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Crack Burgers Recipe

An ultra-juicy, flavourful Crack Burgers Recipe featuring perfectly seasoned beef patties, a creamy tangy house sauce, melty cheese, caramelised onions, and toasted buns — designed to deliver maximum deliciousness in every bite.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 650 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Burgers:

  • 1.5 lb 680 g ground beef, 80/20 (20% fat)
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder optional
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil for pan

For the Sauce (House Sauce):

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard or Dijon
  • 1 tbsp dill pickle relish
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • Pinch salt & pepper

Toppings & Buns:

  • 4 burger buns brioche or potato buns
  • 4 slices cheese American or cheddar
  • 1 large sweet onion sliced
  • Butter for toasting buns
  • Lettuce tomato, pickles (optional)

Instructions
 

Make the Sauce:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Cover and chill while you prep the rest.

Prep the Onions:

  • Heat a small amount of oil or butter in a skillet over medium-low heat.
  • Add sliced onions with a pinch of salt and cook slowly until golden and sweet (about 15–20 minutes), stirring occasionally.

Shape the Patties:

  • Divide the ground beef into four 6-oz portions.
  • Gently form into loose balls or slightly flattened discs — do not overwork.

Heat Your Cooking Surface:

  • Preheat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat.
  • Add 1 tbsp oil to coat the pan.

Cook the Patties:

  • Place each patty on the hot surface.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Cook 3–4 minutes on the first side without moving.
  • Flip, add a slice of cheese, and cook another 3–4 minutes for medium doneness.

Toast the Buns:

  • Butter the cut sides of the buns and toast in a clean skillet until golden.

Assemble the Burgers:

  • Spread sauce on bottom bun.
  • Add lettuce and tomato if using.
  • Place the cheeseburger patty on top.
  • Add caramelised onions and pickles.
  • Spread more sauce on the top bun and crown the burger.

Notes

  • Tips:
  • Use 80/20 beef for the best balance of juiciness and flavour.
  • Don’t press down on the patties while cooking — you want those juices inside!
  • Toasting the buns prevents them from getting soggy.
  • Storage:
  • Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 1 week.
  • Cooked patties can be refrigerated (separated from buns) up to 2 days.
  • Variations:
  • Add crispy bacon, spicy jalapenos, or swap cheddar for pepper jack.
  • For a smoky twist, add BBQ sauce in place of some house sauce.