Crack Burgers

There are burgers… and then there are Crack Burgers. These aren’t your average backyard patties—we’re talking bold flavor, melty cheese, crispy bacon, and a creamy, ranch-loaded topping that takes everything over the top. Honestly, after one bite, you’ll understand why they’re called “Crack” Burgers—they’re just that good.

We first made these for a casual game night and, no kidding, they were gone in minutes. Everyone kept asking what was in that “magic topping,” and ever since, these burgers have become our go-to for everything from summer cookouts to weekend indulgence dinners. They’re incredibly easy to make, and that topping? It’s basically bacon ranch crack (in the best way possible). You’ve got creamy, cheesy goodness combined with smoky bacon and the tang of ranch… it’s everything you want in a burger, smashed into one glorious bite.

So let’s dive right into it. Whether you’re grilling outside or cooking indoors on a skillet, these Crack Burgers will become an instant favorite.

Why You’ll Love These Crack Burgers

• Insanely flavorful: Every bite is loaded with cheesy, smoky, ranch goodness.

• Fast & easy: Just 30 minutes from start to finish.

• Customizable: Add an egg, switch the meat, or pile on the toppings.

• Great for crowds: Double or triple the recipe for gatherings or game day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Patties:

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 is best for juicy burgers)

• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Crack Topping:

• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

• ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ¼ cup cream cheese, softened

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (optional)

To Assemble:

• 4 hamburger buns

• Butter (for toasting buns)

• Lettuce, tomato, pickles (optional—but highly recommended)

STEP 1: Make the Burger Patties

Start by adding the ground beef, ranch seasoning, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder to a large mixing bowl. You don’t want to overwork the meat here—just mix until everything is combined. Over-mixing can lead to tough burgers, and no one wants that.

Divide the mixture into 4 even portions and gently form into patties. I like to make a small indentation in the center of each patty with my thumb—this helps them cook evenly and prevents puffing up in the middle.

STEP 2: Cook the Patties

Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, place your patties down and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. You’re looking for a nice crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. If you like your burgers more on the medium side, aim for about 160°F internal temperature.

While the burgers are doing their thing, it’s the perfect time to get that glorious topping ready…

STEP 3: Mix Up the Crack Topping

This is where the magic happens. In a small mixing bowl, combine your crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and chopped green onions (if using). Stir it all together until it’s creamy and well blended.

This topping is everything. It’s rich and creamy with little crispy bacon bits and melty cheese, and that ranch flavor just ties it all together. You could honestly eat it with a spoon (and I may have… more than once).

this recipe

Alright, now that we’ve prepped those juicy burger patties and whipped up the rich, savory crack topping, it’s time to bring everything together—and this is the part where your kitchen (or backyard grill) is going to start smelling amazing.

This next section is where the burgers go from great to unforgettable. We’re going to melt that cheesy topping right onto the patties, toast the buns for that perfect buttery crunch, and talk about some fun ways to switch things up if you want to get creative.

Let’s get right back into it.

STEP 4: Add the Crack Topping

Once your patties are cooked to your desired doneness (I usually go for medium or medium-well), it’s time for the best part: the crack topping.

Take a generous scoop of that bacon-cheddar-ranch mixture and pile it right on top of each patty during the last minute of cooking. Don’t be shy—you want a good amount on there.

If you’re cooking on a grill, close the lid to trap the heat and help the cheese melt down into all those little crevices. If you’re using a skillet, cover it with a lid or even a sheet of foil. Just 1-2 minutes is enough to make it all warm, gooey, and irresistible.

The topping softens slightly, the cheese starts to melt, and the bacon gets cozy in there with the creamy ranch flavor. It’s next-level stuff.

STEP 5: Toast the Buns

This is one of those small touches that makes a big difference. Grab your hamburger buns and lightly butter the insides. Then, pop them face-down on the grill or into a skillet over medium heat.

Toast for just a minute or two until they’re golden and a little crisp on the edges. The buttery toast not only adds flavor but also helps prevent sogginess from the toppings and sauces later on. It’s a simple step that takes your burgers from good to gourmet.

STEP 6: Assemble the Burgers

Now it’s go-time.

Place each juicy, crack-topped burger patty onto a toasted bottom bun. From there, layer on your favorite fixings—lettuce, tomato slices, crunchy pickles, maybe even a drizzle of extra ranch if you’re feeling bold.

Top with the bun, press down ever so slightly, and you’ve got yourself one seriously addictive burger.

Pro Tips for Perfect Crack Burgers

Here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up from making these over and over (and over) again:

• Use 80/20 beef for the juiciest results. Leaner beef works, but you’ll want to compensate with added moisture—like a splash of Worcestershire or even a bit of grated onion.

• Make the topping ahead for quicker assembly. It holds up great in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just give it a stir before using.

• Try it on other meats! This crack topping is just as amazing on grilled chicken sandwiches or even sliders.

• Add a fried egg for a brunch-style twist. The runny yolk adds richness that pairs beautifully with the bacon and cheese.

• Make it spicy by adding a dash of hot sauce or some sliced jalapeños to the topping mix.

Serving Ideas

These Crack Burgers are the star of the show, but if you’re wondering what to serve alongside them, here are a few ideas:

• Crispy fries or tots

• Grilled corn on the cob

• Classic coleslaw or a tangy pickle slaw

• Potato salad or pasta salad for cookouts

These burgers are rich and flavorful, so lighter sides or something with a little acidity (like pickles or slaw) help balance everything out.