Crack Burger Recipe: The Juiciest, Most Addictive Burger

A Crack Burger is a jazzed-up cheeseburger with a rich, indulgent flavor. It gets its signature taste from the combination of:

• Crispy beef bacon
• Cheddar cheese
• Ranch seasoning
• Cream cheese or mayo
• Juicy ground beef patties

Some variations also incorporate jalapeños for heat, caramelized onions for sweetness, or even a creamy ranch-based "crack sauce" drizzled on top. The name comes from "crack chicken"—a popular shredded chicken dish flavored with ranch, beef bacon, and cheese. When that idea is transferred to a beef burger, it's absolute magic.

Ingredients for Crack Burger

Here's what you'll need to make 4 massive, flavor-packed Crack Burgers:

For the Patties:

• 1½ pounds ground beef (80/20 for best juiciness)
• 1 packet ranch seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade ranch mix)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

• 6–8 slices of thick-cut beef bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese slices)
• 4 buns, toasted½ cup mayonnaise or softened cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1–2 jalapeños, thinly sliced (optional)
• Pickles, lettuce, and tomatoes (optional but recommended)

Optional Crack Sauce (Highly Recommended):

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
• 1 tablespoon pickle juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

1. Prepare the Crack Sauce (Optional but Epic)

In a small bowl, combine all the crack sauce ingredients. Mix until well blended. Chill in the fridge to let the flavors marry while you cook everything else. This stuff is liquid gold—don't skip it!

2. Cook the Beef Bacon

Fry the beef bacon until crispy, then set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cool, chop it into small pieces. If you're making the sauce, save a tablespoon of the bacon grease.

3. Season and Form the Patties

Combine ground beef, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Don't overmix—just gently combine the ingredients.

Form into 4 equal patties. With your thumb, press a slight indent in the center of each to help them cook evenly without puffing up.

4. Grill or Pan-Fry the Patties

Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3–4 minutes per side or until they reach your desired doneness. In the final minute of cooking, top each patty with cheddar cheese and cover the pan (or close the grill lid) to melt the cheese.

5. Toast the Buns

While the burgers cook, toast your burger buns on a griddle or in a skillet with butter. Toasting helps them hold up better to the juicy patties and sauce.

6. Assemble the Crack Burger

Here's the build:

• Spread mayo or cream cheese on the bottom bun.
• Add the cheesy beef patty.
• Pile on chopped beef bacon.
• Add jalapeño slices if using.
• Drizzle with crack sauce.
• Top with pickles, lettuce, or tomatoes (if desired).Finish with the top bun.

Tips

• Use 80/20 ground beef: This fat ratio ensures a juicy, flavorful patty.
• Don’t skip the ranch seasoning: It’s the signature flavor of the Crack Burger.
• Add texture: Crispy bacon and toasted buns provide a satisfying crunch.
• Double up: Want extra decadence? Stack two patties for a double Crack Burger.
• Make it spicy: Add pepper jack cheese or hot sauce for heat.
• Customize the cheese: Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, Gouda, or smoked provolone are delicious alternatives.

Homemade Ranch Seasoning (If You Want to Skip the Packet)

If you prefer to make your ranch seasoning, here’s a quick recipe that works perfectly for the burger mix:

• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried chives (optional)
• Mix all ingredients and store them in an airtight container.

Variations on the Crack Burger

Want to change things up a bit? Here are a few creative spins on the Crack Burger:

1. Spicy Crack Burger

   Slice jalapeños and add them to the burger mix. Use pepper jack cheese and add hot sauce to the crack sauce.

2. Garlic Ranch Crack Burger

   Add roasted garlic to the mayo or cream cheese layer for a deeper savory note.

3. Chicken Crack Burger

   Use ground chicken or grilled chicken breast seasoned with ranch and topped with bacon and cheddar. This is great for those who don’t eat beef.

4. Maple Beef Bacon Crack Burger

   Brush the beef bacon with maple syrup before baking or pan-frying. The sweet-savory combo elevates the flavor.

What to Serve With Crack Burgers

No burger is complete without stellar sides. Try these crowd-pleasers:

• Crispy waffle fries or tater tots
• Coleslaw or pickled veggies for a refreshing crunch
• Sweet potato fries with chipotle mayo
• Grilled corn on the cob with ranch butter
• Onion rings for a hearty, crispy bite

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers? Unlikely, but just in case:

1. Refrigerate: Store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
2. Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat or a 350°F oven. Avoid the microwave, which can dry them out.
3. Freeze: You can freeze uncooked seasoned patties for up to 2 months. Just thaw and cook as usual.

About One Stop Halal

Welcome to your favorite Butcher Shop. We carry various meat cuts that are hard to find elsewhere. We deliver to your doorstep anywhere in the United States within 1-2 business days.