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You won’t believe how quick these Crack Burgers disappear at parties or during busy weeknights The punchy blend of smoky bacon creamy cheese ranch vibes and juicy beef makes every bite awesome These burgers hit the spot for both beginners and burger lovers—you’ll get a big juicy flavor with every mouthful
Now every cookout my folks can’t stop asking for these I just whipped them up for game night once and now everyone always begs for them
Tasty Ingredients
- Lettuce, tomato, mayo, mustard, or other toppings: These bring crunch, freshness, and loads of flavor Pick the crispest lettuce and juicy tomatoes for success
- Hamburger buns: You want soft-but-sturdy buns that keep everything together Brioche or potato buns hold up and taste awesome
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty cheddar turns gooey when grilled—the sharper the cheese, the bigger the blast of taste
- Cooked crumbled bacon: Go for big, smoky bacon pieces with extra crunch Thick slices make every bite salty and rich
- Ranch dressing mix: Packs in loads of fresh, herby flavors Dry packets with only a few ingredients work best
- Sour cream: Keeps the patties tender and juicy Go full-fat for a creamier burger
- Ground chuck: Pick ground chuck with a little fat for juicy, flavorful burgers Fresh meat works best for these
Simple Step-by-Step
- Build and Stack:
- Pop the burgers on toasted buns and layer on any toppings you like Lettuce, tomato, a dollop of mayo or swipe of mustard—you call the shots Toasting the bread gives a nice crunch and keeps the buns from getting soggy
- Get Cooking:
- Heat up your grill or a skillet over medium Slide the patties on gently Don’t press them down Just let them get golden and crispy around the edges—usually takes about five or six minutes per side Flip, then cook until they’re done just how you want Test with a thermometer for best results Rest the burgers for a few minutes to lock in those juices
- Patty Time:
- Turn the mixture into six balls, then gently flatten them into patties Use wet hands to keep things from sticking Press a little dip in the middle so they don’t puff up Make sure all the burgers are about as thick as each other for even cooking
- Mix Everything Together:
- Use your hands or a strong spoon to combine ground chuck, sour cream, dry ranch, bacon pieces, and shredded cheese in a big bowl Only mix until things are evenly mixed—overmixing can make your burgers tough
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Bacon always takes me back to those summer backyard cookouts Everyone came running for seconds The sharp cheddar is the magic that pulls it all together and melts super smooth
How to Store
Pop any cooked burgers into an airtight box and stick them in your fridge for three days or less Warm them up in a skillet on low heat for a juicy bite left over If you’re prepping ahead, freeze patties raw between sheets of parchment in a sealed bag
Swaps and Subs
Don’t have ranch? Use a packet of onion soup mix or dried herbs instead Plain Greek yogurt stands in well for sour cream too Want to change up the meat? Chicken or turkey both work awesome with these flavors
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What to Serve With
Serve these with baked potato wedges a pile of corn on the cob or a greens-heavy salad To spice things up toss on sliced jalapeños or drip a little hot sauce Swipe on fresh toppings at the very last second for extra pop
Common Recipe Questions
- → How can I keep my burgers nice and juicy?
Just mix everything together till it sticks, and don’t smoosh your patties flat while they’re cooking so they stay bursting with flavor.
- → Is it possible to make these burgers without using a grill?
Totally. Grab a skillet, set it over medium, and cook your patties there. They’ll turn out just as tasty.
- → Any tips for shaping awesome burger patties?
Make sure each patty’s the same size, but press a little dip in the middle before tossing them on the heat so they cook up flat and even.
- → How will I know my burgers have finished cooking?
Stick a meat thermometer in them. For medium-rare it should hit 130-135°F, 140-145°F means medium, and if you want them well-done, look for 160°F.
- → What kind of toppings taste great on these burgers?
Try sliced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, onion, pickles, avocado, mayo, or a squirt of mustard to kick things up a notch.
- → Can I get my burger patties ready in advance?
Yep. Just shape them ahead of time and store them in the fridge with some cover. They’ll still cook up great if you make them a day before.