Go Back
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat) - Cheddar cheese and hamburger buns - Fresh vegetables and condiments To make a great crack burger, start with quality ground beef. I prefer 80% lean beef. This fat content gives the burger juiciness and flavor. Next, grab some sharp cheddar cheese; it melts beautifully and adds a rich taste. Don't forget soft hamburger buns. They hold your burger together while adding a nice texture. - Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika - Worcestershire sauce and sea salt Now let's talk about flavor. Seasonings are key. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth. Smoked paprika brings a warm, smoky note. Worcestershire sauce enhances the beef's flavor, while sea salt brings everything together. These ingredients ensure your crack burgers burst with taste. - Hot sauce for extra kick - Alternatives for customizing toppings Want to spice things up? Add hot sauce to the mix. It gives your burger a nice kick. You can also customize your toppings. Use avocado, jalapeños, or even different cheeses. Get creative! Personalizing your burger is part of the fun. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To make great crack burgers, start by mixing the ground beef with spices. In a big bowl, add 1 pound of ground beef. Then, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and sea salt. Add 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce too. Use your hands to mix gently. Be careful not to squeeze the meat too hard. Overworking it can make the burgers tough. You want the beef to stay juicy and full of flavor. Next, it’s time to shape the patties. Divide the beef mixture into four equal parts. Roll each part into a ball and then flatten it into a patty. Make sure the center is a bit thicker than the edges. Use your thumb to press a small indent into the center of each patty. This helps them cook evenly. Without this step, the burgers may puff up while grilling, making them uneven. Now, let’s cook those patties! Heat a grill or skillet on medium-high until it’s hot. Place the patties gently on the grill or skillet. Don’t press down on them; just let them sear. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side. Then, flip each patty over and top with a slice of cheddar cheese. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the inside reaches 160°F (71°C). This ensures they are safe and tasty. To add some crunch, toast your hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster. This step makes them golden and crisp. For the full recipe, refer to the ingredients section. This will help you create the best crack burgers that wow your taste buds! To make sure your burgers are just right, check the internal temperature. Aim for 160°F (71°C) for safety. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. This helps you avoid undercooked or overcooked burgers. To keep them juicy, don’t press the patties down while cooking. Let them sear nicely to lock in flavors. Toasting your hamburger buns is key to a great burger. Start by heating your grill or skillet. Place the buns cut-side down until they turn golden brown. This step adds texture and warmth. It also prevents the buns from getting soggy. A crisp bun holds up better against juicy toppings. Layering your ingredients makes a big difference in taste. Start with a layer of mayonnaise on the bottom bun. Then add a cheesy patty, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Finish with ketchup or hot sauce for extra flavor. For a fun touch, arrange the burgers on a colorful platter. Add extra pickles and lettuce around the edges. You can even use little paper flags in each burger for a festive look. Follow the Full Recipe for more detailed steps on crafting these delicious Crack Burgers. {{image_4}} You can swap the ground beef for other meats. Turkey and chicken work well. They offer a lighter taste. You can also try plant-based options for a vegetarian twist. Using ground turkey keeps the burger lean. Ground chicken adds a subtle flavor. Plant-based patties can be just as satisfying. Each option brings a unique taste and texture to the burger. Toppings can make or break a burger. You can use unusual toppings to surprise your guests. Try avocado slices or crispy onions for a fun twist. Pineapple rings add a sweet touch. You can also use jalapeños for a kick. Instead of ketchup and mayo, think outside the box. A spicy aioli or tangy barbecue sauce can elevate the flavor. Don't be afraid to mix and match toppings. Personalizing your burger is easy. You can add your favorite ingredients to make it your own. Some popular toppings include sautéed mushrooms and roasted red peppers. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can add brightness. For sides, consider classic fries or a fresh salad. Each choice gives a new flavor and vibe to your meal. Explore different combinations to find your perfect crack burger. Check out the Full Recipe for ideas on how to get started! To keep your crack burgers fresh, store them carefully. Place cooked burgers in an airtight container. They can stay in the fridge for up to three days. For best taste, let the burgers cool down first. This helps avoid sogginess. Store your toppings and condiments separately. This way, they stay fresh longer. Keep lettuce and tomato in sealed bags. Store pickles in their jar. This keeps flavors bright when you're ready to eat. When reheating crack burgers, use the oven or skillet. These methods keep the burgers juicy and warm. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap your burger in foil and heat for 10-15 minutes. If using a skillet, heat it over medium. Add a little oil, then place the burger in. Heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Avoid the microwave if you can. Microwaving can make the burgers soggy and rubbery. Keep the flavors and textures intact with these methods. Freezing is a great way to save your crack burgers. To freeze patties, shape them as you would for cooking. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them until solid, usually about an hour. Then, transfer the patties to a freezer bag. This saves space and keeps them fresh. When you want to cook from frozen, no need to thaw. Just add a few extra minutes to your cooking time. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). This keeps the burgers safe and tasty. A crack burger is a juicy, flavorful burger that hooks you with its taste. The term "crack" comes from how addictive it is. Once you try one, you want more. The blend of spices, the melty cheese, and fresh toppings make it hard to resist. Each bite gives you a burst of flavor that makes it special. Yes, you can make crack burgers in advance! Here are some tips for meal prepping: - Prepare the patties: Shape the burger patties and wrap them in plastic. - Store in the fridge: Keep them in the fridge for up to a day. - Freeze for longer: Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to three months. - Cook from frozen: Just add a few extra minutes to cooking time. Pair your crack burgers with these tasty sides: - French fries: Classic and crunchy, they never disappoint. - Coleslaw: The crunch and creaminess balance the burger well. - Onion rings: Crispy onion rings add a fun twist. - Potato salad: A creamy side that complements the meal. - Grilled veggies: Add color and healthy crunch to the plate. For the full recipe, check out Crack Burgers . To make delicious crack burgers, start with quality beef and key seasonings. Form perfect patties and cook them just right for juicy flavor. Don't forget to toast your buns for added taste. Feel free to customize with creative toppings and sides to suit your palate. Store any leftovers properly, and reheating can bring back that fresh flavor. Remember, make it your own by experimenting with different meats and spices. Enjoy crafting your perfect burger experience!

Crack Burgers

Get ready for mouthwatering Crack Burgers that will elevate your grilling game! This easy recipe combines juicy ground beef with savory spices and melted cheddar cheese, all packed inside soft buns and topped with fresh lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Perfect for BBQs or family dinners, you’ll love how simple and delicious these burgers are. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your guests with this tasty treat!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

4 slices of sharp cheddar cheese

4 soft hamburger buns

1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce

1 large ripe tomato, sliced into thick rounds

1/2 cup dill pickles, sliced

1/4 cup creamy mayonnaise

2 tablespoons ketchup

Optional: hot sauce for an added kick

Instructions
 

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and Worcestershire sauce. Use your hands to gently mix until all ingredients are just incorporated, being careful not to overwork the meat to keep it juicy.

    Divide the seasoned beef mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty, ensuring they are slightly thicker at the center. Use your thumb to make a gentle indent in the center of each patty to promote even cooking.

      Heat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot and shimmering. Carefully place the patties on the grill or skillet. Cook without pressing down for about 3-4 minutes to achieve a nice sear. Flip each patty and top it with a slice of cheddar cheese. Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for well-cooked burgers.

        While the burgers are cooking, toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster until they are golden brown and slightly crisp. This adds great texture and warmth to the burgers.

          To assemble, spread a generous layer of mayonnaise on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a cheesy burger patty on top, followed by a handful of shredded lettuce, a thick slice of tomato, and a few dill pickle slices. Finish with a drizzle of ketchup and, if desired, a few dashes of hot sauce for extra heat.

            Top each burger with the other half of the bun and serve them hot, enjoying the melted cheese and vibrant toppings.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Arrange the assembled burgers on a large, colorful platter, and add some extra pickle slices and shredded lettuce around the edges for a vibrant display. For a fun addition, use small paper flags placed in the center of each burger to give them a festive touch, making the meal feel special!