Description
Crack Burgers are ultra-thin, crispy-edged, juicy burgers made with an 80/20 ground beef blend, cooked at high heat to achieve a rich, caramelized crust and tender center. Simple ingredients come together to create a flavorful, addictive burger experience that’s easy to customize and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef (80/20 blend)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 4 Cheese slices (such as American, cheddar, or preferred type)
- 4 Burger buns
- Butter or oil, for cooking
Optional Toppings
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Pickles
- Onion slices
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayonnaise
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Start by gathering fresh ground beef, seasoning it simply with salt and pepper, and having your cheese slices and buns ready for assembly.
- Form the patties: Divide the ground beef into equal portions and gently form thin patties, about ¼ inch thick, so they cook quickly and crisp nicely.
- Heat your skillet or griddle: Use medium-high heat with a bit of butter or oil to preheat your cooking surface until it’s nicely hot but not smoking.
- Cook the patties: Place patties on the hot pan, pressing slightly to form a good sear. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the edges are crisp and caramelized.
- Add cheese and melt: Once flipped, place a slice of cheese on the patty and cover the skillet with a lid briefly to melt for the creamiest finish.
- Toast the buns: Lightly toast burger buns in the pan or under the broiler for a warm, crisp texture that complements the juicy patties.
- Assemble and enjoy: Layer your Crack Burgers with your favorite toppings and sauces, then dig in for that iconic, crave-worthy bite.
Notes
- Use cold beef: Chilling the beef before forming patties helps maintain juiciness and structure while cooking.
- Don’t overwork the meat: Handle the beef gently to avoid compacting, preserving tenderness.
- Press for crust: Use a spatula to press the patties firmly onto the hot surface for that crispy, crackly edge.
- High heat is key: Cooking on a hot pan ensures the Maillard reaction creates deep flavor and texture.
- Rest briefly: Let the burgers sit for a minute off heat to lock in juices before assembling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Crack Burgers, juicy burgers, crispy edge burger, easy burger recipe, 80/20 ground beef, quick burgers, homemade burgers