Juicy Crack Burgers Loaded with Flavor

Our take on the viral TikTok crack burgers recipe did not disappoint. After one bite, I was sold. Juicy, flavorful, and layered with tasty ingredients, this is the kind of burger that will keep your friends and family coming back for seconds.

Think of it as the perfect blend of backyard comfort food and chef-worthy indulgence. Whether you're grilling for a crowd or treating yourself on a weeknight, this recipe guarantees pure burger bliss.

This may just be my new favorite burger. These flavor-packed patties ooze cheese with every bite, and yes, I still added sliced cheese, because who doesn’t love cheese?

We used American cheese, but you can choose your favorite type of cheese to make our crack burgers to suit your tastes. You can even add more bacon. I’ll never tell.

If you love burgers with a twist, try out our Smoked Burgers Recipe. If you love ranch seasoning, try out our viral Crack Dip Recipe.

Ingredients

Gather the ingredients to prepare the Viral TikTok Crack Burgers recipe. Culinary professionals call this the “Mise en Place,” which means "everything in its Place."

Setting up your ingredients not only helps speed up the cooking process but also ensures you have all the necessary ingredients on hand to make the recipe.

Can I Make Adjustments to the Recipe?

Yes, you can. I did try a few variations, and from my experience, this is the best version, but our recipes are never set in stone. It’s about what you like to eat.

To add a little heat, consider adding chili powder, black pepper, or cayenne pepper to the mixture. For a smokier flavor, add some smoked paprika or cumin to the mixture.

Some recipes call for mayonnaise to be added. We preferred it without the mayonnaise, although you certainly could add some if you prefer.

American cheese is classic, but bleu cheese or gorgonzola will kick up the flavor. Cheddar, Gouda, and Swiss are also good choices.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños and pepper jack cheese.
• BBQ Bacon: Top with crispy bacon and smoky BBQ sauce.
• Loaded Style: Pile on caramelized onions, pickles, and a fried egg.
• Lighter Version: Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken.

How to Make Crack Burgers

Follow along with my simple step-by-step instructions to learn how to make Crack Burgers in your home kitchen.

• Remove the ground beef from the refrigerator 30 minutes before making this recipe. 
• Heat your grill, pellet grill, or Blackstone to medium-high heat. If using a cast-iron pan, heat on medium-high. 

• Cook the bacon until nice and crispy. Then chop it into small pieces.
• Add the ground beef to a large mixing bowl. 
• Add the sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon, Worcestershire sauce, and ranch seasoning to the bowl.
• Using your hands or a spoon, combine all the ingredients together.
  *Try not to over-handle the ground beef, as it will become tough if over-mixed.

• Divide the ground beef mixture into four quarter-pound burgers or burger balls.
• Place the burgers onto the grill and cook for 4-6 minutes (if using a Traeger, closer to 8-10 minutes)
• Flip the burger over and continue cooking for 4-6 minutes, or until it reaches your desired temperature.
  For ground beef, we recommend a minimum internal cooking temperature of 145°F.
• Top with your favorite slice of cheese and allow it to melt. Remove them from the grill and serve with your favorite toppings. 

Chefs Tip

• At all costs, make the burgers the correct thickness before placing them on the grill. Make them a little flatter than you want; they will pull back together as they cook.
• As tempting as it may be, do not press down on the burgers once the cooking process begins. This does nothing but squeeze the juices out of the burger. This not only affects the juiciness of the burger but also reduces flare-ups on your grill. 
• Don't overwork the beef when forming patties. Gentle handling keeps them juicy.
• Press a thumbprint into the center of each patty before cooking to prevent shrinking.
• Toast the buns with butter for extra flavor and texture.

Once you've tried our Crack Burgers, regular burgers just won't cut it anymore. They're juicy, bold, and downright unforgettable.

Fire up the grill or skillet, grab some napkins, and get ready to enjoy one of the best burgers you'll ever sink your teeth into.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crispy fries or sweet potato fries.
• Pair with coleslaw, grilled corn, or a simple green salad.
• Perfect for cookouts, game day, or casual family dinners.

How to Store and Reheat

Store any leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can freeze this crack burgers mixture before cooking.

I don’t advise freezing after they’ve been fully cooked. You can brown them on each side and freeze them partially cooked, then finish the cooking process on the stovetop or oven after defrosting.

To reheat, remove from the refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature. Heat a cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and add one tablespoon of olive oil. Heat on each side for 2-3 minutes, until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.

Recipe FAQs

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