Crack Burger

The Crack Burger earns its name with every bite—juicy, cheesy, and layered with crispy bacon, tangy sauce, and fresh toppings on a toasted sesame brioche bun. It’s an indulgent, flavor-loaded burger that delivers the perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and savory. A true comfort food favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This burger isn’t just another cheeseburger—it’s layered with textures and flavors that make it unforgettable. The creamy special sauce, crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and seasoned beef patty come together to create a burger that’s as addictive as it is satisfying. Perfect for grilling season, game day, or any day you want something extra special.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• 4 slices cheddar cheese
• 4 brioche burger buns with sesame seeds
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (plus more for patties)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup romaine or butter lettuce
• 8 slices crispy bacon
• Butter or oil, for toasting buns

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix lightly and form into 4 equal-sized patties.
2. Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until your preferred doneness. Add a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each patty during the last minute of cooking.
3. While the patties cook, prepare the special sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, ketchup, barbecue sauce, smoked paprika, and a pinch of garlic powder.
4. Lightly butter the brioche buns and toast them cut-side down in a skillet or on the grill until golden and crisp.
5. To assemble the burgers, spread a generous amount of sauce on the bottom bun. Layer with lettuce, red onion, the cheesy burger patty, 2 slices of bacon, and another spoonful of sauce. Cap with the top bun.
6. Serve immediately, while hot and melty.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Calories per serving: 645 kcal

Variations

• Spicy version: Add sliced jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or a dash of hot sauce to the special sauce.
• Double stacked: Double the patties for an over-the-top burger experience.
• Avocado twist: Add sliced avocado or a smear of guacamole for extra creaminess.
• Mushroom melt: Sauté mushrooms and onions to layer under the cheese for a gourmet touch.
• Lighter option: Swap beef for ground turkey or plant-based patties.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat patties gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Toast buns fresh when ready to serve.
• Freezing: Raw patties can be shaped and frozen (separated by parchment paper) for up to 2 months. Thaw before cooking.

FAQs

What’s the best meat blend for burgers?

An 80/20 mix of lean to fat ensures a juicy, flavorful patty that doesn’t dry out.

Can I grill these instead of pan-frying?

Yes. Crack Burgers are excellent on a grill—just monitor the heat to avoid flare-ups.

What’s in the “crack” sauce?

It’s a creamy blend of mayo, ketchup, BBQ sauce, paprika, and garlic—smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes. American, pepper jack, Swiss, or provolone all work well depending on your preference.

What kind of buns are best?

Brioche buns offer a soft texture and buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with the bold ingredients.

Can I prep these ahead of time?

You can shape the patties and cook the bacon in advance. Assemble and cook fresh for best results.

What toppings work best?

Crisp lettuce, red onion, and bacon are classic, but you can also add tomato, pickles, or caramelized onions.

How do I prevent dry burgers?

Avoid overmixing the meat and don’t press down on the patties while cooking.

Are these good for parties?

Yes! You can keep patties warm in the oven and let guests build their own burgers at a toppings bar.

Can I make this low-carb?

Serve the patties in lettuce wraps or low-carb buns and omit the ketchup or sugar-based sauces.

Conclusion

The Crack Burger delivers everything you want in a loaded cheeseburger—juicy beef, melted cheese, smoky bacon, and a tangy sauce that pulls it all together. Whether grilled outdoors or pan-seared in your kitchen, this burger is pure indulgence and sure to become a repeat favorite for any burger night.

---

Print