Crack Burgers are juicy beef patties loaded with flavor, topped with gooey cheese and your favorite fixings. It’s hard to resist these tasty little treats!
Honestly, every bite feels like a party in your mouth! I love piling on extra toppings—bring on the pickles and onions! 🍔 You won’t regret giving these a try!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is perfect for juicy burgers. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try 90/10 beef, but keep in mind it won’t be as flavorful. For a fun twist, ground turkey or chicken can work, though they may require different cooking times.
Cheddar Cheese: Classic sharp cheddar adds a fantastic flavor. If you want something different, consider Swiss or pepper jack for a bit of spice. Vegan cheese is also a great substitute for a plant-based version.
Buns: Brioche buns are soft and buttery, which I love! However, any burger bun works—a whole wheat option or potato bun can add a nice touch too. You can even use lettuce wraps if you’re going low-carb!
Sriracha: This adds a nice kick to your sauce! If you’re not a fan of spicy, try ketchup or BBQ sauce instead. Or, for a milder heat, go for a sweet chili sauce!
Pickled Jalapeños: These add a great tang and heat. If you can’t find them, fresh jalapeños or even banana peppers can work well. Just make sure you adjust the amount based on your heat preference!
How Do I Shape Perfect Burger Patties?
Shaping your patties correctly is key to a great burger! Here’s how to get it right:
- Mix the ground beef gently with seasonings, ensuring not to overwork it. This keeps burgers tender!
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Use a scale if you want evenly sized patties.
- Form each portion into a patty, making it slightly larger than the bun since it will shrink while cooking.
- Press your thumb into the center of each patty to create a small indentation. This helps them cook evenly and prevents puffing up.
By following these steps, you’ll end up with perfectly shaped burgers every time!
How to Make Crack Burgers!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 burger buns (preferably brioche)
For the Spicy Mayo:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sriracha (or to taste)
- 1 tbsp pickled jalapeños (optional)
For Serving:
- Sliced pickles
- Lettuce (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. With everything ready to go, you’ll have delicious Crack Burgers on your table in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Burger Mix:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Gently mix everything together with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the burgers tough.
2. Shape the Patties:
Divide the meat mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty, making a slight indentation in the center of each patty. This helps them cook evenly and avoids puffing up during grilling.
3. Cook the Burgers:
Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the burger patties on it. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side until you see a nice crust forming. Then, flip the burgers over.
4. Add Cheese:
As soon as you flip the burgers, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the burgers are cooked to your liking.
5. Make the Spicy Mayo:
While the burgers are cooking, grab a small bowl and mix together the mayonnaise and sriracha. Taste your spicy mayo and add more sriracha if you want it spicier!
6. Toast the Buns:
If you like, toast the burger buns lightly either on the grill or in a toaster until they are warm and slightly crispy.
7. Assemble Your Burgers:
Spread a generous amount of spicy mayo on the bottom bun. Place the burger patty with melted cheese on top. Then, add sliced pickles and pickled jalapeños if you’re using them. If you want, add some fresh lettuce before placing the top bun on.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Your delicious Crack Burgers are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them immediately and dig in. They’re a satisfying meal that everyone will love!
Can I Use Leaner Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Sure! While an 80/20 blend gives the best flavor and juiciness, you can use leaner ground beef like 90/10. Just keep in mind that the burgers may be less juicy, so keep an eye on cooking time to avoid drying them out. Adding a little olive oil to the mix can help retain moisture.
What If I Don’t Have Sriracha?
No problem! You can substitute sriracha with any hot sauce you prefer, like Frank’s RedHot or even a spicy ketchup. For a milder option, try mixing regular mayonnaise with a dash of paprika or cayenne pepper for a flavorful kick!
How Can I Store Leftover Burgers?
Store leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat until hot, or place them in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds. If you’ve added any toppings, consider reheating the patties without them and then reassemble the burgers afterward.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level of the Burgers?
If you’d like to tone down the heat, simply reduce the amount of sriracha in the sauce or omit the pickled jalapeños. You can also add some honey or sugar to the sauce for a sweet contrast that can mellow out the spice. For extra flavor without the heat, consider adding more herbs or spices instead!
