Crack Burgers: Juicy Patties, Tangy Sauce Your New Favorite (Print Version)

Master irresistible Crack Burgers with a secret sauce. This recipe brings juicy patties, melty cheese, and tangy flavor to your table.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains Meat, Dairy, Gluten (can be modified)

# Ingredients:

→ Burger Base

01 - 1.5 lbs ground chuck (80/20 fat ratio)
02 - 4 brioche buns
03 - 4 slices cheddar cheese
04 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Crack Burger Sauce

05 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
06 - 2 tbsp ketchup
07 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
08 - 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
09 - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
10 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
11 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
12 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

→ Fresh Toppings

13 - 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
14 - 4-8 crisp lettuce leaves (Romaine or iceberg)
15 - 1 ripe tomato, sliced

# Instructions:

01 - Okay, first things first, let's get those patties ready. Gently divide your ground chuck into four equal portions. Now, here's my little secret: form them into patties slightly wider than your buns, and make a small indentation in the center of each with your thumb. This prevents them from bulging up into meatballs while cooking, a mistake I made way too many times! Season generously on both sides with salt and black pepper. Don't be shy; these Crack Burgers need seasoning.
02 - While your patties are chilling, let's tackle that addictive sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, sweet pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir it all together until it's beautifully smooth and uniform. Taste it – honestly, this is where you can adjust! Need a bit more tang? Add a tiny splash more relish juice. I always end up adding a little extra smoked paprika because I love that depth.
03 - Heat your grill or a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. A little oil never hurts if you're using a skillet. Once it's hot, place your seasoned patties down. Listen for that glorious sizzle – that's the sound of deliciousness starting! Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer them more done. Resist the urge to press down on them with your spatula; you'll lose all those precious juices! I learned that lesson after making many disappointingly dry burgers, oops.
04 - In the last minute or so of cooking, lay a slice of cheddar cheese over each patty. If you're grilling, you can close the lid for about 30 seconds to help it melt beautifully. In a skillet, a lid will do the trick too. You want that cheese perfectly gooey and draped over the patty, not just sitting there stiffly. This is a crucial step for truly epic Crack Burgers.
05 - While the cheese is melting, quickly toast your brioche buns. You can do this on the grill, in a dry skillet, or even under the broiler for a minute. You're looking for a light golden toast, just enough to give them some structure and prevent them from getting soggy. A slightly toasted bun is a game-changer, trust me. I used to skip this, and my buns would just collapse under the weight of the Crack Burgers, a real kitchen disaster!
06 - Time for the grand finale! Spread a generous layer of your homemade sauce on both the top and bottom halves of each toasted bun. Place a cheesy patty on the bottom bun. Layer on your crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and those thinly sliced red onions. Pop the top bun on, give it a gentle press, and there you have it – your very own, incredibly delicious Crack Burgers. The aroma alone is enough to make my stomach rumble!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overmix the ground beef, or your patties will be tough. Gentle hands make tender burgers!
02 - Make the sauce ahead of time; the flavors really deepen if it sits for a few hours in the fridge.
03 - If you don't have brioche, a good potato bun works well, though it won't be quite the same level of special.
04 - Toasting the buns is non-negotiable for a truly satisfying burger experience, trust me on this one.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large skillet or grill
02 - mixing bowls
03 - spatula
04 - sharp knife
05 - cutting board

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 650 kcal
Total Fat: 40g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 35g

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