Save
This ultimate crack burger recipe has become a staple in my home for good reason—packed with ranch flavor, bacon, and cheese, these juicy patties deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal effort every single time.
I first made these burgers for a backyard barbecue when I was looking for something beyond basic hamburgers. My family now requests them twice a month and guests always ask for the recipe after their first bite.
Ingredients
- Ground chuck: the higher fat content around 80/20 keeps these burgers incredibly juicy and flavorful
- Sour cream: adds incredible moisture and tanginess that makes these burgers stand out
- Ranch dressing mix: provides all the seasoning you need in one convenient packet with the perfect herb blend
- Cooked bacon: use thick cut bacon for the best texture and flavor contrast in every bite
- Shredded cheddar cheese: opt for freshly shredded rather than pre packaged for better melting and flavor
- Hamburger buns: brioche buns take these burgers to the next level with their buttery sweetness
- Fresh toppings: crisp lettuce and ripe tomatoes provide refreshing contrast to the rich burger
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine Ingredients:
- Gently mix ground chuck with sour cream and ranch dressing mix until just incorporated. The sour cream may seem unusual but creates incredible moisture while the ranch seasoning eliminates the need for additional spices. Fold in the bacon pieces and shredded cheese last ensuring they are evenly distributed without overworking the meat. The texture should be slightly looser than traditional burger meat.
- Form Patties:
- Divide the mixture into six equal portions then shape into patties slightly larger than your buns as they will shrink during cooking. Press a gentle dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent the burgers from puffing up in the middle. The patties will feel softer than traditional burgers due to the sour cream but will firm up beautifully when cooked.
- Grill Patties:
- Heat your cooking surface to medium high heat before adding the patties. Cook for approximately 4 to 5 minutes on the first side until you see a nice crust forming and juices beginning to appear on the top surface. Flip carefully using a wide spatula and cook an additional 3 to 4 minutes for medium doneness. These patties are more delicate than standard burgers due to their moisture content so handle with care when flipping.
- Serve:
- Place each patty on a toasted bun and add your favorite toppings. The classic combination of crisp lettuce fresh tomato slice creamy mayo and tangy mustard complements these flavorful burgers perfectly. Allow guests to customize their toppings for a personalized experience that satisfies everyone.
Save
You Must Know
These burgers contain more moisture than traditional patties making them exceptionally juicy
The ranch dressing mix is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered this trick years ago when trying to recreate a burger I had at a local diner. The mix contains the perfect blend of herbs and seasonings that would otherwise require measuring out multiple spice jars.
Perfect Cheese Options
While the recipe calls for cheddar cheese these burgers are incredibly versatile when it comes to cheese options. Pepper jack adds a spicy kick that complements the ranch flavors beautifully. Smoked gouda brings an extra dimension that pairs wonderfully with the bacon. Blue cheese crumbles create a gourmet twist that elevates these burgers for special occasions. Consider offering a cheese bar when serving these at gatherings so guests can customize their experience.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
These burgers actually benefit from being made a few hours ahead of time. The flavors meld together in the refrigerator creating an even more delicious result. Form the patties then place them on a parchment lined baking sheet with space between each one. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before cooking. Leftover cooked burgers can be refrigerated for up to three days and reheated in a covered skillet with a tablespoon of water to maintain moisture. You can also freeze the raw patties for up to three months by placing parchment paper between each one and wrapping tightly in freezer paper.
Serving Suggestions
These flavor packed burgers deserve equally thoughtful sides. Instead of basic chips try roasted potato wedges tossed with ranch seasoning to complement the burger flavors. A simple vinegar based coleslaw provides refreshing contrast to the rich patties. For a complete backyard barbecue experience serve with grilled corn on the cob brushed with herb butter. Consider setting up a topping bar with caramelized onions avocado slices pickled jalapeños and various condiments to let everyone build their perfect burger.
Recipe FAQs
- → Why are these called Crack Burgers?
The name 'Crack Burgers' refers to how addictively delicious these burgers are. The combination of ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheese mixed directly into the beef creates an irresistible flavor profile that keeps people coming back for more.
- → Can I prepare these burger patties ahead of time?
Yes! You can form the patties up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. This actually allows the flavors to meld even better.
- → What's the purpose of making a dimple in the center of the patties?
Creating a small indentation or dimple in the center of each patty prevents the burgers from puffing up in the middle during cooking. This technique ensures even cooking and a flat burger that fits perfectly on your bun.
- → Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! While ground chuck provides optimal juiciness, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken. Since these meats are leaner, the added sour cream and cheese will help maintain moisture. You may need to adjust cooking times slightly.
- → What internal temperature should I cook these burgers to?
For food safety with ground beef, cook to an internal temperature of 160°F for well-done. If using high-quality beef, you may prefer medium (140-145°F) or medium-rare (130-135°F), though consuming undercooked meat carries some risk.
- → What sides pair well with these burgers?
Classic pairings include french fries, potato salad, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. For something different, try grilled corn on the cob, sweet potato fries, or a fresh cucumber and tomato salad to balance the richness of the burgers.