Crack Burgers Savory Bacon Cheddar

Crack Burgers have quickly become my family’s answer to both quick weeknight dinners and backyard cravings. These crowd-pleasing burgers are ultra-juicy thanks to a blend of tangy ranch seasoning and creamy sour cream in the patty mixture, rounded out with crispy bacon and gooey cheddar for the ultimate bite every time.

I remember making this for the first time at a family cookout skeptically mixing ranch seasoning into beef but it stole the whole show. Since then these burgers are always requested at birthday parties and Sunday barbecues.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Ground chuck: Preferred for its fat content which gives the patty a moist and juicy texture. Choose freshly ground beef for best flavor
• Sour cream: Offers creaminess and keeps the burgers extra tender. Use full-fat for richest results
• Ranch dressing mix: Provides a punch of savory herby flavor. Look for a good quality dried mix
• Cooked and crumbled bacon: Gives a smoky crunch as you bite into the burger. Use thick-cut bacon for bigger pieces
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts inside and out making each bite cheesy and satisfying. Go for sharp cheddar for more flavor
• Hamburger buns: The classic vehicle for the burger. Brioche or potato buns are especially soft and delicious
• Lettuce, tomato, mustard, mayo, and other toppings: Add freshness and flavor contrast. Crisp lettuce and ripe tomatoes bring out the best in each bite

How to Make It

Combine Ingredients:

Mix ground chuck, sour cream, ranch seasoning, crumbled bacon, and cheddar cheese in a large bowl until everything is well blended but not overmixed. This blends all those flavors through and through while keeping the meat tender and juicy. I always use my hands for a gentle mix.

Form Patties:

Shape the mixture into six even patties. For even cooking, try to make each patty the same size and thickness all around. Create a small dimple in the center of each to keep them from puffing up during grilling. Wet your hands with cold water first to prevent sticking plus it keeps the fat from melting while you work.

Grill Patties:

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat before adding patties. Carefully place the patties onto the hot surface and let them sear without moving until it’s time to flip. Flip gently when the edges look cooked through and the underside is golden. Check temperature with a meat thermometer aiming for preferred doneness. Resist pressing down with your spatula to avoid squeezing out juices.

Serve:

Transfer cooked patties to toasted buns. Dress with lettuce, tomato, mayo, mustard, or any favorite toppings. For added flavor, toast the buns in butter for a minute on the grill or skillet first.

Cheddar is the shining star for me. I always splurge on a block of sharp cheddar because grating it fresh makes a huge difference. My kids now insist on a double helping of cheese and bacon every time we make these burgers.

Flavor Boosters

Try using Swiss or pepper jack cheese for variety, or substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangier patty. Add a slice of grilled pineapple for a tropical twist or a fried egg for a breakfast-inspired burger.

Serving Suggestions

Pile high with lettuce, tomato, and red onion or keep it simple with just mayo and mustard. Toasted buns add texture and flavor. Serve with crispy baked fries or grilled corn for a classic summer meal.

Creative Twists

Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Use your choice of cheese or try different toppings like pickles or spicy aioli to make these burgers your own.

When adding ranch mix use a gentle hand to avoid overmixing or your burgers may become dense. Toasting the buns brings everything together with a crispy buttery bite.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent burgers from falling apart on the grill?

Combine ingredients thoroughly, but avoid overmixing. Form tight, even patties and make a small dimple in the center before grilling to help them hold their shape.

→ What type of beef is best for this burger?

Ground chuck with a little fat content works best, as it keeps the patties juicy and flavorful during cooking.

→ How can I keep burgers juicy?

Do not press down on the patties while grilling, as this releases juices. Let them rest a few minutes before serving for best results.

→ Can I cook these burgers on a skillet?

Yes, a grill pan or heavy skillet on medium heat works just as well. Use gentle flipping and check doneness with a thermometer.

→ What toppings work well with these burgers?

Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, avocado, mustard, mayo, or any favorite condiments pair deliciously with these patties.