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Easy Crack Burger Recipe

Crispy smash burgers loaded with cheddar cheese and creamy crack sauce.
Prep Time 17 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

Patties

  • pounds ground beef 80/20 very cold
  • cup cooked and crumbled turkey bacon
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 3 tablespoons full-fat sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper

Crack Sauce

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce

To Finish

  • 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 to 8 brioche buns
  • Softened butter
  • Leaf lettuce slices
  • Tomato slices
  • Dill pickle chips

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, turkey bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until just combined without overworking the meat.
  • Divide the mixture into 8 loose balls, about 3 ounces each. Keep chilled until ready to cook.
  • Heat a flat-top griddle or large skillet over high heat, around 400–450°F.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, pickle relish, ranch seasoning, and hot sauce to make the crack sauce. Refrigerate until serving.
  • Place two beef balls onto the hot griddle. Cover each with parchment paper and firmly smash with a spatula or burger press until thin.
  • Remove the parchment and season lightly with pepper. Cook for 60–90 seconds until the edges become deeply browned and crispy.
  • Scrape under the patties with a sharp spatula and flip. Top each with a slice of cheddar cheese and cover briefly to melt.
  • Cook another 30–45 seconds, then transfer to a plate. Stack patties together for double burgers if desired.
  • Butter the brioche buns and toast cut-side down until golden brown.
  • Assemble the Crack Burger Recipe by spreading crack sauce on both bun halves. Add lettuce, tomato, patties, and pickles. Serve immediately while hot and juicy.

Notes

  • Use potato buns instead of brioche if preferred.
  • The crack sauce can be made a day ahead.
  • Serve with fries, onion rings, or coleslaw.
  • For extra heat, increase the hot sauce in the crack sauce.