Crack Burgers Bacon Cheddar

Section: Best Burger Recipes: From Classic to Gourmet Creations

These Crack Burgers combine ground chuck with crisp bacon, shredded cheddar, sour cream, and a punch of ranch seasoning for intense, juicy flavor. Carefully form the patties to keep moisture locked in, then grill until perfectly cooked. Serve on toasted buns with favorite toppings like lettuce and tomato for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness and let the burgers rest before serving for the best texture and taste.

iamcooker.com
Sofia Pitt sofia
Most recent update: Sat, 05 Jul 2025 16:53:45 GMT
A cheeseburger with bacon and lettuce. Save
A cheeseburger with bacon and lettuce. | iamcooker.com

Crack Burgers take classic cheeseburgers to a new level by mixing ranch, bacon, and sharp cheddar right into the patty. These juicy burgers are a backyard cookout favorite. Every time I make them for my family, the grill turns into the main event and nobody can resist coming back for seconds.

The first time I tried adding ranch to the burgers, my family did not stop talking about it for days. Now, these crack burgers are a frequent request at our summer cookouts and my kids will not let me go back to plain burgers.

Ingredients

  • Ground chuck: rich beef flavor and enough fat for juicy patties choose fresh ground beef from the butcher case for the best texture
  • Sour cream: keeps the burgers extra moist and tender opt for full-fat for the creamiest texture
  • Ranch dressing mix: brings a herby savory punch store-bought packets make this step easy just check the expiration date for freshness
  • Cooked and crumbled bacon: adds smoky crunch and depth use thick-cut bacon and cook it until crispy
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: sharp cheddar adds gooey richness grate it yourself for the best melt and flavor
  • Hamburger buns: sturdy yet soft buns hold these loaded patties together try brioche buns for a hint of sweetness
  • Lettuce, tomato, mustard, mayo: the classic toppings crisp lettuce and ripe tomato balance the richness use whatever you have on hand or mix it up

Step-by-Step Instructions

Combine the Mixture:
In a large bowl add ground chuck sour cream ranch dressing mix crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix everything together. Focus on combining just until there are no visible streaks but do not overwork the meat or you might end up with tough burgers. This step makes sure every bite is loaded with flavor.
Form the Patties:
Divide the meat mixture evenly and shape into six patties. Keep them the same size and thickness so they cook evenly. Press a small dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb so they do not puff up while cooking. If the mixture is sticky wet your hands with water which helps form neat even patties.
Grill the Burgers:
Fire up your grill or preheat a skillet to medium heat. Place burgers on the hot surface and let them cook on one side without pressing down. This lets the crust form and seals in juices. Carefully flip them after about five minutes or once you see browning at the edges. Continue grilling until they reach your preferred doneness 130 to 135 degrees for medium-rare 140 to 145 degrees for medium and 160 for well done. Use a meat thermometer for reliable results. Once done let the burgers rest for a few minutes to keep the juices inside.
Assemble and Serve:
Slice and toast your buns to get them crisp and golden. Pile on the cooked burger patties and top with lettuce tomato mustard mayo or any of your favorite extras. Serve immediately while everything is hot and melty. Every bite should have a bit of everything for maximum flavor.
A large cheeseburger with lettuce and tomato on a bun.
A large cheeseburger with lettuce and tomato on a bun. | iamcooker.com

Cheddar cheese is always my favorite part of this recipe. I love how it melts into the meat and creates gooey pockets of flavor. My family jokes that if the burger does not have cheese melted inside it is not really finished. Some of our best picnic memories started with a plate piled high with these burgers fresh off the grill.

Storage Tips

Store leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage freeze individually wrapped patties for up to three months. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to keep them juicy and prevent drying out. Buns and toppings should always be stored separately to keep everything fresh.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of sour cream swap in Greek yogurt for the same moisture and tang. Use turkey bacon for a lighter flavor or try pepper jack instead of cheddar for a sharp spicy kick. The base mixture is forgiving so you can mix in chopped jalapeños caramelized onions or even a handful of spinach if you want to sneak in a few veggies without losing the signature taste.

Serving Suggestions

Crack burgers are made for a crowd so set up a toppings bar and let everyone pick their favorites. Classic potato salad crunchy pickles or sweet corn on the cob round out the meal perfectly. If you want to go bold serve with homemade ranch dipping sauce for the ultimate flavor pairing.

Cultural Context

The tradition of adding mix-ins to burgers has been around for decades but the ranch and bacon combo really took off as American comfort food evolved. Crack burgers are now a twist that brings together the best of diner-style burgers and backyard innovation. Every cook can put their spin on it and create a version that reflects their family's taste.

A close up of a bacon cheeseburger.
A close up of a bacon cheeseburger. | iamcooker.com

A burger is never just a burger when you mix the flavor right into the patty. Crack burgers will make your next cookout unforgettable.

Recipe Q&A

→ What type of ground beef is best for these burgers?

Ground chuck with a good fat content gives the juiciest, most flavorful burgers for this dish.

→ Can I cook these burgers indoors?

Yes, these burgers can be cooked in a skillet or grill pan on the stovetop if outdoor grilling isn't possible.

→ How do I prevent the patties from sticking when forming?

Wet your hands with cold water before shaping the patties to keep the mixture from sticking.

→ What toppings go well with these patties?

Lettuce, tomato, mustard, mayo, pickles, or crispy onions all pair well with the bold flavors.

→ How do I know when the burgers are cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer: aim for 130-135°F for medium-rare, up to 160°F for well-done burgers.

→ Why add sour cream to the mix?

Sour cream ensures extra moisture and tenderness, helping the patties stay juicy while cooking.

Crack Burgers Bacon Cheddar

Savory burgers blend bacon, cheddar, ranch, and sour cream for extra juicy flavor in every bite.

Prep Duration
15 min
Cooking Period
12 min
Entire Time Required
27 min
Sofia Pitt: sofia


Difficulty: Beginner

Regional Style: American

Output: 6 Portions (6 burgers)

Dietary Attributes: ~

Needed Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 680 g ground chuck
02 45 ml sour cream
03 30 ml ranch dressing mix
04 55 g cooked and crumbled bacon
05 115 g shredded cheddar cheese

→ Assembly and Toppings

06 Hamburger buns
07 Lettuce
08 Tomato
09 Mustard
10 Mayonnaise

Preparation Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine ground chuck, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix gently with your hands or a sturdy spoon just until ingredients are evenly distributed for maximum tenderness.

Step 02

Shape the mixture into 6 even hamburger patties. Use a burger press or a container lid for consistent size. Gently press a small dimple into the center of each patty to prevent puffing during cooking.

Step 03

Preheat grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium heat. Place patties onto the heated surface and cook to preferred doneness: 54–57°C for medium-rare, 60–63°C for medium, or 71°C for well-done. Flip gently and avoid pressing patties to retain juiciness. Rest burgers for several minutes before serving.

Step 04

Arrange burgers on hamburger buns. Top with lettuce, tomato, mustard, and mayonnaise. Add additional toppings such as pickles, onions, or avocado as desired. Toast buns before assembling for enhanced texture.

Supplementary Details

  1. Wet hands with cold water before forming patties to prevent sticking.
  2. Do not overmix ground meat; incorporate ingredients just until combined.
  3. Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness and food safety.
  4. Rest burgers after grilling to promote even distribution of juices.

Necessary Tools

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Burger press or lid
  • Grill, grill pan, or large skillet
  • Spatula
  • Meat thermometer

Allergen Advisory

Review each item for allergens. Consult a medical expert if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (cheddar cheese, sour cream)
  • Contains eggs (mayonnaise, possibly in ranch mix)
  • Contains gluten (hamburger buns)

Nutrient Breakdown (per serving)

This information is provided for reference and should not replace consultation with a health professional.
  • Caloric Value: 490
  • Total Fat: 35 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 13 g
  • Proteins: 31 g