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Close up shot of a gourmet loaded Crack Burger with visible melted cheddar and creamy ranch dressing on a brioche bun. (Crack Burgers)

Crack Burgers: The Ultimate Loaded Ranch and Bacon Gourmet Cheeseburger

These Crack Burgers feature a perfectly seared beef patty topped with thick melted cheddar, crispy smoked bacon, and a signature creamy dill ranch dressing, all served on a buttered toasted brioche bun for an addictive flavor experience.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 780
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Crack Burger Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs 80/20 Ground Beef 680g
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt 6g
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper 2g
  • 4 slices Sharp Orange Cheddar approx 115g
  • 8 strips Thick-Cut Smoked Bacon approx 225g
  • 4 large Brioche Buns 280g, buttered and toasted
  • 1/2 cup Creamy Ranch Dressing 120ml
  • 1 tsp Dried Dill 2g
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Chives 8g, chopped

Equipment

  • 1 Cast Iron Skillet Essential for a dark crust.
  • 1 Baking sheet with wire rack For ultra-crispy wavy bacon.
  • 1 Metal Spatula To press and flip the patties.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bake bacon on a wire rack at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until wavy and ultra-crispy.
  2. Whisk ranch dressing with dried dill and extra black pepper in a small bowl.
The Burger
  1. Form beef into four patties. Sear in a hot cast-iron skillet for 3-4 minutes per side until a dark crust forms. Add cheddar in the last minute and melt under a lid.
  2. Butter and toast brioche buns in a skillet until golden brown and glossy.
  3. Layer patty, bacon, and ranch sauce on the bun. Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chives.

Notes

Don't press the juice out of the patties while cooking; only press once at the start to ensure contact.
Use cold meat for a better external sear without overcooking the inside.