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- 1 pound ground beef (80/20) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon salt - 4 burger buns - 4 slices cheddar cheese - 1 cup crispy fried onions To make the best Crack Burgers, use ground beef with 80% lean and 20% fat. This mix gives your burgers great flavor and juiciness. The garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt are key spices. They add depth and warmth to every bite. The burger buns should be soft but sturdy. They need to hold all the toppings and flavors without falling apart. Each burger gets a slice of cheddar cheese. It melts beautifully on the hot patty, adding creaminess. The crispy fried onions bring a delightful crunch that makes every bite exciting. - Leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, or arugula) - Sliced pickles - Special sauce ingredients (mayonnaise and Dijon mustard) For extra flavor and texture, add leafy greens. Lettuce, spinach, or arugula are great choices. They add freshness and a nice crunch. Sliced pickles also enhance the taste with their tanginess. They provide a nice contrast to the rich beef and cheese. Don't forget the special sauce! A simple mix of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard spreads easily on the buns. This sauce ties all the flavors together and adds a creamy touch. Feel free to get creative with extra toppings based on your taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, combine all the meat mixture ingredients in a bowl. You need: - 1 pound ground beef (80/20) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon salt Mix gently. You want the spices blended in but not overworked. Overworking can make the meat tough. Next, divide the mixture into four parts. Shape each part into a patty. Make each patty a bit larger than your burger bun. They will shrink while cooking, so keep that in mind. Now, it's time to cook. Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. This step is key for good crust. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on one side. Look for a nice crust. Flip the patties and cook for another 2-3 minutes. This timing gives you a medium doneness. During the last minute, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty. Let it melt for that creamy goodness. While the patties cook, mix your special sauce. Combine: - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Spread this sauce on the inner sides of each burger bun. To assemble, start with the bottom bun. Place a cheesy patty on it. Add a handful of leafy greens, like lettuce or spinach. Top with crispy fried onions for crunch. Finish with sliced pickles for extra flavor. Place the top bun on and gently press down. Your Crack Burger is ready to enjoy! To make the best Crack Burgers, avoid overworking the meat. When you mix the ground beef with seasonings, do it gently. If you mix too much, the meat can become tough. Achieving ideal doneness is key for flavor. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on one side. Flip them and cook for another 2-3 minutes. This gives you a nice crust and juicy inside. For medium doneness, make sure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. For extra flavor, use garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. These spices blend well to create a tasty taste. When cooking, keep an eye on the temperature. Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. This helps the burgers cook evenly and develop a nice crust. If it’s too hot, the outside can burn while the inside stays raw. Try adding special sauces, like a mix of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard, to the buns. This adds a creamy zing that pairs well with the meat. Pro Tips Use a Meat Thermometer: To achieve the perfect doneness, use a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 160°F for medium burgers. Rest the Patties: After cooking, let the patties rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making your burgers more flavorful and juicy. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Try adding avocado, bacon, or different types of cheese for a unique twist. Toast the Buns: For added texture and flavor, toast the burger buns on the grill or in a skillet before assembling your burgers. {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of Crack Burgers. Instead of ground beef, use plant-based substitutes like lentils, black beans, or chickpeas. These options add great texture and flavor. You can mash them up and mix in garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika for taste. Form them into patties just like the meat version. Cook them on a skillet or grill until they are warm and crispy. Adding different spice blends can take your Crack Burgers to new heights. Try adding cumin or chili powder for a kick. For a sweeter taste, consider brown sugar or smoked paprika. You can also switch up the cheese. Instead of cheddar, try pepper jack for some heat or Swiss for a milder taste. Each choice brings a unique flavor, making this burger fun to experiment with! Pair your Crack Burgers with delicious sides. Crispy fries are a classic choice. Sweet potato fries add a tasty twist. You could also serve a fresh salad on the side. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette works well. For snacks, try serving chips or onion rings for that extra crunch. These sides complement the burger perfectly! After you enjoy your Crack Burgers, store any leftovers in the fridge. Place the burgers in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. How long do they last? Leftover Crack Burgers are best eaten within three days. After that, they may lose flavor and texture. Always check for any odd smells or changes before eating. To reheat your Crack Burgers, use a skillet or microwave. For the skillet, heat it on medium-low. Place the burger in the pan and cover it with a lid. This keeps the moisture in. Heat for about 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway. If using a microwave, place the burger on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 30 seconds, then check if it's hot. If not, heat for another 15 seconds. This method works but may not keep the texture as good as the skillet. Enjoy your delicious leftovers! Crack Burgers stand out thanks to their special blend of spices and toppings. I use garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to enhance the flavor. These ingredients give the meat a savory kick. The crispy fried onions on top add texture and crunch. The sauce made of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard brings a creamy richness. This mix of flavors takes the burger experience to a new level. Yes, you can prep these burgers in advance. Form the patties and store them in the fridge for up to a day. This saves time when you are ready to cook. You can also mix the sauce ahead of time. Just keep it in a sealed container in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, heat the grill or skillet and cook the patties. This method keeps your burgers fresh and tasty. For toppings, I suggest using leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, or arugula. They add a fresh crunch. Sliced pickles are great for a tangy bite. You can also try adding avocado for creaminess or jalapeños for heat. Feel free to get creative with your toppings! The goal is to enhance the burger’s flavor while adding your personal touch. In this blog post, we covered everything about making Crack Burgers. We discussed the main and optional ingredients, like ground beef, spices, and toppings. You learned how to prepare, cook, and assemble these tasty burgers step by step. Plus, we shared tips for perfecting flavor and texture. Remember, you can customize these burgers with vegetarian options and different spices. Enjoy creating your own versions and pair them with great sides. With the right techniques, your Crack Burgers will impress everyone!

Crack Burgers

Delicious and juicy burgers with a special sauce and crispy toppings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 4 pieces burger buns
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup crispy fried onions
  • to taste leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, or arugula)
  • for garnish sliced pickles

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix gently until just combined; do not overwork the meat.
  • Divide the meat mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty slightly larger than the burger buns (they will shrink while cooking).
  • Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on one side until a crust forms; flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes for medium doneness. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty to melt.
  • While the patties are cooking, mix mayonnaise and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Spread this special sauce on the inner sides of each burger bun.
  • Assemble the burgers by placing a cheesy patty on each bun bottom, followed by a handful of leafy greens and a generous sprinkle of crispy fried onions. Add sliced pickles on top for added crunch.
  • Finish with the top bun and gently press down to hold everything together.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Crack Burgers!

Notes

Do not overwork the meat to keep the patties tender.
Keyword beef, burgers, grilling