Crack Burger with Bacon Ranch (Printer-friendly)
Savory beef patties topped with crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and a creamy homemade ranch sauce on toasted brioche buns.
# What You Need:
→ Burger Patties
01 - 1 pound ground beef, 80/20 blend recommended
02 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
03 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
04 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
→ Crack Sauce
05 - ½ cup mayonnaise
06 - ¼ cup sour cream
07 - ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
08 - 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
09 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
→ Toppings
10 - 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy
11 - 4 slices cheddar cheese
12 - 4 brioche burger buns, toasted
13 - 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
14 - 1 large tomato, sliced
15 - ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
16 - Dill pickle slices
# How to Make It:
01 - Combine ground beef with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Gently mix until incorporated, being careful not to overwork the meat. Shape into 4 uniform patties, pressing a shallow indentation into the center of each to prevent puffing during cooking.
02 - Heat grill or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until properly preheated.
03 - Fry bacon slices until crispy and golden brown. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease.
04 - Place patties on preheated grill or skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium doneness, adjusting time to your preference. During the final minute of cooking, place a cheddar cheese slice on each patty and cover to allow cheese to melt completely.
05 - Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning mix, and fresh chives in a small bowl until smooth and thoroughly combined.
06 - Lightly toast brioche buns on the grill or in a toaster until golden brown and slightly crisped.
07 - Generously spread crack sauce on both top and bottom bun halves. Build each burger by layering shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and red onion on the bottom bun. Place the cheesy burger patty on top, add 2 crispy bacon slices, and finish with pickle slices if desired. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The sauce is completely addictive and somehow makes everything taste better
- Everything comes together in just 30 minutes for a weeknight dinner that feels like a treat
02 -
- Letting the patties rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking keeps all those juices inside instead of running out onto your plate
- The sauce actually tastes better if you make it an hour ahead so the flavors have time to meld together
03 -
- Keep a small bowl of water nearby to wet your hands before forming the patties, which prevents the meat from sticking to your fingers
- Warm the bacon in the oven for a few minutes while the burgers rest so everything comes together at the same temperature