Juicy Smash Crack Burgers: Your New Favorite Recipe (Print Version)
Discover juicy Crack Burgers! A quick, flavorful weeknight meal with secret ingredients for an irresistible taste. Seriously good, easy to make.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ Burger Base
01 -
1 ½ lbs Ground Beef (80/20 Chuck)
02 -
1/2 cup Saltine Crackers (crushed)
03 -
1 tsp Onion Powder
04 -
1 tsp Garlic Powder
05 -
1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
06 -
Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste)
→ Essential Toppings
07 -
6 slices American Cheese
08 -
6 Brioche Buns
09 -
1/2 cup Dill Pickles (thinly sliced), for serving
10 -
6 Lettuce leaves
11 -
1 large Tomato (thinly sliced)
→ Secret Sauce (optional, but recommended!)
12 -
1/2 cup Mayonnaise
13 -
2 tbsp Ketchup
14 -
1 tsp Yellow Mustard
15 -
1 tbsp Pickle Juice
16 -
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
# Instructions:
01 -
Alright, first things first, let's get those hands dirty! In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, crushed saltine crackers, onion powder, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Don't overmix, hon, or your Crack Burgers will be tough. I usually just use my hands until everything *just* comes together. You want to see the ingredients mixed, but not a paste. This is where the magic starts to happen, you can almost smell the deliciousness forming!
02 -
Now, divide the mixture into 6 equal portions. I like to form them into loose balls, then gently flatten them into patties about 3/4-inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb—this helps them cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up like little domes. I always forget this step the first time and end up with round meatballs! Pop them in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. This helps them hold their shape better when they hit the heat.
03 -
Get your cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan screaming hot over medium-high heat. A little oil, like a tablespoon, is all you need. Once it's shimmering, carefully place your patties in the pan. Don't overcrowd it; cook in batches if you need to. You should hear that glorious sizzle immediately! This is the "smash" part, creating that beautiful crust. I love watching the edges get crispy; it smells incredible!
04 -
Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare to medium, or longer if you prefer them more well-done. Once you flip them, immediately lay a slice of American cheese on top of each patty. You want that cheese to melt into a luscious, gooey blanket. Sometimes I even put a lid on for a minute to really help it along. This is where your Crack Burgers start to look like the real deal.
05 -
While your burgers are finishing up, quickly toast your brioche buns. You can do this in the same skillet after removing the burgers, or on a separate griddle. A light golden toast is what you're aiming for—just enough to give them a little crispness and warmth, but not burnt! I've definitely scorched a bun or two trying to multitask, so keep an eye on them!
06 -
Time to build your Crack Burgers! Spread your favorite sauce (I'll share my secret sauce recipe in the notes!) on both sides of the toasted bun. Layer on the lettuce, a juicy cheese-covered patty, thinly sliced tomato, and plenty of pickles. Press it all together gently and serve immediately. The aroma of everything combined is just heavenly, a true reward for your kitchen efforts!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overmix the beef; gentle handling keeps your Crack Burgers tender and juicy.
02 -
Cooked patties can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best results, avoid microwaving!
03 -
No saltines? Panko breadcrumbs work, but the texture will be a bit different. Still good, just not the same 'crack' magic.
04 -
Serve these Crack Burgers with crispy sweet potato fries and a cold sparkling lemonade for a truly comforting meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large Mixing Bowl
02 -
Cast-Iron Skillet or Heavy-Bottomed Pan
03 -
Spatula
04 -
Small Bowl (for sauce)
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 650 kcal
Total Fat: 40 g
Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
Protein: 35 g