hamburger bun, creating a rich, creamy base.
8. Transfer cooked patties onto prepared buns, garnish with chopped chives for a fresh, aromatic finish.
9. Crown with top bun and serve immediately while cheese is still molten and patties remain piping hot.

Notes

• Bacon Perfection: Ensure bacon is extra crispy by cooking slowly, allowing fat to render completely for maximum flavor infusion.
• Meat Handling: Mix burger ingredients gently to prevent tough, dense patties; overmixing can make meat compact and lose tenderness.
• Patty Shaping: Create a slight dimple in burger center to prevent puffing, helping patties cook evenly and maintain flat profile during grilling.
• Cheese Melting: Let cheese melt directly on hot patties for seamless integration and optimal gooey texture.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace hamburger bun with lettuce wrap or portobello mushroom for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free spread or avocado for similar creamy richness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 690
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1000 mg
• Fat: 50 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg