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Crack Burgers Bacon Cheddar

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These crack burgers bring together juicy ground beef, ranch seasoning, crispy bacon, and melty cheddar for intense flavor in every bite. The mixture is formed into patties and grilled until perfectly cooked, then served on soft buns with your favorite toppings such as lettuce and tomato. With their savory, smoky notes and creamy cheese throughout, they’re ideal for backyard cookouts, BBQs, or casual dinners. Prepping ahead is simple—just shape the patties in advance and keep them chilled until it’s time to grill. For a twist, swap out the cheese variety or try a different meat base. Enjoy with crispy onions, pickles, or spicy mayo for added zest.

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Barbara Chef
Updated on Wed, 18 Jun 2025 13:19:44 GMT
A burger with cheese and bacon on top. Pin it
A burger with cheese and bacon on top. | gracefulflavors.com

When you want a burger that makes everyone stop and ask for the recipe Crack Burgers are the answer These are packed with smoky bacon melty cheddar and that familiar ranch flavor all snuggled into a juicy beef patty When I made these for a backyard cookout even my picky eater niece declared it the best burger she had ever eaten

I still remember the first time I made these cracking open a packet of ranch dressing mix and thinking it sounded odd for a burger By the time they came off the grill everyone was hooked and now it is a summer tradition

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: gives you juicy flavorful burgers look for an 80-20 blend for the best balance
  • Ranch dressing mix: brings savory herby flavor use a name brand or your favorite for best taste
  • Crumbled bacon: adds irresistible smoky crunch go for thick-cut bacon cooked until crisp
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: melts perfectly into the patties choose a block and shred it yourself for creamier results
  • Burger buns: soft and sturdy buns hold everything together for the ultimate bite toast lightly for extra flavor
  • Lettuce, tomato and extra toppings: let everyone customize you can add pickles onions or avocado for crunch and freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Patties:
Combine ground beef ranch dressing mix crisp bacon and grated cheddar in a big bowl Mix by hand just until combined so you do not overwork the meat and keep things tender
Shape and Prep:
Divide the mixture into even portions and gently form into round patties about three-quarters of an inch thick Press a slight indentation in the center to help them cook evenly
Heat the Grill:
Preheat your grill to medium-high so it is hot but not smoking Clean and oil the grates right before adding the patties
Grill the Burgers:
Place patties on the hot grill and cook for about five minutes per side Resist the urge to press or move them too soon so you get a good sear and keep the juices inside
Rest and Assemble:
Let the burgers sit on a plate for a few minutes after grilling This keeps them juicy Place on toasted buns with lettuce tomato and any other topping that sounds irresistible
A burger with cheese and a bun. Pin it
A burger with cheese and a bun. | gracefulflavors.com

I always look forward to adding thick crispy bacon to these burgers It reminds me of Sunday breakfasts as a kid and now it is my go-to for taking any burger up a notch When my friends come over they always ask for extra bacon and ranch on the side

Storage Tips

Leftover cooked patties keep well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days Reheat in the microwave or a skillet on low heat for best results If you make a large batch freeze the uncooked patties between sheets of parchment and grill them straight from frozen on busy nights

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you want something lighter Even plant-based ground works well For the cheese feel free to try Monterey jack smoked gouda or your favorite shredded variety No ranch mix on hand Blend dried parsley onion powder garlic powder dill and a few pinches of salt as a homemade alternative

A burger with cheese and a bun. Pin it
A burger with cheese and a bun. | gracefulflavors.com

Serving Suggestions

These loaded burgers shine next to classic potato wedges grilled corn or a crisp green salad Bump up the flavor with tangy pickles creamy avocado slices or crispy fried onions If you love a touch of heat add a dollop of spicy mayo or jalapenos

Cultural and Historical Context

The loaded burger trend has its roots in American backyard cooking adding bold familiar flavors to a classic favorite Using ranch mix and bacon plays off nostalgic flavors and makes every bite feel like a treat These burgers capture the playful spirit of summer grilling and family gatherings all year long

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What gives these burgers their bold flavor?

Combining ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheddar creates a savory, tangy profile in the beef patties.

→ Can I cook these burgers without a grill?

Yes! Use a skillet over medium heat, cooking the patties about 5 minutes per side until done.

→ What meat alternatives can I use?

Ground turkey or chicken work well for a lighter option, maintaining juicy texture and flavor.

→ How can I prepare the burgers ahead of time?

Shape the patties in advance and refrigerate—just grill or cook when you're ready to serve.

→ What toppings pair well with these burgers?

Lettuce, tomato, crispy onions, pickles, avocado, or spicy mayo complement the rich, savory flavors.

Crack Burgers Bacon Cheddar

Juicy burgers filled with ranch, cheddar, and bacon, grilled for maximum flavor and served with toppings.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Barbara

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 burgers)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Burger Patties

01 2 pounds ground beef
02 1 (1 ounce) package ranch dressing mix
03 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
04 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

→ Assembly

05 Burger buns
06 Lettuce leaves
07 Sliced tomato
08 Additional desired toppings (e.g., pickles, crispy onions, avocado, or spicy mayonnaise)

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat, ensuring the grates are well cleaned and lightly oiled.

Step 02

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ranch dressing mix, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until ingredients are incorporated, handling the meat gently to avoid compacting.

Step 03

Divide the mixture evenly and shape into burger patties of uniform thickness to promote even cooking.

Step 04

Place patties on the preheated grill. Cook for approximately 5 minutes per side, flipping once, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F (71°C) for ground beef.

Step 05

Transfer cooked patties to burger buns. Top each with lettuce, tomato, and preferred garnishes before serving immediately.

Notes

  1. For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken.
  2. Experiment with different cheeses such as pepper jack or smoked gouda for flavor variation.
  3. If a grill is unavailable, cook burgers in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side.
  4. Form patties ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook for efficient meal prep.
  5. Enhance the burgers with toppings like crispy onions, sliced pickles, avocado, or a spicy mayo for additional texture and flavor.

Tools You'll Need

  • Grill (gas or charcoal)
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Spatula or tongs
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains milk (cheddar cheese, ranch dressing mix may contain dairy)
  • Contains wheat (burger buns, ranch dressing mix may contain gluten)
  • Contains eggs (ranch dressing mix or mayonnaise if used as a topping may include eggs)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 530
  • Total Fat: 34 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 32 g
  • Protein: 31 g