Irresistible Crack Burgers Ultimate (Printable Version)
Juicy patties seasoned with smoked paprika, topped with melty cheddar, bacon, tangy sauce and crisp lettuce.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meat
01 - 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
→ Seasoning
02 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
→ Crack Sauce
07 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
08 - 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
09 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
10 - 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
11 - 2 teaspoons brown sugar
→ Toppings
12 - 8 slices cooked bacon
13 - 4 slices cheddar cheese
14 - 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
15 - 1 large tomato, sliced
16 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
→ Buns
17 - 4 brioche or potato buns, toasted
18 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
# Directions:
01 - Preheat a grill or large skillet over medium-high heat.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix gently until ingredients are just incorporated.
03 - Divide the meat mixture into four equal portions and shape into patties slightly wider than the buns.
04 - Grill or pan-fry patties for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until preferred doneness is reached. In the final minute, place a slice of cheddar on each patty to melt.
05 - While the patties cook, melt unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place buns cut side down and toast until golden brown.
06 - In a small bowl, thoroughly mix mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, hot sauce if using, and brown sugar until smooth.
07 - Spread crack sauce generously on both halves of each toasted bun. Layer with shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, and thinly sliced red onion. Add the cheese-topped patty, followed by two slices of crispy bacon and the top bun.
08 - Serve immediately with additional crack sauce on the side, if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The smoky paprika and garlic blend creates this ridiculous crust that seals in all the juices
- That crack sauce hits every single flavor note, creamy, tangy, sweet, and just enough heat
02 -
- Let the patties rest for a couple minutes after cooking, seriously. If you cut into them immediately all those juices end up on your plate instead of in your burger.
- The crack sauce actually gets better if you make it an hour ahead and let it hang out in the fridge. The flavors really meld together.
03 -
- Pre cook your bacon in the oven at 400°F for 15 minutes. It stays flat and gets perfectly crispy without the mess of pan frying.
- Room temperature beef forms better patties and cooks more evenly. Take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start.