Crack Burgers are juicy beef patties loaded with cheese and topped with crispy bacon. They’re like a party in your mouth, making them perfect for any casual gathering!
Honestly, who can resist that gooey cheese oozing out? I love serving these with some fresh veggies and a tasty sauce. Get ready for burger bliss! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is perfect for juicy burgers. If you’re looking for a leaner option, 90/10 works, but remember they may be less juicy. You can also use ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian version!
Cheddar Cheese: Classic cheddar gives great flavor. However, feel free to swap in American cheese for extra meltiness or Swiss cheese for something different. Vegan cheese is also a good choice if you’re dairy-free.
Brioche Buns: Brioche offers a rich taste, but any good-quality burger bun will do. You could use whole wheat buns for extra fiber or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option!
Sriracha: It’s a tasty way to add spice to your sauce. If you prefer milder flavors, hot sauce or ketchup can be used instead. You can also skip it altogether for a classic mayo taste.
How Do I Shape Perfect Burger Patties?
Shaping your burger patties correctly is key for good cooking. To start, divide your ground beef into equal portions; this helps with even cooking. Aim for patties a little bigger than your buns, as they’ll shrink while cooking.
- Make a slight indent in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up during cooking.
- Generously season both sides with salt and pepper before cooking for that flavorful crust!
What’s the Best Way to Toast Burger Buns?
Toasting buns adds a lovely crunch and helps to keep the sauce from making them soggy. It’s easy to do!
- Cut the brioche buns in half.
- Place them on the grill or skillet, cut side down, and cook until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
How to Make Crack Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 brioche burger buns
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
Optional Toppings:
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced pickles
- Sliced tomatoes
- Onion slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes. You’ll spend 5-10 minutes preparing the patties and sauce, 8-10 minutes cooking, and a little time assembling the burgers. It’s quick and perfect for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Grill or Skillet:
First, get your cooking surface ready! If you’re using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat. If you’ve chosen a skillet, heat it over medium heat. This step is important to get those burgers nice and juicy!
2. Prepare the Burger Patties:
Next, take the ground beef and divide it into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty. Make sure the patties are a little wider than your burger buns because they will shrink while cooking. Don’t forget to press a slight indent in the center of each patty—this helps them cook evenly. Now, sprinkle both sides of each patty with salt and black pepper to flavor them well.
3. Cook the Patties:
Place the patties onto your preheated grill or skillet. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side. After that, flip them over and place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the patties are cooked to your liking. Yum!
4. Toast the Buns:
While your burgers are cooking away, take the brioche buns and cut them in half. Toast them on the grill or in the skillet until they are golden brown. This adds a nice crunch and flavor to your burgers!
5. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sriracha, and dill pickle relish. Stir everything well to create a deliciously spicy burger sauce that you’ll want to spread on generously!
6. Assemble the Burgers:
It’s assembly time! Take each toasted bun and spread a generous amount of your homemade sauce on the bottom half. Place a patty with delicious melted cheese on top. Now, get creative with your toppings! Add lettuce, sliced pickles, sliced tomatoes, or onion slices based on what you like.
7. Finish and Serve:
Finally, cap the burgers with the top half of the buns. Serve your tasty Crack Burgers immediately, alongside your favorite sides like fries or chips. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Leaner Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely, but keep in mind that using leaner ground beef may result in a drier burger. If you prefer to use a leaner blend, consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil or butter to the meat mixture to enhance moisture and flavor.
How to Store Leftover Burgers
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If you want to prevent the buns from getting soggy, consider reheating the patties separately and toasting fresh buns for serving.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, the spicy mayonnaise sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just keep it in a sealed container to maintain freshness! Give it a good stir before using, as the ingredients may settle.
What Can I Substitute for Brioche Buns?
If you can’t find brioche buns, feel free to use other types of buns like sesame seed, whole wheat, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option! Just make sure whatever you choose is sturdy enough to hold the juicy burgers and toppings.
