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If you want burgers that'll make everyone ask what your secret is, these Crack Burgers do the trick. They're stuffed with gooey cheddar, crunchy bacon, and tangy ranch—and every time I serve them, someone asks for seconds. When I brought these to the family cookout, my niece, who barely eats anything, said it's hands down her all-time favorite.
The first time I ever tried this, I was a little skeptical about adding ranch mix to burgers. After the first bite off the grill, though, everyone was reaching for more—now it’s a must-have at our summer gatherings.
Tasty Ingredients
- Burger buns: sturdy and soft, they hold everything together—giving you the perfect bite every time. Toast 'em up for some extra crunch.
- Lettuce, tomato, and extra toppings: go wild—try onions, avocado, pickles, anything that adds crunch and fresh flavor to your burger.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: this gets super melty inside the patty. If you can, shred your own from a block—it turns out way creamier.
- Crumbled bacon: for big flavor and crunchy bites, use thick bacon and get it nice and crisp before mixing in.
- Ranch dressing mix: packs a punch with herbs and savory flavors—any kind you like works great here.
- Ground beef: rich and juicy. Grab an 80-20 blend for patties that don’t dry out.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Rest and Assemble:
- After taking your burgers off the grill, let them sit for a few minutes to stay juicy. Pop them onto your buns, pile on lettuce and anything else you love, and dig in.
- Grill the Burgers:
- Lay those patties on the hot grill and cook for about five minutes per side. Don’t press them down—let them sear so all those juices stay put.
- Heat the Grill:
- Crank up your grill to medium-high. Make sure the grates are brushed clean and lightly oiled right before those patties go on.
- Shape and Prep:
- Split the meat mixture into even chunks and gently pat them into patties about three-quarters of an inch thick. Press a little dip in the middle so they cook evenly.
- Make the Patties:
- In a big bowl, add ground beef, ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheese. Mix lightly with your hands—just enough to bring it all together. This keeps your burgers tender and not tough.
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Crispy, thick bacon makes these burgers unforgettable. I love tossing in extra just because it reminds me of those lazy weekend breakfasts growing up. Any time friends drop by, they always want more bacon and ranch on the side—can’t say I blame them!
How to Store
Cooked patties will stay good in a container in the fridge for up to three days. Warm them up in a skillet or zap them in the microwave. If you want to meal prep, freeze raw patties with parchment between them and toss straight onto the grill when you’re in a rush.
Swaps and Variations
If beef isn't your thing, try using ground chicken or turkey for a lighter spin—or grab your favorite plant-based meat. Any shredded cheese you love, like Monterey Jack or smoked Gouda, is great here. Can’t find ranch mix? Blend some dried parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, dill, and salt for a DIY version.
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Awesome Served With
Pile your burgers up next to crispy potato wedges, sweet grilled corn, or a big salad. Add avocado slices, fried onions, tangy pickles, or even jalapenos if you want some heat. A smear of spicy mayo never hurts, either.
Fun Burger History
Stacking burgers with loads of toppings comes right from American backyard cookouts, all about big flavors and good vibes. Bacon and ranch together bring back familiar favorites that everyone grew up with, turning a plain old burger into something extra special. It’s the kind of meal that makes you wish summer grilling lasted all year.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do these burgers pack such strong flavor?
Bacon, ranch seasoning, and loads of cheddar melted into the beef make every bite flavorful and bold.
- → Is a grill needed to cook these burgers?
Nope! You can cook them in a skillet on medium heat—just go five minutes per side until cooked through.
- → Are there good swaps for the beef?
Try ground chicken or turkey—they both cook up juicy and tasty in this mix.
- → How do I get these burgers ready in advance?
Mold the patties, pop them in the fridge on a tray or plate, then just fry or grill when it’s time to eat.
- → What go-withs taste best on these burgers?
Avocado, pickles, spicy mayo, crunchy lettuce, tomato, or a heap of crispy onions all work great.