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Crack Burger Recipe

Crack Burger with Cheddar Sauce

This Crack Burger features juicy beef patties infused with bacon, cheddar, and ranch seasoning, topped with a creamy crack sauce for an unforgettable flavor experience.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course, sandwich
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people
Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 griddle large electric or flat-top, preheated to 400–450°F
  • 1 burger press or heavy spatula for smashing patties
  • 1 mixing bowl for combining ingredients

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 pounds very cold 80/20 ground beef chuck
  • 1/3 cup cooked and crumbled bacon 5-6 slices
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 3 tablespoons full-fat sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon pickle relish preferably Heinz
  • 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce Frank's original, or to taste
  • 8 slices sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 4 to 8 brioche buns softened butter for toasting
  • 4 to 8 leaves leaf lettuce
  • 4 to 8 slices tomato
  • Dill pickle chips optional for topping

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, sour cream, ranch seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Gently knead until just combined.
  • Divide mixture into 8 loose balls (about 3 ounces each) and keep chilled until ready to cook.
  • Preheat a large electric or flat-top griddle to 400–450°F.
  • Meanwhile, whisk together mayonnaise, pickle relish, ranch seasoning, and hot sauce in a small bowl. Chill until serving.
  • Place 2 beef balls on the hot griddle. Cover each with parchment paper and press firmly with a burger press or heavy spatula to about 1/4 inch thickness. Hold for 10 seconds to form a crust.
  • Remove parchment and season patties with pepper. Cook 60 to 90 seconds until edges brown and juices bubble through the top.
  • Scrape under the patties with a sharp metal spatula, flip, and immediately top each with a slice of cheddar cheese.
  • Cover patties with a lid to melt the cheese and cook for another 30 to 45 seconds. Transfer to a plate; stack two patties together for doubles.
  • Butter the brioche buns and toast cut-side down on the cooler side of the griddle until golden brown.
  • Spread crack sauce on both top and bottom buns.
  • Assemble burgers with lettuce, tomato, one or two patties, and optional dill pickle chips.
  • Serve immediately while hot for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Don’t overwork the beef to keep patties tender.
  • Use parchment to achieve perfectly smashed thin crusts.
  • Toast buns on griddle for extra flavor.
  • Store leftover burger sauce in fridge up to 3 days.