Crack Burgers with Bacon

This recipe for Crack Burgers has quickly become my go-to when I want a flavorful and juicy burger with minimal effort. The combination of sour cream and ranch dressing mix creates an irresistible creamy tang that keeps these patties moist and packed with flavor. They come together in under 20 minutes and are guaranteed to impress at any cookout or casual dinner.

I first tried these burgers on a weekend BBQ and they became an instant favorite with both family and friends. I love how the bacon and cheddar blend perfectly into the meat without overpowering the overall taste.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Ground chuck: one and a half pounds — choose high quality ground beef with about 80 percent lean meat for juiciness and flavor
• Sour cream: three tablespoons — adds moisture and tang to keep the burger tender
• Ranch dressing mix: two tablespoons — combines herbs and seasoning that boost the savory notes
• Cooked and crumbled bacon: one third cup — brings in a smoky crunch and depth
• Shredded cheddar cheese: one cup — provides melty, sharp cheese that enriches each bite

How to Make It

Scoop and Mix:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chuck, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix just until everything is evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing since that can make the burgers tough.

Shape the Patties:

Form the mixture gently into four evenly sized patties, each around three quarters of an inch thick. Uniform thickness helps them cook evenly.

Rest the Patties:

Allow the patties to sit at room temperature for ten to fifteen minutes. This resting period lets the flavors blend and helps the burgers hold together on the grill.

Grill to Perfection:

Preheat your grill to medium heat. Cook the patties, flipping only once, until they reach your desired level of doneness. For medium rare aim for an internal temperature of one hundred forty five degrees Fahrenheit—for well done go up to one hundred sixty degrees Fahrenheit.

I have fond memories of serving these burgers at a family reunion. Everyone kept coming back for seconds and talking about how juicy and flavorful they were. The bacon and cheddar have to be my favorite part because they add just enough smokiness and creaminess without needing extra toppings.

Flavor Boosters

Storage Tips

• Store leftover cooked patties in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to three days
• Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to prevent drying out the meat
• You can also freeze uncooked patties separated by parchment paper then reheated directly from frozen with a longer cooking time

Ingredient Substitutions

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner burger though it will be less juicy
• Swap ranch dressing mix for your favorite seasoning blend if you want to try different flavor profiles
• Cheddar can be replaced with pepper jack or mozzarella depending on your preference

Serving Suggestions

• Serve on toasted buns with lettuce tomato and pickles to balance the richness
• Pair with crispy fries or a fresh slaw for a classic burger meal
• Add sliced avocado or caramelized onions for extra indulgence

Serving Suggestions

Serve on toasted buns with lettuce tomato and pickles to balance the richness Pair with crispy fries or a fresh slaw for a classic burger meal Add sliced avocado or caramelized onions for extra indulgence

Creative Twists

Mix ingredients lightly to avoid dense burgers Rest the patties before grilling to improve texture and sear Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness precisely

These Crack Burgers deliver a juicy and flavorful experience with minimal effort. Perfect for quick cookouts or casual dinners.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of meat is best for these burgers?

Ground chuck is ideal due to its fat content, ensuring juicy and flavorful patties.

→ Why rest the patties before cooking?

Letting patties rest helps flavors meld and improves texture by allowing the mixture to bind.

→ How do I ensure burgers cook evenly?

Form even patties about ¾ inch thick and flip only once during grilling.

→ Can I cook these burgers indoors?

Yes, using a stovetop grill pan or skillet works well for even cooking.

→ What is the optimal internal temperature for these burgers?

Cook to 145°F for medium-rare and 160°F for well-done to achieve preferred doneness.