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- 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80% lean, 20% fat for optimal juiciness) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on your heat preference) - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - 4 slices of sharp cheddar cheese - 4 crispy iceberg lettuce leaves - 1 large, ripe tomato, sliced into rounds - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced into rings - 4 fresh burger buns - 1/4 cup creamy mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons yellow mustard - 2 tablespoons ketchup - Dill pickles, sliced, for garnish Using high-quality ingredients is key to making great burgers. Fresh ground beef gives you the best taste and texture. Look for meat with a good fat-to-lean ratio. I suggest 80% lean and 20% fat for juicy burgers. Fresh spices add depth to your flavor. Use fresh garlic and onion powder for a nice punch. Always choose ripe tomatoes and crisp lettuce. These fresh ingredients really make your Crack Burgers Supreme shine. To keep your ingredients fresh, store them correctly. Keep ground beef in the coldest part of your fridge. Use it within one or two days. For spices, store them in a cool, dark place. This keeps their flavor strong. Choose vegetables that are firm and vibrant in color. Before you cook, wash veggies well to remove dirt. For cheese, buy it from the deli for a fresher taste. Trust me, these little steps boost the flavor and quality of your burgers! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, gather your ground beef and spices. In a large bowl, mix 1 pound of beef with: - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper - Sea salt and black pepper to taste Use your hands to mix gently. Be careful not to overwork the meat, or your patties will be tough. Once mixed, divide the meat into four equal parts. Shape each part into a patty. Make them just a bit bigger than your buns. This helps them fit well after cooking. Press your thumb into the center of each patty to help them cook evenly. Next, heat your skillet or grill to medium-high. Once it’s hot, place the patties on it. Cook them without moving for about 4-5 minutes. Then, flip each patty. Put a slice of sharp cheddar cheese on each one. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until they are done to your liking. In the meantime, toast your burger buns. You want them golden brown and a bit crisp. Now it’s time to put your burgers together. Start with the bottom half of each toasted bun. Spread a good layer of creamy mayonnaise on it. Next, add a crispy lettuce leaf. Place your cheesy burger patty on top of that. Add a few slices of ripe tomato and some thin rings of red onion. For a nice crunch, add a couple of dill pickle slices. Finally, spread mustard and ketchup on the top bun. Place it carefully on top of your burger stack. Enjoy your tasty creation right away! For the best Crack Burgers, use a medium-high heat. This method creates a nice sear. Searing locks in juices, keeping your burger moist. Flip the patties only once. This helps them stay tender and juicy. Adding cheese during the last minutes of cooking melts it perfectly. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you love heat, add more cayenne. A dash of Worcestershire sauce can enhance umami flavors. Consider adding herbs like parsley or basil for a fresh twist. Always taste your meat mixture before cooking. This way, you can adjust as needed. Serve your Crack Burgers with crispy sweet potato fries. They add a nice sweetness. Classic fries are also a great choice. For drinks, try a cold beer or lemonade. These drinks balance the rich flavors. A fresh salad can add a nice crunch and brightness. Enjoy your meal with family and friends! Pro Tips Use Quality Meat: Opt for a higher fat content in your ground beef, like 80/20, to ensure juicy, flavorful burgers. Let the Patties Rest: After cooking, let your patties rest for a few minutes. This helps retain juices for a more succulent bite. Customize the Heat: Adjust the cayenne pepper in your mix based on your heat preference. You can also add hot sauce for an extra kick! Toast the Buns: Always toast your burger buns to add a delightful crunch and prevent them from becoming soggy. {{image_4}} You can change up the protein in Crack Burgers Supreme. Try ground turkey for a leaner option. Ground chicken works well too. For a richer taste, use lamb or bison. These meats will add new flavors. Adjust the seasoning as needed. To make this recipe vegetarian, use plant-based ground meat. Brands like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger are great choices. For a vegan option, try a black bean or chickpea patty. Mix in spices and breadcrumbs for better texture. Serve it with the same toppings for full flavor. Get creative with your toppings! Swap sharp cheddar for pepper jack cheese for extra heat. Add avocado slices for creaminess. You can also layer on sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers. For a tangy twist, try BBQ sauce instead of ketchup. These changes make each burger special. To store leftover Crack Burgers Supreme, let them cool down first. Place each burger in a clean, airtight container. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. This keeps the burgers fresh and helps avoid freezer burn. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat the leftover burgers, reheating is key. I suggest using a skillet for the best taste. Heat the skillet on medium. Place the burger in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes on each side. This warms the burger and keeps it juicy. If you prefer, you can use a microwave. Cover the burger with a damp paper towel and heat it for 30 seconds. Check if it's warm enough, and heat for an extra 15 seconds if needed. If you want to freeze the burgers, wrap each one in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. This way, they can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them, take the burgers out and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave to defrost them. Just remember to cook them right after thawing for best results. A Crack Burger is a juicy, flavorful burger made from seasoned ground beef. It features spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. The key to its taste is using a mix of lean and fatty beef. This mix keeps the burger moist and tender. You can top it with sharp cheddar cheese and fresh veggies. The combination creates a mouth-watering experience that keeps you coming back for more. You can spice up your Crack Burgers by adding more cayenne pepper. Start with an extra 1/4 teaspoon and taste as you go. For more heat, mix in some diced jalapeños or hot sauce. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. This will give your burger a nice kick. Remember, adjust the heat to your liking for the best result. Yes, you can prepare the patties ahead of time. Shape them and place them on a tray lined with parchment paper. Cover them with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. This keeps them fresh for up to 24 hours. If you want to prepare them for longer, freeze them. Just separate each patty with parchment paper to avoid sticking. When ready to cook, thaw them in the fridge overnight. This makes dinner easy and quick! In this blog post, we explored the art of making Crack Burgers. We covered key ingredients, their quality, and tips for freshness. You learned step-by-step how to prepare, cook, and assemble these mouthwatering burgers. We also shared cooking techniques, seasoning ideas, and perfect pairings. Plus, we discussed tasty variations and how to store and reheat your leftovers. The joy of cooking these burgers lies in creativity, so don't hesitate to try new flavors and adapt. Enjoy crafting your own delicious version and share it with friends and family!

Crack Burgers Supreme

Juicy and flavorful burgers topped with sharp cheddar cheese and fresh toppings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80% lean, 20% fat for optimal juiciness)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 2 cayenne pepper (adjust based on your heat preference)
  • to taste sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 leaves crispy iceberg lettuce
  • 1 large ripe tomato, sliced into rounds
  • 1 2 red onion, thinly sliced into rings
  • 4 pieces fresh burger buns
  • 1 4 cup creamy mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • for garnish Dill pickles, sliced

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until the spices are evenly incorporated, being careful not to overwork the meat to keep the patties tender.
  • Divide the seasoned meat into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty, ensuring they are slightly larger than the buns since they'll shrink during cooking. Use your thumb to create a slight indentation in the center of each patty to help it cook evenly.
  • Preheat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the patties and cook for approximately 4-5 minutes undisturbed on one side. Flip the patties carefully, then place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the burgers are cooked through to your desired level of doneness.
  • Meanwhile, toast the burger buns either on the grill or in a toaster until they are golden brown and slightly crisped on the inside.
  • To assemble the burgers, start by spreading a generous layer of mayonnaise on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Layer on a crisp lettuce leaf, followed by the cheesy burger patty, a few slices of tomato, a handful of red onion rings, and a couple of pickle slices for a tangy crunch. Top with a smear of mustard and ketchup on the upper bun before placing it gently atop the stack.
  • Serve the Crack Burgers Supreme immediately while they’re hot and oozing with cheesy goodness. Enjoy each mouth-watering bite!

Notes

For a rustic and inviting presentation, serve the burgers on wooden or slate boards. Pair them with crispy sweet potato fries or classic fries and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness!
Keyword burgers, cheddar, grilling