Crack Burgers Recipe – Juicy, Cheesy, And Totally Addictive
Meta Description: Learn how to make the internet-famous Crack Burgers! Juicy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this easy recipe is your next family favorite.
If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you’ve probably seen the viral sensation that has everyone talking: Crack Burgers. These aren’t your ordinary burgers – they’re called “crack” burgers because they’re so irresistibly addictive, you’ll find yourself craving them long after the last bite. This crack burger recipe has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason. Packed with creamy ranch seasoning, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and perfectly seasoned ground beef, these juicy burgers deliver an explosion of flavor in every single bite. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, looking for the perfect weeknight dinner, or just want to treat your family to something special, these homemade crack burgers are guaranteed to become your new obsession. Get ready to discover why thousands of home cooks are calling this the best burger recipe they’ve ever tried.
What Are Crack Burgers?
The name might sound intense, but “crack” burgers earned their title simply because they’re incredibly addictive – in the best possible way. What makes crack burgers so addictive is the perfect combination of rich, savory flavors that hit all the right taste buds. Unlike traditional burgers that rely solely on seasoned meat, crack burgers incorporate a secret blend of ranch seasoning and cream cheese directly into the ground beef, creating an incredibly moist and flavorful patty.
The flavor profile is a harmonious blend of tangy ranch dressing, rich cream cheese, sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and perfectly seasoned beef. Every component works together to create layers of taste that keep you coming back for more. The cream cheese melts during cooking, creating pockets of creamy goodness throughout the burger, while the ranch seasoning adds that familiar, crowd-pleasing flavor that appeals to both kids and adults.
Ingredients for Crack Burgers
Here are the ingredients for the best crack burger recipe:
For the Burger Patties:
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend for optimal juiciness)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
For Assembly:
- 8 brioche hamburger buns
- Additional cheddar cheese slices
- Ranch dressing
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced tomatoes
- Red onion slices
- Pickles
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep the Bacon and Cheese
Cook the bacon strips until crispy, then crumble into small pieces. Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature for easier mixing.
Create the Burger Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and ranch seasoning packet until smooth
- Add the ground beef, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
- Gently mix ingredients together using your hands – avoid overworking the meat to maintain tenderness
- The mixture should be well combined but not compact
Form the Patties
- Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions (about 6 oz each)
- Shape into patties slightly larger than your buns (they’ll shrink during cooking)
- Create a small indent in the center of each patty to prevent puffing
- Refrigerate patties for 30 minutes to help them hold together during cooking
Cook the Perfect Crack Burgers
- Preheat your grill or large skillet to medium-high heat
- Cook patties for 4-5 minutes on the first side without pressing down
- Flip carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes for medium doneness
- Add cheese slices during the last minute of cooking if desired
- Let burgers rest for 2-3 minutes before serving
Assembly Time
- Lightly toast the brioche buns
- Spread ranch dressing on both halves
- Layer lettuce, tomato, and onion on the bottom bun
- Place the juicy crack burger patty on top
- Add pickles and the top bun
This easy crack burger recipe creates juicy crack burgers step by step that are restaurant-quality right in your own kitchen.
Variations of Crack Burgers
Crack Chicken Burgers
Replace ground beef with ground chicken and add dried herbs like thyme and oregano. The cream cheese and ranch combination works beautifully with poultry, creating incredibly moist chicken burgers.
Low Carb Crack Burgers
Skip the buns and serve these protein-packed patties over a bed of mixed greens or wrapped in large lettuce leaves. You can also serve them bunless with a side of roasted vegetables.
Spicy Jalapeño Crack Burgers
Add diced jalapeños and a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. Top with pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar and serve with spicy mayo for an extra kick.
Vegetarian Option
Use plant-based ground meat substitute and vegan cream cheese. The ranch seasoning and cooking method remain the same, delivering similar addictive flavors for non-meat eaters.
Tips for the Juiciest Crack Burgers
Creating the perfect juicy crack burgers requires attention to a few key details:
Choose the Right Meat: Use 80/20 ground beef for the ideal fat-to-lean ratio. The fat content ensures juiciness while the cream cheese adds extra moisture.
Don’t Overwork the Meat: Mix ingredients just until combined. Overworking creates dense, tough burgers instead of tender, juicy ones.
Proper Resting: Let patties rest in the refrigerator before cooking and after cooking. This helps them hold together and allows juices to redistribute.
Temperature Control: Medium-high heat creates a good sear while maintaining a juicy interior. Use a meat thermometer – 160°F internal temperature for food safety.
No Pressing: Resist the urge to press down on patties while cooking. This squeezes out the delicious juices you want to keep inside.
Best Burger Toppings & Sides
Ultimate Burger Toppings: The beauty of crack burgers is they’re already loaded with flavor, but these toppings complement them perfectly:
- Crispy bacon strips (in addition to the crumbled bacon inside)
- Caramelized onions
- Avocado slices
- Extra sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese
- Ranch dressing or garlic aioli
- Butter lettuce and vine-ripened tomatoes
- Tangy dill pickles
What to Serve with Crack Burgers:
- Seasoned sweet potato fries
- Classic coleslaw with a tangy dressing
- Onion rings with ranch dipping sauce
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Loaded baked potato salad
- Fresh fruit salad for a lighter side
- Crispy potato wedges
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a crack burger made of?
A crack burger is made with ground beef mixed with cream cheese, ranch seasoning, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon. The combination of these ingredients creates an incredibly flavorful and addictive burger that’s different from traditional hamburgers.
Can I make crack burgers without bacon?
Yes! While bacon adds great flavor, you can omit it or substitute with turkey bacon, veggie bacon, or even sun-dried tomatoes for a similar smoky flavor. The cream cheese and ranch seasoning still provide plenty of taste.
Are crack burgers keto-friendly?
The burger patties themselves are keto-friendly, but skip the buns and serve them lettuce-wrapped or over a salad. Each patty contains approximately 3-4 grams of carbs, making them suitable for low-carb diets.
How to store and reheat crack burgers?
Store cooked patties in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. For best results, add a splash of water when reheating to maintain moisture.
Conclusion
These crack burgers truly live up to their name – they’re absolutely addictive and will have your family asking for them again and again. The combination of creamy ranch-seasoned beef, melted cheese, and crispy bacon creates a flavor experience that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned grill master, this recipe is foolproof and delivers restaurant-quality results every time.
The best part? You can customize these burgers to suit any taste preference or dietary need. From spicy variations to low-carb options, there’s a crack burger for everyone at your table.
Try this crack burger recipe today and share your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to take photos of your creations and tag us on social media – we love seeing your delicious results.
Recipe Schema Markup Information:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 8 burgers
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition Facts (per burger):
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 31g
- Fiber: 2g