Savory Crack Burgers: Your New Dinner Staple (Print Version)
Savory Crack Burgers bring a flavor explosion to your plate! This easy recipe combines seasoned patties with melty cheese for a weeknight win.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Meat-based
# Ingredients:
→ Patty Powerhouses
01 -
1 lb ground beef (80/20 chuck)
02 -
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
→ Flavor Fusion
03 -
1 tsp onion powder
04 -
1 tsp garlic powder
05 -
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
06 -
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
07 -
1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
→ Crispy Toppings & Sauce Secrets
08 -
4 slices American cheese
09 -
4 brioche buns, split
10 -
2 tbsp mayonnaise
11 -
1 tbsp ketchup
12 -
1 tbsp dill pickle relish
13 -
1/4 cup crispy fried onions (or to taste)
# Instructions:
01 -
Alright, first things first, grab your ground beef. In a big bowl, gently mix in the Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, a good pinch of salt, and a generous grind of black pepper. Don't overmix, hon, or your burgers will be tough! Just combine until everything's mostly happy. Divide the mixture into equal portions – I usually aim for four, about 1/4 pound each. Roll them loosely into balls, don't press them yet!
02 -
Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until it’s smoking slightly. Add a tiny bit of oil if your pan isn't seasoned. Place a beef ball in the hot pan, then immediately smash it down with a sturdy spatula until it’s about 1/2 inch thick. This is where those glorious crispy edges happen! I used to use a plate to smash, and it was a total disaster, sticking everywhere. Learn from my oops!
03 -
Let those patties cook for about 2-3 minutes until you see those beautiful browned, crispy edges forming. You'll smell that amazing beefy aroma, too! Gently scrape under the patty (this is key to keep those crispy bits intact!) and flip it over. Immediately lay a slice of American cheese on top of each patty. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese is wonderfully melted and gooey. Oh, the smell here is just heavenly!
04 -
While your patties are doing their thing, lightly butter the cut sides of your brioche buns. Pop them into a separate dry skillet or on a griddle, cut-side down, and toast them until they’re golden brown and fragrant. This step is non-negotiable for me; a toasted bun makes all the difference, giving you a sturdy base and a little extra texture. Don't skip it, I beg you!
05 -
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, and dill pickle relish. Taste it! Does it need a little more tang? A bit more sweet? Adjust it to your liking. This sauce is simple, but it brings all the flavors of your Crack Burgers together in a lovely, creamy hug. I often make a double batch because, well, it's just that good on everything!
06 -
Now for the fun part! Spread a generous dollop of your secret sauce on both the top and bottom toasted buns. Place a cheesy patty on the bottom bun. Pile on those crispy fried onions – don't be shy! Add any other toppings you love, maybe a pickle slice or some fresh lettuce. Cap it off with the top bun. Take a moment to admire your handiwork. It should look juicy, stacked, and utterly irresistible. Enjoy your incredible Crack Burgers!
# Notes:
01 -
Always smash your burger patties *after* they hit the hot pan for the best crispy edges.
02 -
For extra flavor, toast your brioche buns with a little butter until golden brown.
03 -
If you're out of dill relish, finely chopped dill pickles work just as well in the sauce.
04 -
Serving these with a side of crispy fries and a cold drink just feels right, trust me!
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large mixing bowl
02 -
cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
03 -
sturdy spatula
04 -
small bowl for sauce
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 550
Total Fat: 35g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 30g