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- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness) - 6 slices of cheddar cheese - 6 brioche burger buns - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon onion powder - 1 tablespoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ cup mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 cup dill pickles, sliced - 1 cup shredded lettuce - 1 medium tomato, sliced When I create Crack Burgers, I focus on the right ingredients. The base is ground beef, and I like using an 80/20 blend. This mix gives the burgers great flavor and juiciness. I use cheddar cheese because it melts well and adds a rich taste. For seasoning, I keep it simple yet bold. Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika make the beef pop with flavor. I also add salt and black pepper to enhance everything. The sauce is a mix of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. It brings creaminess and tang. Fresh toppings are key. I love crunchy dill pickles, crisp lettuce, and ripe tomato slices. These toppings add texture and freshness to each bite. This burger is all about balance. The juicy beef, melty cheese, and fresh toppings come together to create a tasty meal. Whether for a family dinner or a weekend cookout, these Crack Burgers will impress! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. You will need: - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend) - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon onion powder - 1 tablespoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently. It is vital not to overwork the meat. Overmixing makes the patties tough. You want them to stay juicy. Now, let’s shape the patties. Divide the beef mixture into six equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten it into a patty. Make a slight indent in the center of each patty. This helps them cook evenly and prevents puffing up. For cooking, preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on one side. When you flip them, add a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the beef reaches your preferred doneness. Next, we will prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together: - ½ cup mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Mix until smooth. Now, let’s move to the buns. You can toast the brioche buns on the grill or in a toaster until golden brown. This adds a nice crunch. To assemble, spread a generous amount of sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Add shredded lettuce, a cooked patty with melted cheese, slices of tomato, and dill pickles. Finally, top it with the other half of the bun. Enjoy your delicious Crack Burgers! Tips for Juicy Patties To keep your patties juicy, use ground beef with an 80/20 blend. This mix has enough fat for flavor but keeps the meat moist. When you combine the ingredients, mix gently. Overworking the meat can make it tough. Aim for a light hand when forming the patties. Make a small indent in the center to stop the patties from puffing up as they cook. This way, they stay flat and cook evenly. How to Melt the Cheese To melt cheese perfectly, add it right after flipping the patties. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on one side. Then, flip them and place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty. Cover the grill or skillet to trap the heat. This helps the cheese melt quickly and get that gooey texture we all love. Additional Seasoning Suggestions While the base seasoning is great, you can mix it up! Add a pinch of cayenne for heat or some dried herbs for a fresh taste. If you love garlic, increase the garlic powder to two tablespoons. Experiment and find what you like best! Using Different Cheese Options Though cheddar is classic, try different cheeses to change the flavor. Swiss cheese offers a nutty taste, while pepper jack adds a spicy kick. For a creamy twist, consider blue cheese or gouda. Each cheese brings its unique flavor to the party! Serving Suggestions When serving, stack the burgers high! Use a wooden board for a rustic look. Add extra dill pickles on the side for crunch. You can also sprinkle some fresh herbs for a pop of color. Ideal Sides and Accompaniments Pair your Crack Burgers with crispy French fries or homemade potato wedges. A side salad with fresh greens can balance the meal. You can even serve some onion rings for a fun twist. These sides make the meal feel complete and satisfying! Pro Tips Quality Meat: Always choose a blend like 80/20 for burgers; the fat adds flavor and keeps the patties juicy. Resting Time: Let the patties rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain their juices. Layering Ingredients: For the best flavor, layer your condiments and toppings in the order of moistness, starting with the sauce. Experiment with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to personalize your burgers with unique toppings like caramelized onions or spicy jalapeños. {{image_2}} Different Meat Blends You can mix things up with other meats. Try lamb or turkey for a twist. Each meat brings its own flavor. For a leaner option, use ground chicken. Just remember to adjust your cooking time. The goal is juicy burgers every time. Vegan Options If you want a vegan burger, use plant-based meat. Brands like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger work well. You can also mash black beans or chickpeas. Add oats for texture. Spice it up with garlic and onion. These options keep the flavors bold and delicious. Spicy Crack Burgers Want to turn up the heat? Add jalapeños or hot sauce to your beef mix. You can also use pepper jack cheese for a fiery kick. Serve with spicy mayo for extra flavor. This burger will surely excite your taste buds. BBQ Crack Burgers For a smoky flavor, mix BBQ sauce into the beef. Top with crispy onion rings and coleslaw. This gives your burger a fun crunch. BBQ Crack Burgers are perfect for summer cookouts. Gluten-Free Buns If you're avoiding gluten, use gluten-free buns. Many brands offer tasty options. Check your local store for choices that fit your diet. These buns hold up well and keep your burger intact. Low-Carb Alternatives For a low-carb choice, skip the bun entirely. Use lettuce wraps instead. They add crunch without the carbs. You can even use portobello mushrooms as a bun. This keeps your burger hearty and satisfying. - Best Practices for Refrigeration: Keep leftover Crack Burgers in an airtight container. This helps maintain their flavor and moisture. Make sure to store them in the fridge within two hours of cooking. They stay fresh for up to three days. - Freezing Tips: For longer storage, freeze the patties. Wrap each one in plastic wrap and then in foil. This prevents freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. - Maintaining Juiciness: When reheating, aim to keep the patties juicy. Use a skillet on low heat and cover it. This helps the burgers heat evenly. You can also add a splash of water to create steam. - Methods for Reheating Burgers: You can microwave the burgers, but this may dry them out. For best results, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes. - Ground Beef Safety: Always check the date on your ground beef. Use it within one to two days of purchase. If you freeze it, use it within four months for the best taste. - Fresh Ingredients Storage: Store fresh toppings like lettuce and tomatoes in the fridge. Keep them in a crisper drawer to maintain their freshness. Use them within a week for the best flavor and texture. Crack Burgers are juicy, flavorful patties that pack a punch. They blend classic burger taste with a zing from spices. The name comes from their addictive flavor. Many say they are hard to resist. These burgers gained popularity in casual dining spots. People love their rich taste and easy prep. To enhance your burger flavor, focus on seasoning and cooking. Here are some tips: - Use 80/20 ground beef for the best juiciness. - Add garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika for depth. - Form patties gently; overworking them makes them tough. - Cook on medium-high heat for a nice sear. - Melt cheese on patties right after flipping for creamy goodness. - Always toast your buns for added texture. Yes, you can prepare Crack Burgers in advance. Here’s how: - Mix the beef and spices a day ahead. Keep it in the fridge. - Form the patties and store them in a single layer. - Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. - For quick meals, you can also cook and freeze the patties. - Reheat in a skillet or microwave. Enjoy a quick dinner on busy nights. You now have all the tools to make amazing Crack Burgers. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for perfect flavor. Remember to choose quality beef and cheese for the best taste. Don't forget to try different toppings and variations to match your mood or guests. Storing and reheating tips help you enjoy leftovers without losing flavor. These burgers are easy to customize and great for everyone. Get cooking and have fun in the kitchen!

Crack Burgers

Juicy and flavorful burgers with a delicious sauce and fresh toppings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 slices cheddar cheese
  • 6 brioche burger buns
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup dill pickles, sliced
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 medium tomato, sliced

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined; do not overwork the meat.
  • Form Patties: Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape them into patties, making a slight indent in the center to prevent puffing up during cooking.
  • Cook the Patties: Preheat a grill or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on one side. Flip them, and immediately place one slice of cheddar cheese on each patty. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and the beef is cooked to your desired doneness (medium is recommended).
  • Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
  • Toast the Buns: Optional, but recommended! Quickly toast the brioche buns on the grill or in a toaster until golden brown.
  • Assemble the Burgers: Spread a generous amount of the sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Layer with shredded lettuce, a cooked patty with melted cheese, slices of tomato, and dill pickles. Top it off with the other half of the brioche bun.
  • Serve: Serve immediately while the burgers are hot and juicy.

Notes

Serve the Crack Burgers on a wooden board with extra dill pickles on the side and some crispy French fries or potato wedges for a classic diner-style feel.
Keyword beef, burgers, grilling